Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

They would get married. At a grand wedding, in front of everyone, Julian would finally take the woman he had longed for all these years. He would do it openly, proudly, completely. He would stand beside her, filled with joy, waiting for their child to arrive. Their baby only needed to be healthy and happy. That would be enough. "Jules." He had spoken only half a sentence when the bathroom door opened. Caleb walked out carrying a plate of blueberries, set it on the bedside table, and turned to Julian with an easy smile. "Congratulations," he said lightly.

"You're going to be an uncle." The word hit Julian like a cruel joke. "Uncle?" His eyes darkened at once. He forced a hollow laugh and looked toward Sydney, his as glass cutting into her heart. "So this child isn't mine?" Sydney's heart twisted, but she still nodded. "No." gaze sharp It was the simplest, cleanest way to avoid future custody battles. She had decided to keep the baby because she wanted a family of her own. But that also meant she could never risk having the child taken from her once it was born. Julian didn't believe a word of it.

"Impossible." 11 Forcing himself to stay calm for her pregnancy's sake, he said coldly, "If you won't tell me the truth, I'll ask the doctor." The report would prove everything. He knew the girl he had raised wasn't someone who could be with him one day and another man the next. Before he could move, Caleb stepped forward, blocking his path. "Jules, don't turn this into something ugly." "Get out of my way." Rage poured off Julian. Seeing Caleb stand firm only made it worse. He brushed past him and strode toward the door. Caleb frowned and followed him into the hallway.

she hide it from you?" A second later, Julian's fist smashed squarely into Caleb's face. The blow sent him staggering against the wall. Julian grabbed his collar, veins standing out. His dark eyes fixed on him, and he demanded with a cruel smile, "Not mine? Then it's yours? Caleb, you