Raine Enterprises – Private Lab Division
The folder in Dominic's hands felt heavier than it should have.
He stared at the sealed envelope. The paternity test request form. His name inked in bold against the label.
No one knew he'd ordered it—not even Elias, not his assistant, not even his shadow.
Only Dr. Halliday, the discreet geneticist who owed him a favor.
Dominic's eyes darkened as he whispered, "Tell me this is a lie, Juliana."
Because if the child was his... it would destroy Aurora.
And if it wasn't... Juliana had gone too far.
He placed the sample envelope on the counter—his own DNA and the child's hair, collected carefully from the photo package Juliana had delivered.
"I need the results quietly. And fast."
Dr. Halliday nodded. "You'll have them in 48 hours."
Dominic left without another word.
But as the elevator doors closed behind him, his reflection stared back—haunted, hollow, and fractured.
---
Lane Innovations – Aurora's Office
Aurora sat cross-legged on her sofa, a glittery ring box clutched in her hand.
Maya gaped from the corner. "You're going to propose?"
"Eventually," Aurora said, grinning, "not right this second. Just... planning ahead."
"You're the boldest woman I know," Maya murmured. "But this—"
"It feels right, Maya." Aurora looked toward the city skyline. "I've never wanted anything this much."
"But you noticed it too, didn't you?" Maya added softly.
Aurora blinked. "Noticed what?"
Maya hesitated. "Something's... different about Dominic lately. He's quieter. Guarded. Like he's carrying something."
Aurora waved it off. "Probably board stress. Juliana's still sniffing around his company. The press is relentless. I mean, come on, it's Dominic. He lives with ice in his veins."
But her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
---
Later That Evening – Dominic's Penthouse
Dominic watched Aurora twirl in the living room, dancing barefoot to an old jazz track. Her laughter was sunshine against his skin.
She had no idea.
No idea that his entire world was seconds from crumbling.
"Come dance," she called out, hand extended.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her close, burying his face in her hair.
"I could stay like this forever," she whispered.
He didn't answer.
Because forever sounded like a cruel joke when secrets stood between them.
---
Elsewhere – Juliana's Private Suite
Juliana sipped her wine, smug.
Dominic hadn't gone public. That meant the threat had worked.
"He'll break soon," she whispered to the shadows. "And when he does, Aurora will finally know what it feels like to be... unwanted."
She ran her fingers along the side of a glass photo frame.
The child in the picture beamed up at her.
"You've always been a useful little lie."
---
Two Days Later – Raine Enterprises
A discreet knock echoed in Dominic's office.
Dr. Halliday stepped inside with a small envelope.
"The results are in."
Dominic hesitated.
His fingers hovered over the seal.
He looked out the window.
And didn't open it.
Not yet.
Because the truth had power.
But ignorance—for now—still protected the woman he loved.
---