CHAPTER SEVEN – MOTHER OF THE CEO’S CHILD

Across from her, Bella's initial shock gave way to a flurry of questions. "When? How?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. Madison shook her head, unable to speak. Her mind was a tangled mess, trying to grasp the reality of the situation. Dr. Jones, sensing their distress, excused himself, leaving them alone with the weight of the news. As the doctor's retreating footsteps faded away, Bella's voice cut through the silence. "Maddie, this… this can't be right." "It is," Madison choked out, finally finding her voice. "The tests… the doctor… it's real." "But how?" Bella pressed, her brow furrowed in concern. "You haven't been seeing anyone lately, have you?" A lump formed in Madison's throat. She knew what Bella was implying, and a wave of guilt washed over her. "Actually…" her voice trailed off. Bella's eyes widened. "Actually what?" Suddenly, the pieces clicked into place in Bella's mind. The function the previous month, the secrecy, the way Madison had been acting lately.