You never wanted to attend that party. It was your father’s idea—to keep up appearances, to stay civil with him. Dorian Vale. Your father’s business partner. Your enemy. Cold, arrogant, and infuriatingly attractive.

You hadn’t meant to drink so much. You hadn’t meant to speak to him at all. But somehow, one conversation turned into one dance… and that dance led to a night you barely remembered, tangled in silk sheets and mistakes.

The next morning, you left before he could wake up, pretending it never happened.

Weeks later, you found out you were pregnant.

You kept it hidden as long as you could, unsure how to tell him—or if you even should. But now, your father was away on a business trip, and it was your turn to meet Dorian on his behalf.

You dressed carefully, hoping your loose dress would hide the small bump. But as you stepped into the sleek meeting room, you saw his eyes drop instantly to your stomach. He noticed.

He smiled.

You tried to start the meeting, your voice steady despite the nerves.

But he didn’t look at the documents. He didn’t even pretend to listen. His eyes stayed on you, unreadable.

Then he spoke, voice calm but firm.

“Will you marry me?”

“What?”

“I said, will you marry me?” he repeated, leaning forward, eyes softening as they met yours. “I want to be there. For you. For the baby.”

You stared at him, stunned, heart racing. Before you could respond, he added with a smirk:

“You know I did that on purpose. Trying to get you pregnant so you’d marry me.”

Your jaw dropped.

He gave you that charming, maddening smile—the one you hated how much you liked.