Chapter 189: Fake Deceit

Hazel sat on her bed, the faint glow from her bedside lamp casting a soft, warm light across the room. Her mind was still occupied with the events of the day, particularly how Alexander had been acting in the office. She could see the guilt in his eyes, the way he avoided her gaze, and how his words seemed forced, as if he was trying too hard to act normal. It was almost pitiful, really, but Hazel wasn’t one to let pity get in the way of her plans. She leaned back against the headboard, a smirk playing on her lips. Alexander’s discomfort was only the beginning. She had bigger plans, and today had only solidified her resolve. The thought of her next move brought a gleam of satisfaction to her eyes. Getting pregnant—no, pretending to be pregnant—was her ticket to securing her future. She had thought long and hard about this. It wasn’t like she hadn’t considered actually getting pregnant. But the idea of being tied down, having her body go through the changes, and then dealing with a c