Daddy’s billionaire step-brother
Chapter 40: Girl’s bathroom

Clara barely made it through the school gates the next morning, her stomach in knots, head swimming. The nausea had hit her like a wave, worse than anything she'd ever felt. She swallowed hard, trying to keep it down as she made her way to the bathroom. As soon as the door closed behind her, she rushed to the sink and retched, her body trembling.

The door creaked open, and Clara wiped her mouth quickly, trying to pull herself together. She hoped no one would see her like this. But when she glanced up, Jessica was standing there, her arms crossed and a concerned look on her face. "Clara, what the hell is going on?" Jessica asked, her voice a mix of worry and something else hurt, maybe. "Are you okay?"

Clara forced a weak smile, but it faltered as another wave of nausea hit her. She took a deep breath, steadying herself against the counter.

"Yeah... I'm fine," Clara said, her voice shaky, though she knew she wasn't convincing anyone.

Jessica narrowed her eyes. "You don't look fine. You just threw up."

Clara sighed, avoiding Jessica's gaze. She felt so out of control. The last thing she needed was another problem, especially with Jessica, who had been her closest friend for years. Lately, though, Clara had been distant, caught up in the whirlwind of her life her father's manipulations, the engagement, and her secret relationship with Adrian. And she knew Jessica had noticed.

Jessica moved closer, her expression softening. "You've been MIA, Clara. You barely talk to any of us anymore. It's like you forgot about your friends ever since you started hanging out with the Caldwell girl. What's going on with you?" Clara winced. She hadn't meant to push Jessica and the others away, but everything had spiraled so fast.

"I didn't forget about you guys," Clara said, her voice quiet. "It's just... life has been chaotic. I'm sorry, Jess. I never meant to shut you out." Jessica's face softened for a moment, but the concern in her eyes didn't disappear. "Chaotic how? You're making me worry."

Clara felt light-headed again, and she stumbled slightly, catching herself on the sink. Jessica reached out, grabbing her arm to steady her. "Clara, you're pale as a ghost," Jessica said, her voice rising in alarm. "Are you sure you're okay? Maybe you should go to the nurse." Clara shook her head frantically, the thought of seeing the nurse terrifying her. "No, I can't."

Jessica looked at her in confusion. "Why not?"

Clara closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. She didn't know what else to do. She needed to tell someone, and Jessica had always been the one person she could trust. She swallowed her fear, her voice barely above a whisper. "Jess, can I trust you?" Clara asked, her heart pounding.

Jessica frowned, but nodded. "Of course you can. What's going on?"

Clara hesitated for a moment, her stomach churning-not just from nausea, but from the weight of what she was about to say. She leaned closer to Jessica and whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I think... I might be pregnant."

Jessica's eyes widened in shock, her grip on Clara's arm tightening as the words hung in the air between them.

"What... Clara..." Jessica whispered, still gripping her arm. "Are you serious?"

Clara nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I-I haven't taken a test or anything, but I'm late. And I feel sick all the time."

Jessica's eyes widened even more. "Oh my God... Does anyone know?"

Clara shook her head, her voice breaking. "No. You're the first person I've told."

Jessica let go of her arm and ran a hand through her hair, pacing a little. "Jesus, Clara. How long have you known? And... who's the father?" Clara bit her lip, looking down at her feet. She didn't want to say it, but she knew Jessica would figure it out eventually. "It's... Adrian." Jessica stopped pacing, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Adrian Belfort? Your fucking uncle? Are you two still..."

Clara felt a wave of shame wash over her, but she forced herself to nod. "I know how it sounds, Jess. It's very complicated."

"Complicated?" Jessica raised her voice, but then caught herself, lowering it again when she noticed a couple of girls walking by outside the bathroom. "Clara, that's... You could get in so much trouble. Does he even know?" Clara shook her head again, tears welling in her eyes. "No. I haven't told him. I don't even know how I'm going to..."

Jessica rubbed her forehead, trying to process everything. "You need to figure this out, Clara. Like, today. You can't just let this hang over you."

"I know," Clara whispered, her voice trembling. "But I don't know what to do. Everything's a mess. My dad is pushing me into this engagement with Henry Caldwell, and I can't even think straight. I'm scared, Jess." Jessica's expression softened, and she pulled Clara into a hug. "I know you're scared. But you're not alone, okay? We'll figure it out together."

Clara nodded against her shoulder, grateful for the comfort, even though her mind was still spinning. She had never felt more lost in her life. The fear of what was happening was overwhelming. And Adrian... What would he say? Would he even want to be a part of this? She couldn't picture it, him being tied down, being a father. And what about her father? What if he found out?

Pulling back from Jessica, Clara wiped her eyes. "I need to get a test. I need to know for sure."

Jessica nodded. "I'll go with you. We'll get through this, okay?"

Clara managed a small, grateful smile. "Okay."