Daddy’s billionaire step-brother
Chapter 64: Ghosts from a recent past

"Henry... he was... He was having an affair with Elena. His own sister. Half-sister or whatever."

Jessica's mouth fell open, shock washing over her. "What? Are you serious? What the hell..." she whispered, completely stunned.

Clara nodded, her expression one of resignation. "The engagement-it was all a cover. Their father knew about it too, and instead of doing literally anything else, he made a deal with my father. The engagement was just part of it. The real deal was that I had to... I had to sleep with Mr. Caldwell. I would become his mistress while Henry and Elena would go on with their little incestuous affair."

Jessica's face went pale, her hand flying to her mouth. "Clara... no..."

Tears brimmed in Clara's eyes, but she pushed forward, needing to get it all out. "My father knew the whole time. He was willing to sell me out, to sell my body, just to save his business. And when he found out I was pregnant, he wanted me to get rid of the baby right away. He was going to force me, I know he was... The only reason he agreed to let me keep it was if I convinced Mr. Caldwell that it was his child."

Jessica stared at Clara, horrified. "Your father did that to you? Clara, this is... this is beyond horrible."

Clara's hands began to shake, the weight of the confession crashing over her. "I didn't have a choice, Jess. The night before Adrian found out about the baby, I had to go through with it. I slept with Mr. Caldwell." Her voice broke on the last word, and the tears she had been holding back for so long finally spilled over.

Jessica was silent for a moment, processing the depth of the betrayal and pain her friend had endured. Then, without hesitation, she pulled Clara into a tight embrace, holding her close as the sobs wracked her body.

"I'm so, so sorry, Clara," Jessica whispered, her own voice trembling with emotion. "I can't even imagine what you've been through. You didn't deserve any of it. Not a single bit. Your father is monster..." Clara clung to her friend, the grief and guilt pouring out of her in waves. For so long, she had carried this burden alone, but now, with Jessica's arms around her, she felt a tiny sense of relief. She wasn't alone anymore.

"You're safe now," Jessica murmured, stroking Clara's hair gently. "And I'm here for you, no matter what."

Adrian stepped off the private jet, his eyes scanning the Mykonos mansion as he approached. The house felt less cold this time, warmer somehow, maybe because he knew Clara was inside. After everything they had been through, seeing her smile had become the one thing that brought him peace. And now, after a grueling week of meetings in London, he was back home.

When he entered the mansion, laughter echoed through the halls. Adrian followed the sound until he found Clara and Jessica by the pool, both lounging and laughing like carefree teenagers. Jessica had arrived a few days earlier, and Clara seemed to light up with her best friend by her side. They had spent the past few days indulging in long chats, sunset swims, and shared secrets, and seeing Clara like this made his heart swell. She deserved happiness, especially after all the turmoil they'd faced together.

Clara spotted him first. "Look who's back!" she called out, her face glowing, her laughter softening as she stood up, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tender embrace.

"I've missed you," Adrian whispered into her hair, kissing the top of her head. "You're smiling. It suits you."

Clara smiled up at him, her eyes filled with warmth. "Jessica's been good company. We've been having fun."

Jessica stood, giving them space. "I'm off to Athens for a couple of days, but you two enjoy your time. I'll be back before you even miss me."

Adrian chuckled, nodding to Jessica. "Be safe. And thank you for keeping Clara company."

It was time for Clara's next ultrasound appointment, the one they've been waiting for the most: they would find out if the baby was a boy or a girl. They got ready, and soon enough, they were sitting in the doctor's office, Clara lying back on the examination bed while Adrian held her hand tightly.

The doctor smiled as the ultrasound began, the soft hum of the machine filling the room. "Are you both ready?" she asked.

Adrian and Clara nodded, their fingers intertwined as they looked at the screen, waiting for the news that would change everything.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Belfort," the doctor said warmly, her voice gentle. "It's a girl."

For a moment, there was only silence as they processed the words. Adrian's grip on Clara's hand tightened, and she turned to look at him, tears brimming in her eyes. He had never felt this kind of overwhelming joy before-knowing he was going to have a daughter with Clara, the woman he'd never imagined falling for in this way.

Clara blinked back the tears, her voice barely above a whisper. "A girl..."

Adrian smiled, his eyes softening as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. "A little princess," he murmured. "Our little girl."

They both stared at the screen, watching the small flicker of life growing inside her. It was the start of something new, something that, despite all the chaos surrounding them, was pure and full of hope.

Adrian and Clara strolled hand-in-hand through the vibrant streets of Mykonos. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the island. Tourists milled around them, enjoying the local shops and cafes. For a moment, Clara felt like a regular person, blending into the crowd-no tabloids, no gossip, just them.

Clara suddenly stopped in front of a cozy seaside restaurant. She turned to Adrian with a smile that was both playful and determined. "I want to eat out, like a normal person," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Adrian couldn't help but chuckle, his heart warming at her enthusiasm. "Anything you want," he replied, leading her into the restaurant. They found a quiet corner with a view of the water, and for a while, everything seemed peaceful. As they sat down, Adrian noticed Clara had a glimmer in her eyes, the kind that meant something deeper was on her mind. "What's on your mind?" he asked softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Clara sighed, gazing out at the ocean before turning back to him. "I feel isolated," she confessed. "I've always been shy, quiet... lonely, even. But lately, I've been wanting more. I want to celebrate, Adrian. I want to throw a party with pink ribbons and sparkles for our baby girl, to build a sense of community instead of being locked up in your mansion. Not that it's bad-trust me, it's amazing-but I just want to feel normal again, to share this happiness with people." Adrian listened quietly, his hand resting on hers. He understood her desire to feel connected to the world, but he couldn't ignore the reality of their situation. "Clara," he said gently, "you know keeping a low profile for now is important. The media is after us. Our story-this whole thing between us-is scandalous. It's the kind of drama those cheap tabloids thrive on."

Clara looked up at him, her expression softening but filled with a new kind of resolve. "You know what? I don't care anymore. If the tabloids want a peek into our lives, let's give them something real to look at. Let's show them how happy we are together." She paused, her voice quiet but firm. "It's not fair that we have to hide ourselves and live in isolation."

Adrian studied her, his heart swelling with pride and affection. Clara had always been quiet and reserved, but now there was a fire in her, a desire to live her life on her own terms. He knew the risks, but he couldn't deny her this. After everything they'd been through, she deserved the freedom to be happy, to celebrate their new life, their child.

He nodded slowly, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright," he said. "Let's show the world how happy we are."