The Counterfeit Heartbeat

SERAPHINA

I couldn't believe how perfectly everything was falling into place. Roman's reaction to the fake sonogram had exceeded even my wildest expectations. The man who rarely showed emotion had been completely disarmed by the sound of a heartbeat that didn't exist.

"Clara, you're a miracle worker," I whispered, watching as Roman stared transfixed at the screen showing the pre-recorded footage we'd prepared.

The technician shot me a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes. I knew she was uncomfortable with this charade, but her father's gambling debts had left her with little choice when I'd offered to clear them in exchange for this small favor.

Roman's eyes hadn't left the screen since the moment the recorded "heartbeat" had started playing. His usually unreadable face had transformed, a muscle twitching in his jaw, his golden-brown eyes suspiciously bright. I'd never seen him so vulnerable.

"Can you turn up the volume?" he asked, his voice rougher than usual.