Chapter Eleven

A month had passed since Scarlett and Elias had crossed the line from one-night passion to something deeper. Their connection had evolved in ways Scarlett hadn't expected. What began as a whirlwind of heated moments and stolen kisses had transformed into something far more meaningful. Elias was no longer just the billionaire who swept her off her feet; he had become someone she spent hours talking to, laughing with, and sometimes, just lying next to in comfortable silence.

Their nights were filled with passion, yes, but it was the quiet mornings that had begun to steal Scarlett's heart. She had come to love waking up beside him, his arm draped over her, his breath warm against her neck. The conversations they shared over breakfast, their playful banter, even the way he would send her sweet text messages throughout the day everything about being with Elias felt different. It wasn't just the chemistry between them. It was the way he made her feel seen, valued, and cherished.

But as their bond deepened, Scarlett found herself at a crossroads. Despite all the joy Elias brought into her life, there were still parts of her heart that were uncertain. Part of her was terrified to let go fully and give him everything she had to offer. She had been hurt before, and though Elias was nothing like the men from her past, fear still lingered at the edges of her heart. She was afraid that if she gave too much of herself, she might lose it all.

Elias, however, seemed to know exactly what she needed. He never pushed her. He never asked her for more than she was ready to give. And it was in those moments, when he was tender and patient, that she realized how much he cared for her.

One evening, after a romantic dinner at his penthouse, Elias took Scarlett's hand in his, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin. His eyes locked onto hers, his expression a mix of longing and something deeper.

"Scarlett," he said, his voice soft but filled with intent. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Her heart skipped a beat, her palms suddenly sweaty as she looked at him. "What is it?"

Elias smiled, a genuine warmth in his gaze. "I know we've been taking things slow, and I'm not going to rush you. But I want you to know that I care about you. More than I ever thought I could care about someone. You make me feel... alive in a way I didn't expect."

He paused, his hand tightening around hers, as if grounding himself. "I don't want to sound cliché, but would you be my girlfriend, Scarlett? I want to make this official. I want to be with you, not just for now, but for as long as you'll have me."

Scarlett's heart melted at his words. She had spent the last month allowing herself to fall for him, even if she hadn't realized it until now. Elias wasn't like the others. He wasn't rushing her into anything, and yet, there was no denying that they had something real.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I want to be with you, Elias. I really do."

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a slow, sweet kiss that sealed their unspoken promises. It felt like the beginning of something beautiful, something that could last. Scarlett smiled against his lips, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.

But just as quickly as the happiness filled her heart, a small, nagging thought crept in. It was subtle at first, like a whisper, but it grew louder as the night wore on. She had missed her period.

The realization hit her like a cold wave. She hadn't been paying much attention, busy enjoying her time with Elias, but now that the thought had crossed her mind, she couldn't shake it. Her stomach twisted with a mix of anxiety and confusion.

The next morning, Scarlett stood in the bathroom, staring at the test in her hands. She had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, and now the result was there, staring back at her in bold letters: Pregnant.

Her mind went blank, the room around her spinning. She couldn't couldn't be no. This wasn't happening. Not now. Not with everything still so new between her and Elias.

A million thoughts raced through her mind. How would Elias react? What did this mean for their relationship? Was she ready for this?

She sank to the floor, the pregnancy test falling from her hand as she buried her face in her knees. She had always been cautious, always careful, but somehow, despite all of that, she was here. She was pregnant.

After a long moment, Scarlett stood up, taking deep breaths to steady her shaking hands. She couldn't keep this to herself. Elias deserved to know. As much as she feared his reaction, she couldn't face this alone.

When she finally found him, Elias was in the living room, his eyes lighting up as he saw her. But the moment he saw the expression on her face, his smile faltered.

"What's wrong?" he asked, standing up and crossing the room to her.

"I need to talk to you," Scarlett said, her voice trembling slightly.

Elias's eyes searched her face, his worry evident. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Taking a deep breath, Scarlett met his gaze. "Elias, I..." She hesitated, struggling to find the words. "I'm pregnant."

The silence that followed was deafening. For a moment, Scarlett wasn't sure what to expect. Elias stood still, his eyes locked on hers, the weight of her words sinking in. Finally, he stepped forward, his hand gently cupping her face.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice low, almost tentative.

Scarlett nodded, her eyes brimming with uncertainty. "Yes. I've taken the test. It's... it's positive."

Elias took a deep breath, his expression unreadable as he pulled her into his arms. For a moment, they just stood there, holding each other in the quiet. Then, he spoke again, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

"We'll figure this out together, Scarlett," he said, his tone firm, reassuring. "You're not alone in this."

And in that moment, Scarlett felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders, knowing that whatever came next, Elias would be by her side.