CHAPTER FOUR

SCARLETT

By 8 a.m., I was up, my head pounding as a brutal reminder of yesterday. The ache burrowed deep behind my eyes, but I pushed through it, packing up my few belongings and freshening up in the small, musty cottage bathroom.

Maria's instructions echoed in my mind as I dropped the key at the designated spot near the gate. I made sure to slip out through the back exit, unwilling to risk the curious eyes that might linger too long if I walked through the front. I wasn't in the mood for questions or pitying glances.

The short distance to the office felt eternal. Each step weighed heavier than the last, fueled by the uncertainty gnawing at me. I knew what I was doing was desperate—pathetic, even—but I couldn't help myself. I needed to see Jason. To hear it from his lips one last time: that I meant nothing, that he wanted neither me nor the child growing inside me.

Closure. That's all I wanted—or at least that's what I told myself.

The security gate loomed ahead, cold and unyielding. I stood frozen for a moment, my breath clouding in the chilly air. Anxiety tightened around my throat, but I clenched my fists and forced myself forward. The whispers, the judgment, the humiliation—I could handle it all.

What I couldn't handle was never knowing why.

Pushing the gate open, I stepped inside. The stares hit me immediately, hot and scalding against my skin. They knew. Of course, they knew. Martha and Stella were close, and gossip traveled faster than wildfire in this building.

I kept my head down, tugging my hoodie tighter over my face as I crossed the lobby. The elevator doors slid open with a cheerful ding, completely at odds with the weight crushing my chest.

Two women stepped in beside me, their conversation low but impossible to ignore.

"Did you hear about the maid who works for the CEO?" one of them whispered, her lips curling into a smirk.

"The one who got pregnant and tried to pin it on him?" the other snorted. "The audacity. Like, seriously? How desperate do you have to be?"

I bit down hard on my lip, tasting blood. My ears buzzed, but I stood motionless, forcing myself to endure every cruel word.

"She thought she could blackmail her way into luxury," the first scoffed. "Classic gold digger move."

The elevator finally dinged, and they strutted out, their laughter echoing behind them. I waited until the hallway was empty before stepping out.

Stella was at her desk, typing away with the kind of smug satisfaction that made my stomach churn.

"I need to see him," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Her lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Are you serious?" She laughed, a sharp, mocking sound. "Haven't you humiliated yourself enough? Or do you just enjoy being shameless?"

"Please," I whispered, swallowing what little pride I had left. "Just five minutes. The baby is his, and he needs to know—" My voice cracked.

"Spare me the sob story," she cut in, leaning back in her chair. "Here's some free advice, sweetheart: that man in there? He doesn't give a damn about you or your baby. You were just a toy he got bored of. Happens all the time around here."

Her words were brutal, but the worst part was knowing she was probably right.

"Now do yourself a favor," she continued with a mocking look, "and walk out of here with what's left of your dignity before he—"

The door to Jason's office swung open, cutting her off mid-sentence.

Jason stepped out, impeccably dressed in a tailored navy suit. Beside him, a stunning blonde lounged casually on his office chair. Pain lanced through my chest, sharp and unrelenting.

The blonde smirked, clearly reveling in my discomfort.

Jason's gaze landed on me, cold and unyielding. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his tone devoid of any warmth.

"I just need five minutes," I pleaded, hating how desperate I sounded.

He adjusted his tie with a flick of his wrist. "Haven't I made myself clear? Do I need to call security?"

Anger surged through me, drowning out the humiliation. "Why are you doing this, Jason? Three years—was it all a lie?" My voice broke, raw with betrayal.

"You know your problem, Scarlett?" he said coolly. "You're gullible. Naive. Too easy to fool. Did you honestly think this was some kind of Cinderella story? That I was going to marry you?" He laughed, a bitter, joyless sound. "You were just a play thing. And now I have had my fun. I am done"

I stumbled back as if he'd struck me.

"What about the baby?" I choked out. "You said you were happy yesterday. Were you lying then too?"

He sneered. "A child I don't even know is mine?"

"Don't," I warned, my voice trembling with fury.

"You know I'm right," he said coldly. "Go find the real father, because it sure as hell isn't me."

The air seemed to drain from the room. I stood there, numb, as he turned back toward his office.

"I have a meeting," he said without a backward glance. "Get out."

The blonde sauntered past me, her smug expression cutting deeper than any blade. Stella returned to her work, as if nothing had happened.

Swallowing the sob clawing at my throat, I forced myself toward the elevator. I didn't bother hiding my face this time. Let them stare. Let them talk.

Nothing they said could hurt more than what Jason had just done.

Outside, I retrieved my bags from the gatekeeper.

I had no plan, no idea where to go or what to do next.

But one thing was clear—Jason was gone. And I was on my own.