Chapter 3Pregnant and on the Run: When the CEO Found Out

Helen’s voice was smug as she said, “See, Lucas? This woman is nothing but a gold digger. A million dollars, and she’d walk away without a second thought. All she cares about is our family’s money.”

Lucas let out a sharp, icy laugh, grabbing my wrist with force and dragging me toward his car.

Once inside, his cold, piercing gaze pinned me in place. “The check,” he demanded.

I swallowed hard, my hands trembling as I carefully handed it over.

He snatched it, and without hesitation, tore it into tiny pieces.

My heart sank as I watched the check disintegrate, every shred of paper a painful reminder of the money I so desperately needed. But I didn’t dare protest.

His eyes bore into mine, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths. “Heartbroken, Lily? Is that it? You think I’m only worth a million dollars to you?”

My breath hitched. I had no idea who he was putting on this show of wounded pride for.

Was this the same man who, three years ago, made it explicitly clear that we were to keep things strictly transactional? The same man who told me never to fall for him?

Now he was the one acting betrayed?

And let’s not forget—he’s the one who’s getting engaged.

I didn’t answer his question. A million dollars might be nothing to him, but for someone like me, it was everything.

Despite the frustration bubbling up inside me, I knew I couldn’t afford to antagonize him. Not yet. Not when I still needed his money.

So, I lowered my tone, my voice soft and trembling. “You’re getting engaged, aren’t you?”

Tears welled up in my eyes, making me look fragile and heartbroken.

For a moment, Lucas’s cold demeanor faltered. His gaze softened, guilt flickering across his face.

After a long pause, he finally muttered, “Maybe.”

Maybe? What a joke. He was clearly getting engaged, yet he had the audacity to look at me like this—as if he were some tragic hero torn between duty and desire.

Still, I played my part. Silent tears rolled down my cheeks as I whispered, “We’ve been together for three years. I never thought I’d feel this much for you, but… I respect your decision. I just hope you’ll be happy.”

Now it was my turn to take the moral high ground.

Lucas’s guilt deepened, and his grip on my hand tightened. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

I knew I had him.

He sighed, his voice low and heavy with remorse. “I know it was my mother who forced you to leave. I’ll transfer the million dollars to your account myself. If anyone should compensate you, it should be me.”

Bingo.

Relief flooded through me. The million dollars was still within reach, and I could finally breathe again.

For a while, neither of us spoke. Then, Lucas lifted his head, his expression conflicted, his voice hesitant.

“We… we’ll end things next month.”

Next month? Seriously? What, is he scheduling a breakup like it’s a business meeting?

I was furious, but now wasn’t the time to show it. The money hadn’t hit my account yet, and I couldn’t risk blowing everything now.

So, instead, I leaned into his chest, pretending to be the perfect, heartbroken girlfriend.

“Although it hurts,” I said softly, “I’ll do what you say. I’ll listen to you.”

Lucas seemed even more guilt-ridden at my response.

He cupped my face gently, his voice warm and tender. “I’m sorry, Lily. I really am.”