Prioritize

Alexis opened her eyes, instantly feeling the warmth of a heavy arm draped across her chest.

Oh my God… What have I done? I slept with Greyson Whitmore… A married man…

She took a deep breath and carefully removed his arm before turning to face him. His handsome features remained soft in sleep, lips slightly pouted. She smiled, remembering how gentle and sweet he had been, how he had pulled her out of a situation that once felt impossible to escape.

Her fingers traced the slight stubble on his jaw.

"I know my past troubles are over… but I feel like this is the beginning of something far more complicated. I can't let you handle everything alone. I need to know—why can't you divorce your wife? Maybe I can help you find a way," she whispered.

Greyson stirred, his brows furrowing slightly before he blinked his eyes open.

"Hey…"

"Good morning," she murmured.

He smiled, cupping her cheek and brushing his thumb over her skin.

"This is the best morning of my life," he whispered. "I don't want this to end. I wish time could stop so nothing would ever change."

Alexis laughed. "That sounds like you want us to die right now."

Greyson chuckled. "No… That would be a nightmare."

She reached up and playfully pinched his chest. "It's too early for sweet talk."

"Ouch." He leaned back, feigning hurt. "No, sweetheart, I'm serious."

Alexis sighed, her expression turning thoughtful. "If you really mean that, then tell me—why can't you divorce Clara anytime soon? Why did you originally want me to be your contract girlfriend for two years? Does that mean you have to stay married to her for two more years before you can leave and choose me?"

Greyson's smile faded. He swallowed hard, his mind racing.

I promised to keep Clara's pregnancy a secret. If Alexis finds out, she might leave me. I can't risk that. I have to find another way.

"Mr. Whitmore?" Alexis raised an eyebrow, waiting for an answer.

He exhaled slowly, staring at the ceiling before finally speaking. "She's still grieving the loss of her boyfriend. I… I just can't leave her alone in this state. I don't want to make things worse for her."

He turned to Alexis again. "But don't worry—I'm with her as a friend, nothing more."

Alexis hesitated, picturing Clara's fragile state.

"Please trust me." Greyson stroked her cheek.

She forced a small smile and nodded. "Forget I asked… I don't have the right to demand you leave her just because we slept together. It's not that simple."

"If things were different, I'd divorce her today," he said, holding her gaze.

She didn't respond, torn between logic and the pull of her emotions.

A sudden ringing broke the moment.

Alexis sat up, reaching for her phone on the nightstand. Seeing the caller ID—Nurse—she quickly answered.

"Miss Reed, your father is awake. He's asking for you," the nurse informed her.

A smile spread across her face. "Okay, I'll be there soon!"

She ended the call and turned to Greyson, who was watching her.

"Sorry… My dad woke up. He wants to see me," she whispered.

"You don't have to apologize." He caressed her cheek. "I'll drive you."

She nodded, but before she could get out of bed, another phone rang.

Greyson's phone.

He quickly got up, retrieving it from his jacket on the floor. Seeing the name on the screen—Clara—he bit his lip, glancing at Alexis before answering.

"Clara?"

"Greyson… I'm shaking. I don't know what to do… I feel so lost, so alone…" Her voice cracked with sobs.

"I'll be right there." He hung up and turned to Alexis, who was already out of bed, straightening the sheets.

"Oh God… I need to wash this later," she muttered, noticing the faint stain of blood on the bedspread.

Greyson walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Don't wash it," he murmured.

"Why not?"

"Because it's proof. Proof that I was your first… and that I'll be your only."

She giggled, turning in his embrace. "That's sweet, but also kind of gross."

"It's sacred," he insisted, raising an eyebrow before pressing a kiss to her cheek.

She smirked, placing a hand on his chest. "If I'm really your true love, you won't need a bloodstain to remember me. You won't forget a single moment, no matter how old you get."

Greyson gazed at her warmly before capturing her lips in a deep kiss, pushing her back onto the bed.

"Hey!" she laughed. "You know I have to go to the hospital, right?"

He groaned, pulling away dramatically. "Damn it."

She grinned. "It's my dad's time now."

"Alright…" He sighed, getting out of bed. "But I can't take you. Something came up at the office."

She tilted her head but smiled. "It's okay. Don't worry about me." She kissed his cheek before heading to the bathroom.

Greyson let out a heavy breath, throwing on his clothes before leaving the apartment.

20 Minutes Later – Greyson's Mansion

Greyson pulled up in the driveway and immediately spotted Clara sitting alone on a white garden bench, staring at the ground.

He walked over and sat beside her.

"You didn't come home last night," she said softly.

"Yeah…" He nodded, looking away. "I, uh… fell asleep at the office. Got caught up in work." He forced a smile.

Clara didn't respond. Her painted nails trembled slightly as she stared at her hands.

"I miss him so much…" Her voice was barely a whisper. "It's like he's haunting me. I see him everywhere, in every memory, and it hurts. It never stops hurting."

Greyson gently pulled her into his arms.

"I feel empty. I have no reason to go on. I just… I just want to die."

"No!" He pulled back, gripping her shoulders. "If you die, you'll be killing your baby, too. That's selfish, Clara."

Tears streamed down her face. "And wouldn't it be selfish to bring a child into the world without their father? To make them grow up never knowing him?"

"That's not how it works," Greyson said firmly. "You can still make sure this baby knows their father, in some way. You'll figure it out. But taking your own life? That's not an option."

Clara shook her head. "I can't do this. One day without him is already unbearable. How do I survive a lifetime?"

"You will," Greyson said, standing up. "Now come with me."

"Where?" she asked warily.

"Somewhere that'll make you realize how much you still have to live for."

"You're insane," she muttered, balling her fists.

"Maybe," Greyson said before grabbing her wrist and pulling her toward his car.