Page 26 of Owned By a Billionaire

I took a breath. “I’m with child.”

His eyes widened, and my heart raced in anticipation of how he might respond.

I’d only discovered a day earlier, after persistent nausea and a missed period led me to a doctor, who quickly informed me I was pregnant. It should have worried me, but it didn’t. Even if Harry didn’t wish to be involved, I would find a way this time.

“It’s mine?” he asked.

I nodded. “I have only been with you.”

He remained wide-eyed and seemingly lost for words.

“You don’t have to do or say anything. But I am keeping the child.”

As if lost in thought, he just kept staring at me. Then, after a long silence, he shook his head. “I would never walk away from you. Not in that condition, at least.”

“Harry, I don’t want you to feel obligated. I know you’re young and still setting your future.”

“I’m filthy rich, Caroline. If I wanted to, I could survive many lifetimes and bring up a large family while living in luxury. I’m not too young.”

He smiled and my heart leapt for joy, sensing what would follow.

ToquoteCharlotteBronte…"Reader, I married him!"

We waited until our child, Declan, was born, then we married at Merivale, Harry’s family home, and now mine. Smitten with their first-ever grandchild, my new in-laws welcomed me into the family with open arms.

The moment I laid eyes on Merivale, I was enamored. Classic treasures mingled with modern pieces. Gilded frames hung on brightly colored walls, while fine collectibles wove a rich tapestry of opulence. At first, I didn’t know where to look. The library, with its wall-to-wall dark-wood shelves filled with enough knowledge to empower all of society, became one of my favorite rooms.

The Lovechildes had called Merivale home for three hundred years, and their presence could be felt through the many family portraits. At night, their eyes seemed to follow me. But I was far from spooked. I relished that historical setting as someone who’d been starved of culture might a visit to the Tate.

During the wedding festivities, which lasted a whole weekend, Rey asked if we could take a walk around the sprawling grounds—a botanists’ paradise where, by evening, an uplifting earthy fragrance acted like a happy pill.

Although I read something in his eyes, like a scheme brewing, I welcomed a break from the nosy guests. Lying about my past was exhausting, and the more champagne I drank, the more likely I was to stumble on some key detail. One could only keep up a façade for so long.

Apparently, it was customary at Merivale to celebrate for at least two days, sometimes even a week, for large events like weddings or birthdays. The former castle, refurbished in the 1800s with a blend of Gothic Revival and Italian style, effortlessly transformed into a luxury hotel. And the Lovechildes knew everyone worth knowing, it seemed.

Tiring as it was, having to keep up my pretense was a small trade-off for living this dream. Each day, my heart pumped with anticipation thanks to this Cinderella fantasy I’d fallen into.

I also loved being a mother. When I cradled Declan close, I sometimes felt a surge of love so tender and overwhelming that tears would sneak into my eyes. When no one was watching, of course. Raw emotion was a definite no-no for Caroline Lovechilde.

As the sun fell on Merivale that night, a fountain with a bronze statue of Mercury glistened in the golden light. Another beguiling favorite in that endless treasure trove of wonders.

Rey and I strolled to the hedged labyrinth.

“What a splendid sight.” He paused and looked ahead, pointing at the silvery sea gleaming in the twilight.

“The view from upstairs is rather special,” I said.

“You did it. I’m proud of you.”

I paused. “You sound like my father.”

“I am something like that, I think.” His mouth twitched into his customary smirk. “I own you.”

My brows collided. “That’s a little stifling, wouldn’t you say?”

“We have a deal. Don’t we?” He tilted his head.

“Yes. But I’m not sure exactly what that deal entails.”

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