Chapter 1 She Is Pregnant

When Joanna Galloway returned to the apartment, Tristan Valemont had her pinned against the door as soon as she walked in.

He then crushed his lips against hers. His breath was hot against her ear, and his husky voice carried a hint of teasing. "Did you enjoy the drinks?" he murmured.

Joanna lifted her head. She looked tipsy, gazing at him with glistening eyes. "I only had a bit," she replied.

It had been the department dinner that evening, and she, along with a few other interns, had been coaxed into drinking.

Whenever gatherings like this were held, Joanna, who was Tristan's secretary, usually found an excuse to avoid attending due to the secretive nature of their relationship.

But with her internship nearing its end, she hesitated for a moment after work. Before she knew it, her colleagues had already dragged her into the car.

Tristan snorted at her reply. He placed his palms against her slender waist and tightened his grip, deliberately holding her in place. "You've learned how to give me sass, Ms. Galloway?"

"I did not."

Tristan's hands slowly slid down her waist. And as he moved, Joanna's back hit the door panel, hard.

Without a word, her arms involuntarily wrapped themselves around his neck.

Begging for mercy was pointless at this point.

Tristan was truly despicable. He had plenty of ways to make her cry.

When the deed was done, Tristan entered the bathroom.

He stepped out shortly after with a white towel around his waist. He then walked closer to the bed, his gaze downcast.

Joanna lay sprawled across the bed, still struggling to catch her breath.

The sheets lay haphazardly across her back, her delicate shoulders exposed to the air. The imprints he'd left behind from moments of passion were visible on her fair skin. The sight of them hit Tristan like a pang.

Tristan's gaze darkened once more as he beheld her disheveled state. He then yanked the towel off his body.

As he inched closer, Joanna hesitantly asked, "Tristan, could you please—"

Before she could finish speaking, she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She shoved Tristan away forcefully, grabbed a stray piece of clothing, and hurried into the bathroom.

By the time she emerged, the desire in his gaze had cooled completely.

Tristan stood before her, dressed impeccably in a crisp suit, his dark eyes fixed intently on her face. "When was your last period?

Subconsciously, Joanna felt an overwhelming sense of pressure, her expression now uneasy. "I had a bit to drink, so my stomach feels off. I've been on the pill the whole time."

"Get dressed. We're going to the hospital."

"Tristan…" she murmured.

Tristan picked up the clothes from the floor and threw them at Joanna.

She stood frozen in place and remained still for some time.

"Are you waiting for me to put them on you?" he asked.

Joanna cautiously looked into his deep gaze, her fingers clenching slightly as she mustered the courage to ask, "Would you still proceed with the engagement if I were truly pregnant?"

Tristan narrowed his eyes, but his expression was calm. "When did you find out?"

Joanna said nothing as her gaze darkened. The fact that he'd even asked meant that the rumors at the office were true.

Tristan, the CEO of Valemont Group and the scion of one of Boraska's most prominent families, was set to be engaged to the heiress of Eternity Holdings next month.

But what was Joanna supposed to do about it?

After a moment, Tristan parted his lips and asked, "Do you think you're worthy of being Mrs. Valemont?"

His voice was calm, and his gaze impassive. It was as if he were discussing something mundane like the weather.

In an instant, a chill swept through Joanna from head to toe. She pursed her lips, a trace of bitterness playing at its corners.

She'd been with Tristan for four years now, and it boiled down to the fact that she was unworthy.

Four years ago, on the night after her 18th birthday, she became Tristan's woman.

At the hotel, he'd asked if she was willing. At the time, she'd blushed and nodded, stupidly confessing her love to him.

"I've always liked you, Tristan."

Yet, that night only brought her endless pain. He'd completely destroyed her—body and soul—crushing her to pieces.

Everything was just a game to him, and that included revenge.

Later, she learned that her mother had seduced Tristan's father. Although it wasn't a substantial relationship, his parents' relationship broke down because of it, and they ended up divorcing.

On the day of their divorce, his mother was involved in a car accident and remained unconscious ever since, living out the rest of her life in a nursing home.

Presently, Joanna got dressed numbly.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital.

Despite it being past 10:00 pm, Joanna was immediately brought in for an examination after Tristan made a call.

After the examination, the doctor looked at the ultrasound report in hand. "Mr. Valemont, she's already more than two months into her pregnancy."

Chapter 2 Not Tired Yet

Joanna paled instantly, all color draining from her face. She was pregnant and was more than two months along.

Looking back, her period had indeed been late for quite some time. Since her cycle was irregular, she'd not given it much thought.

Joanna swayed slightly on her feet, lips parted, eyes darting nervously toward Tristan.

Tristan lowered his gaze, a flicker of something complicated flashing in his eyes. "Get rid of it."

His cold voice cut through the silence like a sharp dagger plunging deep into Joanna's heart.

"Tristan…"

As soon as she spoke, her voice trembled.

Tears welled up and stung her eyes. She looked up, gazing steadily at Tristan's eyes, as if seeking even a hint of warmth in those dark, cold depths.

A hint of hesitation appeared on the doctor's face. "Mr. Valemont, since the fetus is past eight weeks, a medication-induced abortion may not be as effective. Surgery will be necessary to ensure a complete removal."

"Do it, then," said Tristan indifferently.

Joanna nearly collapsed onto the floor, her hands clutching his suit jacket. "Y-You're going to take away my baby? No!"

"But this is Tristan's child, too!" she thought.

Tristan flashed the doctor a meaningful look.

The doctor understood and promptly stood up, walking out and closing the door behind her.

"Oh, so now you know how to cry? Why didn't you take the pill properly?" His lips twitched as he coldly wrenched her hand away from him. "You broke the rules, Joanna."

Joanna instinctively took two steps back, forcing herself to hold back her tears. "Since I've broken the rules, just spare me, Mr. Valemont. We'll have nothing to do with each other, and my baby won't have any connection to you.

"I'll resign and leave Boraska immediately. I'll never show up in front of you again, Mr. Valemont."

Tristan felt a nameless surge of anger flare in him at the sound of Joanna calling him "Mr. Valemont".

Was she trying to sever all ties with him?

Tristan stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her to face him. "Need I remind you how you pleaded with me back then?"

He'd repeatedly defiled her, humiliated her, and degraded her with no restraint, yet she'd still begged.

She was willing to become his secret mistress to atone for the sins her mother had committed years ago.

This relationship was never hers to end. Joanna had no right.

"I know you harbor resentment. But it's been so many years. Hasn't it been enough?" Joanna asked.

Once upon a time, she'd thought that she could melt away his hatred and that he would eventually come to feel her love.

She was just naive.

Tristan's lips curved into the barest hint of a smile. "But I'm not tired of it yet."

Joanna's breath caught in her throat, and her tears finally spilled over, trickling slowly down her cheeks. She was nothing more than a plaything to him after all.

"If I don't want this baby, you should know that I have ways to dispose of it."

Joanna's eyes filled with tears again when she heard his cruel threat. Her heart pounded heavily in her chest as she stared at him in disbelief.

He was the infamous Tristan indeed. How could she not know of his methods?

Seeing her lower her head and fall silent, Tristan pursed his lips tightly and said nothing more.

Ten minutes later, Joanna was wheeled into the operating room.

She was in a daze the whole time. All she could hear was the doctor's cold, mechanical voice saying, "Just work with me. It's a quick surgery that'll take about 30 minutes."

Joanna numbly complied with the doctor's instructions. Yet, not long after, the pain began to course through her nerves. She felt like she was being pricked repeatedly, and the pain was agonizing.

Joanna clenched her hands, fingers digging into flesh.

The doctor saw Joanna breaking out in a cold sweat from the pain and said, "Just bear with it a while longer. If we don't do it properly now, you'd have to do it again."

Being a woman herself, the doctor couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for Joanna.

The man outside was the CEO of Valemont Group, and this hospital also received funding from them.

That was the thing about elite circles. Not everyone could wade in those waters without paying a price.

After the surgery, Joanna was sent to a VIP ward.

Tristan gazed at Joanna, who lay unconscious in the hospital bed. His eyes lingered on her briefly before he looked away.

Turning to the doctor, he said, "Please arrange for a heart checkup for her."

The doctor was puzzled, wondering why an abortion patient required a cardiac examination. Nevertheless, she nodded and replied, "Of course, sir."

As she slept, Joanna felt someone gently caressing her cheeks, the touch so tender and warm. It felt as though even her body no longer ached.

Yet the moment she opened her eyes, she found herself staring into a pair of cold, indifferent eyes.

Pain spread throughout her body in an instant.

Her gaze was vacant, her parched lips moving slightly. "Tristan," she murmured hoarsely. "You've taken my baby away. Are we now even?"

Chapter 3 Apologize and Plead

Tristan coldly replied, "Are you prepared to bear the consequences of calling things even between us?"

Joanna slowly closed her eyes. She was exhausted, in pain, and even breathing was a struggle. She did not want to speak further. The only thought in her mind was severing all ties with this cold, heartless man once and for all.

From learning she was pregnant to losing her child, those few short hours felt like a long nightmare.

She'd barely had the time to truly feel the presence of that little spark of life in her.

Joanna truly wanted to know what Tristan's heart was made of. That child was his, too. Did his heart really feel nothing for it at all?

…

Tristan didn't show up at the hospital the next day, and Joanna checked herself out.

After leaving the hospital, she dragged her weary body to the Valemont Group building and tendered her resignation letter to her department manager.

After submitting it, she walked another ten minutes to Tristan's apartment.

This apartment was a place that Tristan had bought for her half a year ago. She was seeking an internship at the time, and Tristan had ensured that she was placed in the CEO's office of Valemont Group, making her his secretary.

To put it nicely, she was interning as his secretary. To put things bluntly, he wanted the convenience.

When he needed something, all he had to do was call her internally. He did this to humiliate and torment her, venting the hatred that had festered in his heart.

Joanna endured it in silence because he was Tristan—the man she'd secretly loved for many years.

After packing her things, Joanna received a call from home.

She'd just entered the door of the Galloway residence when she heard her mother's and brother's voices.

"Joan, what happened? What did you do to upset Tristan?"

The one who spoke first was Eleanor Fairfax, Joanna's mother.

Eleanor caught sight of the suitcase by the door, and her expression changed instantly. "What? Does he not want you anymore?"

Before Joanna could speak, Eleanor blurted, "What does he think he's doing? How old were you when you first got with him? You gave him your virginity, and now he won't take responsibility after he's had his fun with you for a few years?"

In truth, Joanna had envisioned this scene. Yet, Eleanor's harsh words had stirred a slight ache in her numb heart.

"Yes. He's gotten tired of me and doesn't want me anymore," she replied.

Eleanor slapped Joanna across the face.

Joanna stood rooted to the spot, her face turned slightly to one side. Yet, the sting on her cheek couldn't compare to the ache in her heart.

"Mom, why did you hit Joan?"

Henry Galloway frowned, tugging Eleanor away.

Eleanor exclaimed, "Your company's products were exposed for manufacturing defects, and now you have to pay so much money in compensation. This whole thing must be connected to Tristan! If your sister could just smooth things over with him, you wouldn't be facing a lawsuit right now!"

Joanna's eyes widened. "Henry, what the hell is this about?"

Henry sighed. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

His conscience told him that Joanna, his sister, had already done far too much for him.

When his business ran into trouble, and he owed a huge sum, it was Joanna who went to Tristan for help.

Later, when the company's supply chain hit a snag, it was also Joanna who went to Tristan to smooth things over.

This time, Henry knew that Tristan was deliberately targeting him.

Tristan's hatred for the Galloways was no secret, after all.

Joanna fell silent as she recalled what Tristan had said to her at the hospital.

This was indeed a consequence she couldn't bear.

Henry was her only brother and the kindest person in the world to her.

As a child, she was involved in a car accident. Henry had thrown himself in front of her to shield her, sustaining severe leg injuries that left him with a permanent limp. This was a kindness she could never forget.

Tristan knew exactly how to tug at her heartstrings. With Henry in trouble, Joanna wouldn't have the heart to abandon him.

"Joan…" Eleanor stepped forward again, gently stroking Joanna's face now. "I acted impulsively when I hit you, but you can't just ignore your brother's plight. Do as I say, and apologize to Tristan. Just… beg him nicely to spare Henry, alright?

"You've been with him since you were 18. A woman's virtue is the most important. You've been involved with him in such a dishonorable way. Even if you leave him, it won't be easy for you to find another suitable match. "

Chapter 4 You Have No Right

Joanna couldn't help but let out an angry laugh.

"Ah, so you know this is disgraceful, then? Was what you did back then honorable? Unlike you, I have principles. I wouldn't go seducing a married man, causing his wife to leave him. Tristan's mother is in a vegetative state to this day!"

"What did you just say?" Eleanor screeched.

Just as Eleanor was about to strike her again, Joanna grabbed her wrist. "You have no right to hit me!"

The tension was mounting, and Henry quickly stepped in to separate them. "Alright, Joan. Stop arguing with Mom. You look exhausted, so go on upstairs to rest."

Back in her room, Joanna sat quietly by the edge of the bed.

Her phone buzzed twice, and a news headline popped up on the screen.

"Tristan Valemont, CEO of Valemont Group, is set to marry the heiress to Eternity Holdings. The couple made a public appearance at a gala."

Joanna didn't want to look, but she couldn't resist. In the photo, the heiress was draped affectionately over his arm, and they looked perfectly suited for each other.

The comments below were filled with praise and admiration.

Joanna smiled bitterly. It was no wonder he was so eager to terminate her pregnancy.

After putting her phone down, she walked to Henry's room and knocked on his door. "Is there any other option to handle the company issue besides me asking Tristan?"

She couldn't bear the thought of Henry going to jail.

Henry frowned. "Actually, Joan, with sufficient funding, the company might just pull through. There is this potential investor, but I'm not sure if you remember him."

Joanna had vaguely recalled the name Henry mentioned. He was one of his college friends, as well as her senior.

Back in her freshman year, that guy had even confessed his feelings to her.

Unfortunately, Tristan found out, and she was tormented by him at the time. No amount of begging for mercy worked.

"It's alright. If you're not willing, I won't force you," said Henry.

Joanna didn't hesitate much. "I'll meet them. We have to give it a shot."

…

Over the next few days, Joanna didn't see Tristan again. There was not a single phone call or text between them.

Tristan seemed to have vanished from her life for a while.

That evening, Joanna followed Henry to a club, where a young man was seated in a private room. He rose to greet them when he saw them enter.

"Henry, Joan. Come on in and sit down."

"Joan, this is Aaron Scott, a friend from college," said Henry.

"It's been a while, Aaron."

Aaron couldn't tear his eyes away from Joanna, his heart surging with emotion. She was just as she'd always been, her soft voice touching the depths of his heart.

"Do you still remember me, Joan?"

Joanna smiled faintly. She was here to ask for a favor and did not want to waste time.

She went straight to the point after sitting down. "Aaron, I know your family's company is quite powerful. Henry's business has run into some trouble lately and needs funding to tide him over. I was wondering if you could—"

Aaron absently swirled the wine in his glass. "Ah, that? Henry mentioned it, but I'm sure you both know it's not a small sum. Besides, the company is my father's. I can't make a decision regarding the funds on my own."

Henry stood up and poured Aaron a drink. "Aaron, do me a favor, please. I'll make it up to you someday."

"You'll make it up to me?"

Aaron smiled, his deep gaze landing on Joanna.

Henry could read that unrestrained gaze, and Joanna understood it just as well.

She knew that coming here today could result in nothing. Why did he have to show her any courtesy, anyway? Just because he had feelings for her in the past?

Joanna was still thinking of what kind words she could say to make an effort. Just then, Henry rose to his feet.

"Joan, I'm stepping out for a phone call."

Henry limped toward the door. After leaving the private room, he clenched his fists tightly, mentally apologizing to Joanna.

He knew he was a bastard, but he convinced himself that since Joan had been with Tristan for so many years, she had long since lost what was most precious to a woman.

That being said, Aaron was quite well off. Perhaps being with him wasn't so bad for her. She could have a decent future with him.

The moment the door closed, Joanna felt a chill settle over her heart. By then, Aaron had already moved to sit almost right next to her, his eager gaze roaming over her.

He leaned in close to her neck and inhaled softly, swallowing hard.

Chapter 5 Not Easily Placated

Aaron licked his lips. "I'm not going to beat around the bush, Joan. I'm well aware of your indiscretions."

Back then, Aaron had received a warning the day after confessing his feelings. That was when he realized she was Tristan's woman.

He didn't anticipate it, given that she had just been a freshman. As it turned out, she was quite wild beneath that innocent facade.

"I don't mind that you've been with him all these years. If you get together with me, I'll personally take care of Henry's problem."

Aaron had coveted Joanna for years now.

"I apologize, Aaron. But I don't feel that way."

Joanna stood up and turned to leave, but Aaron grabbed her wrist before she could take more than a few steps forward.

Aaron pushed her onto the couch and said, "Is Tristan that good? Why don't you compare us? I'm not too bad myself."

"Let me go!" exclaimed Joanna.

"Quit acting. You've been messing around with him for years. You think you're still pure? The fact that I even want you at all is me doing you a favor!"

Meanwhile, Tristan was leaning against the wall from the other side of the door. He had one hand in his pocket, the other holding a cigarette. He took one last drag and slowly blew out a smoke ring.

The door swung open with a thud, and his deep, magnetic voice floated in from the doorway. "Mr. Scott."

Aaron stiffened the moment he looked up. "M-Mr. Valemont?"

His hand, which was resting on Joanna's waist, began to tremble involuntarily.

Tristan hadn't done anything yet, but Aaron was already scared out of his wits and bolted out the door.

Tristan then walked inside.

He crossed his legs and leaned back languidly against the couch, his cool, clear gaze fixed intently on Joanna. "Come here."

Joanna sat motionless in front of him, feeling a chill wash over her.

Tristan snorted derisively. "You still haven't figured out how to beg me for help?"

Joanna looked up, her gaze impassive. "And why would I do that, Mr. Valemont?"

Tristan's brow furrowed slightly. He strode over to her, gaze condescending.

He noted that two buttons on her shirt had come undone, revealing her delicate collarbone. His already grim expression darkened further.

"You've got plenty of energy, don't you? Just a few days out of surgery and you're already seducing other men?"

Joanna's lips curved upward in a sneer.

She suddenly felt a dull ache in her heart, a tightness forming in her chest when she thought of the agony she felt on the operating table.

At over two months, the fetus had likely begun to take shape. That was a living, breathing thing. The pain of having a piece of flesh ripped from one's body was something he would never understand.

"I'll never beg for your help, Tristan. Even if Henry ends up in jail, I will do no such thing," she said.

Tristan reached out, pulling her into his arms.

He leaned over slightly, his voice hot against her ear as he murmured, "You know my temper. I'm not easily placated. Are you sure you want to keep talking to me like this?"

Joanna pushed him away and struggled to free herself from his embrace. The more she struggled, though, the more his expression darkened.

Tristan cupped her chin and kissed her fiercely, the intensity of his kiss leaving her utterly defenseless.

His slightly callused palms slid upward along the hem of her skirt.

"Tristan!"

Joanna could hardly believe what he was about to do.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

Tristan finally stopped, glanced at the caller ID, and held it to his ear. "What is it?"

Joanna was close enough that she could hear the voice on the phone clearly.

On the other end, a woman smiled as she said, "Are you free tonight, Tristan? I'd like to discuss the engagement with you."

"I'll let you figure it out. I'm busy tonight."

"But Tristan—"

"Is that all?"

Taking advantage of Tristan's distraction, Joanna shoved him hard and tried to escape.

Before she could even reach the door, Tristan grabbed her by the waist and pinned her against the door.

Joanna winced as her forehead bumped against the door.

His lips brushed against her earlobe. Through the sheer fabric of her dress, she could feel his palm pressing gently against her flat abdomen. "Does it still hurt?"