Chapter 3
Lily’s POV
I thought I was going to die after vomiting all over William’s pristine suit. The room spun, my stomach still roiling from the violent heave. My knees wobbled, and I braced for the worst. But Michael, Nathan’s cousin, stepped forward, his kind eyes cutting through my panic. “It’s okay, accidents happen,” he said softly, his hand steadying my shoulder. His warmth was a lifeline.
Olivia and Jade were at my side instantly, worry etched on their faces. My true friends in this terrifying world. “Lily, breathe,” Jade whispered, rubbing my back. Olivia’s eyes darted to William, who was seething, his face a mask of fury.
William’s hand shot up, and I flinched, eyes squeezing shut, certain his slap was coming. My heart thundered, but the blow never landed. I opened my eyes, and there was Nathan—God, he was breathtaking—his hand gripping William’s wrist, stopping him cold. His broad frame shielded me, green eyes burning with quiet intensity. The air crackled, a magnetic pull making my breath catch. My heart fluttered, traitorously alive despite the fear. His cologne clung to the jacket still draped over me, and for a second, it was just us.
“William, let it go,” Nathan said, his voice low, commanding, yet laced with something softer. “She’s shaken up. Some bald, greasy guy cornered her in another room earlier.”
William’s jaw tightened, but he lowered his hand with a curt huff. “Fine,” he muttered, brushing off his ruined suit. Nathan’s gaze flicked to me, unreadable, before he turned to James. “Get her a cab home,” he ordered.
James nodded, guiding me out as my legs trembled. I clutched Nathan’s jacket, my mind reeling from his touch, its heat lingering.
These symptoms had plagued me for nearly three months, my body teetering on collapse. Exhaustion, maybe, but I had no choice—I had to keep going. Back in my cramped apartment, I barely made it to the bathroom before my stomach lurched again. I dropped to my knees, gripping the toilet’s cold porcelain as acid burned my throat. The stench of bile filled the air, my body convulsing with each heave. Sweat beaded on my forehead, my hands shaking as I clung to the bowl. “It’s nothing,” I gasped aloud, spitting into the toilet, then grabbing mouthwash to scour the sour taste from my mouth. Rent was due—I couldn’t afford a day off, even if I was falling apart.
I had no family to lean on. Always alone. Jade or Olivia would lend me money, but pride stopped me. At my age, I should manage, yet I was drowning.
“I told you not to eat that Mexican burrito wrapped in Cheetos,” Jade teased, tucking my hair behind my ear. “You pick the weirdest combos.”
“New York chef’s cooking show,” I mumbled, forcing a smile. I stood, splashing cold water on my face. The mirror showed a ghost—pale, dark circles framing my eyes.
Jade frowned. “Sweetie, maybe master basic recipes before those crazy ones.”
I pouted playfully. “Fine, I’ll ask Olivia next time.” We resumed our movie, but my mind drifted. Two hours later, Jade left for her shift, and I was back at the toilet, retching.
I’d googled my symptoms, and the results terrified me. I stood, vowing to eat better tomorrow. Just food poisoning, I told myself.
But the next day, I was worse. Still, I dragged myself to work, desperate for cash. Medicine only made it worse.
In Skyline’s dressing room, I studied my reflection, turning sideways. My curves looked wrong. A chilling thought gripped me.
“Olivia,” I whispered, “Do I look fat?”
She paused, eyeing my stomach. “A little weight, but you look great,” she shrugged.
Her words hit hard. I’d been strict with my diet for the club. Weight gain meant…
“Oh, God,” I gasped, sliding to the floor, hands over my face.
Olivia turned, concerned. “What’s wrong?”
“I… don’t know,” I stammered.
She laughed. “Chipmunk, it’s just weight. You’re not pregnant.”
The word “pregnant” detonated. Panic surged, my heart racing.
No, Lily, you’re not pregnant.
I stood, hand grazing my stomach—a slight, undeniable bump. Morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings, appetite changes, weight gain—all pointed one way.
Tears streamed down, breaths shallow. If pregnant, Nathan was the only father—the Sullivan heir who’d ignored me since our night.
Fear clawed me. Would he demand an abortion? He’d passed me in halls like I was invisible. His future couldn’t be ruined by a stripper.
“Lily, are you crying?” Jade asked.
I wiped my tears, faking a smile. “Something in my eye. Let’s go.”
We left, my mind a storm. I collided with a solid figure. Nathan’s icy green eyes met mine.
“Sorry!” I blurted, stepping back.
His gaze swept over me, blank, then he walked on.
“Gorgeous and arrogant,” Jade muttered.
My stomach twisted. What would he say if I told him?
Work began, the club buzzing. I danced in the regular area, avoiding VIPs and Sullivans. I needed time to confirm, to plan.
Dancing wasn’t the worst, but the judgment stung. People always balked at my job.
During a break, I paused, hands on my stomach. A life was there—I couldn’t deny it. I needed the money, but I was reckless.
How could this happen? I’d always been cautious, keeping men distant.
“You look rough. It’s been months,” Duke, the bar’s security guard, said with concern. He was like a big brother, always watching out for us as he collected my tips. “Go home, rest, or see a doctor.”
It was past midnight. I nodded, deciding to leave early, slipping toward the dressing room.
“Chipmunk, leaving so early?”
I froze, recognizing James’s voice. Ignoring him wasn’t an option—I needed this job. I turned, forcing a smile.
“Hi…” I mumbled, hoping he’d let me go.
He approached, frowning, and touched my forehead. “Chipmunk, you look like a mess,” he said bluntly. I squinted, waiting for clarification.
“You’re off. Get some rest,” he simplified, sighing as he noticed my shivering, barely dressed frame.
I was about to thank him when my stomach lurched again. I froze, willing it down, but then I saw Nathan approaching. No, no, don’t come closer, I chanted silently. I turned, and there he was, green eyes piercing. “Lily, why are you always vomiting? Are you pregnant?”