Alicia didn't sleep.
She lay awake, her hand resting protectively over her belly, staring at the ceiling in the dark guest room her parents had given her. The moonlight filtered through the blinds, casting silver lines across the floor—sharp, quiet reminders that night had fallen, but her mind refused to rest.
Dominic's face haunted her thoughts.
His voice.
His confusion. His guilt.
But none of it mattered anymore.
She had made up her mind.
She wouldn't beg for love. She wouldn't chase a man who had chosen someone else—especially not her sister. No matter what her heart screamed in the dead silence of night.
She would raise this child.
Alone.
And if fate wanted her to cross paths with Dominic again, it would be on her terms.
Morning came like a slap. Camilla was already knocking on her door before Alicia could even change out of her nightgown.
"Sis! You're coming dress shopping with me today, right?"
Alicia opened the door slowly, forcing a calm expression. "Dress shopping?"
"For the wedding, duh!" Camilla twirled dramatically. "We've only got a few weeks before the engagement party, and I need my maid of honor to look perfect too!"
The words hit her like a punch.
"Maid of honor?"
Camilla rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course! Who else? You're my only sister, Alicia. You don't get to escape this."
The audacity left Alicia speechless.
But she nodded, not out of agreement—but strategy.
If she wanted to know more about Dominic and what kind of game her family was playing, she had to stay close. She had to see the full picture.
Even if it broke her heart.
The bridal boutique was a pristine showroom of luxury. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a glow on walls lined with gowns that could only be described as couture art. A private consultant greeted them, ushering Camilla and Alicia into a private suite.
While Camilla spun and posed in every glittering dress she tried, Alicia sat stiffly in the corner, her hands clenched in her lap.
"Dom is taking care of everything," Camilla gushed, stepping out in a strapless silk gown. "He even said I could have a private ceremony on his family's vineyard. Isn't that romantic?"
Alicia didn't answer. Her throat was too tight.
"He's so mysterious though," Camilla added, turning toward the mirror. "Don't you think?"
Alicia blinked. "What do you mean?"
"He barely talks about his past. Or his family. Or exes. He's just... closed off. But I don't care. He's rich and powerful, and he's mine now. I'll melt him eventually."
Alicia bit the inside of her cheek so hard she tasted blood.
Camilla wasn't in love with him.
She was in love with the idea of him.
The money.
The control.
And Dominic… what was he doing? Playing along? Waiting for a perfect escape?
Or did he plan to marry Camilla regardless of Alicia?
Later that evening, Alicia met with someone she hadn't seen in years.
Her childhood best friend, Maya Carter.
Maya had once been Alicia's confidante in everything—from stolen diaries to first kisses. And now, Maya was a brilliant junior lawyer working for a small firm that specialized in family law.
They met at a quiet café on the edge of town. Alicia kept her voice low as she spoke.
"I'm pregnant. And the father is engaged to my sister. He doesn't know about the baby, or maybe now he does, but…" She hesitated. "I don't trust him."
Maya leaned in, her eyes sharp. "Do you want to pursue legal action?"
"I don't want money," Alicia said firmly. "I want to protect my child. If this turns ugly… I need to be ready."
Maya nodded slowly. "Then we'll start documenting everything. Conversations, texts—anything that shows the timeline and your relationship to him. If your sister marries him, this could become more than just family drama. You'll be tied to him legally and financially."
Alicia exhaled deeply. She hadn't even thought about that.
"Do you want full custody?"
"I don't know yet. But I want the option."
Back at home that night, she found her parents in the living room, sipping wine like it was any other evening. Her father was reading the paper. Her mother was reviewing guest lists.
"I have a question," Alicia said, stepping into the room.
Both of them looked up.
"Why Dominic Hale?"
Her mother blinked. "What do you mean?"
"You've never liked businessmen. You always warned us about them. And now, suddenly, you're throwing Camilla at one like she's a trophy."
Her father lowered the paper. "He's not just any businessman, Alicia. He's the kind of man who can secure our legacy."
"Legacy? Or debts?" she asked, her voice sharper than intended.
Her mother frowned. "That's not your concern."
"It is my concern if I find out you're selling off your daughter to cover financial ruin."
A beat of silence.
Then her father stood slowly.
"I suggest you watch your tone, young lady."
But Alicia didn't flinch.
Not this time.
"I'm not blind," she said coldly. "And I'm done pretending I am."
Later that night, Dominic called her.
She stared at the screen for a full minute before answering.
"What do you want?"
"I need to talk to you. In person. Tomorrow."
"There's nothing left to say."
"There's everything to say. Please, Alicia. One chance. I'll explain everything."
She hesitated.
"Fine. One hour. That's all."