A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 136

"And besides, how could you say something so awful? This baby growing inside me is my child—how could I ever use him as some sort of stepping stone? Once he's born, I'll love him and cherish him with all my heart. It was never easy for me to get pregnant. This child is a miracle, a gift from God, I…"

"That's enough! You're giving me a headache." Jude cut her off, his patience wearing thin. "I'll arrange a paternity test soon."

Whatever else happened, he would never allow his own flesh and blood to end up calling another man ‘Dad.'

Celia's face went deathly pale. "No—you can't! What if Tyson finds out? What am I supposed to do then?"

Tyson only knew about her supposedly ‘abusive' ex-husband; he had no idea she'd been involved with another man.

He was already losing patience with her these days. If he discovered the truth… it would be the end for her.

Jude let out a low, mocking laugh. "So what if Tyson finds out? Do you really think he has the energy to worry about your mess right now? Celia, you need to understand the situation. Whether or not the test happens—it's not up to you."

With that, he turned and strode away without a backward glance.

As the hospital room door clicked shut, Celia could hold back her tears no longer. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed silently.

She'd counted on this child to get everything she'd ever wanted.

And now Jude knew the baby existed.

Regret gnawed at her. If only she'd never gotten involved with Jude in the first place!

She'd just wanted to keep her options open… Never imagining she was digging her own grave.

If this baby really was Jude's, he'd fight tooth and nail to take the child away. And when that happened, she'd lose not only her baby, but Tyson as well.

No. She couldn't let it end like this!

He'd figure out a way to reach out to the current head of the Quincy family.

And then, together, they'd deal with Elvis.

"Okay." Celia nodded obediently, nestling her face into his palm, her voice soft as a whisper. "Ty, do you think I'm a burden?"

"Don't be silly." Tyson withdrew his hand, tucking the blanket around her with care. "You're pregnant. Of course I should take care of you."

As he turned to pour her a glass of warm water, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of Celia's lips.

Tyson, if only this baby really were yours.

Moonlight spilled through the window, casting a pale glow over her face—half illuminated, half lost in shadow.