Chapter 1 CHLINK " Din pregnant " The worsh hung in the air , heavy and suffocating . I stared at the fourth text strip in my trembling hand . This couldn't be happening Panic crawled up my spine . My parents would lose it . Thad enough on my plate already . Missing a period wasn't a big deal for me , so I didn't think much of it at first . But when 1 started eating more and my jeans teh tighter , Caroline had insisted I take a test And now here I was sitting on the toilet , whispering to myself , " What am I going to do ? " My art school entrance exam was next week . This was the kind of curveball I couldn't afford. A knock on the door jolted me out of my spiraling thoughts . I scrambled to my feet , pulling up my shorts . Stufting the text strips into a black plastic bag . I quickly tossed it into the trash and double checked the bathroom for evidence " Celine , get out ! It's my turn ! " Jesse's voice cut through the door . 1 let out a shaky breath . At least it wasn't Mom . Gripping the doorknobs , I took a moment to compose myself before unlocking it . Jesse shoved past me as soon as I opened the door . " Were you giving birth in there or what ? " I didn't answer . Her voice was as grating as ever Jesse was the golden child , studying medicine at NYU , the one my parents showered with attention and pride . Meanwhile , I was the disappointment who had to work two jobs just to get by 1 folded my arms as I watched her . " You didn't need to yell " She flashed me a middle finger before slamming the door in my face I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from snapping back . My hands balled into fists at my sides . She's not worth it " Batch . " I mumbled under my breath , turning toward the kitchen . My mom's sharp voice echoed through the house as I walked in . She was on the phone , scolding Monroe again about a gas cylinder at her food canteen At the dining table , breakfast was laid out like a fast Every dish was Jesse's favorite . Either she had big news to share , or Mom was doing her usual over the top routine to please her perfect daughter . I grabbed a grape and popped it into my mouth . Mom's head snapped up , her eyes narrowing in silent disapproval I rolled my eyes and kept chewing " What's this ? " Jesse's voice came from behind me , and my stomach droppest I turned slowly , my heart pounding . She was holding a test strips 13 9:06 pm B BBB Chapter 1 My blood ran cold . * Why the hell was she digging in the trash ? * " What is that , Jesse ? " Mom asked , stepping into the room , her phone still pressed to her ear . Her face froze when she saw the strip . The person on the other end of the call faintly called her name , but she ended it without another word . " Where ... where did you get that ? " Mom's voice trembled , her expression shifting from confusion to suspicion . " From the trash can in the bathroom , " Jesse said casually , as if she wasn't about to blow up my entire life . All eyes turned to me . My throat tightened , and I instinctively took a step back . " Celine , don't tell me this is yours, " Jesse said , though her tone already held the answer she wanted . " No , it can't be , " Mom interjected , shaking her head like she could erase the possibility . " It must be a prank . Someone's playing a prank again . " " Mom , it's obvious it's hers , " Jesse said , her voice cool and cutting . " She was in the bathroom this morning . Plus ... " She gave me a smug glance . " I noticed she's been gaining weight . " I wanted to scream , but the words wouldn't come . Jesse didn't even give me a chance to defend myself . Three years had passed since that awful day , but the memory of their judgment still stung . When Mom found out , she didn't waste a second throwing me out of the house . My dad didn't intervene . Jesse stood by with a smirk as I begged to stay . If it weren't for Caroline , I don't know where I'd be. Her family took me in , and she even found me a job that I could manage until I gave birth . Because yes , I kept the baby . It wasn't an easy decision , but I don't regret it . My son is my joy , my strength , my everything . " Caesar , stop running ! You might fall ! " I called after him , my voice echoing down the hotel hallway . His giggles rang out , bright and carefree . Despite numerous warnings from my coworkers , I'd had no choice but to bring him to work again . " You're going to get fired for this , Celine ," Blake said as we folded laundry later that morning . " I know , " I admitted , glancing at Caesar , who was fast asleep on a blanket I'd laid out on the floor . " But I don't have anyone else to watch him ." " What about your mom ? " Blake asked cautiously . I froze , gripping the towel in my hands . " She wants nothing to do with me ," I said after a pause . " And I'm not taking my son there just to be insulted . " Blake's expression softened . " I'm sorry . I didn't realize- " " It's not your fault , " I cut in quickly . " My family's just ... complicated . " She set down her sheet and pulled me into a hug . " For what it's worth , you're doing an amazing job , Celine . Caesar's lucky to have you . " 2/3 9:06 pm Chapter 1 Her words brought a small smile to my face . " Thank you , Blake . " But keeping Caesar out of sight was easier said than done . " Caesar , mommy's getting mad- " I panted as I chased him down the hallway again . " If you don't stop , I'm going to- " The elevator doors slid open just as he ran toward them . A man and a woman stepped out , and Caesar collided straight into the man's legs . " Caesar ! " I called , rushing to his side . I knelt beside him , checking for bruises , but he was fine - just startled . Letting out a breath of relief , I looked up to apologize to the couple . The words died on my lips when I met the man's gaze . Piercing blue eyes stared back at me , freezing me in place . They were the most striking eyes I'd ever seen . And they looked exactly like Caesar's . 3/3 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!