Alyssa Bolton POV:
I pushed the plate away, my stomach churning at the thought of food. "I don't want a croissant, Chase. I want an explanation. A real one. Not this charade."
Chase sighed, a performance of long-suffering patience. He glanced at Clementina, who gave him a subtle nod. Indiana, meanwhile, dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, observing us with thinly veiled amusement.
"Alyssa, we can discuss this later," Chase said, his voice low, a warning. "In private. There's no need to make a scene."
"No need to make a scene?" I felt a hysterical giggle bubble up. "You bring your pregnant mistress to my home, announce her child is the family heir, and then tell me not to make a scene?" I finally stood up, pushing my chair back with a loud scrape against the polished floor. The sound echoed in the opulent dining room.
"I can't do this." My voice wavered, but my resolve solidified. "I can't pretend everything is fine. I can't sit here and watch you play happy families with her."
"Alyssa, where are you going?" Chase demanded, his eyes narrowing.
"Away from here. Away from you. Away from this." I turned and walked out of the dining room, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. I expected him to follow, to stop me, to at least try to explain. He didn't. The silence behind me was deafening, confirming my worst fears. He chose them. He chose the lie.
I walked through the silent halls of the penthouse, the place that had once been my sanctuary now felt like an opulent prison. Every expensive artwork, every designer furniture piece, felt like a monument to his betrayal. How could I have been so blind? So desperate for his love that I ignored all the red flags? I questioned every moment, every touch, every whispered promise. Was it all a performance?
I reached the master bedroom, our bedroom, and began to pack a small bag. Just the essentials. I wasn't sure where I was going, but I knew I couldn't stay. My hands trembled as I folded a sweater, a vivid memory of Chase buying it for me, telling me how beautiful I looked in blue. Lies. All lies.
A sudden knock on the door startled me. Chase stood there, leaning against the doorframe, looking almost repentant. "Alyssa, wait. Let's talk. Please."
