Daniel gently stroked Caitlin’s head with the hand that wasn’t holding the steering wheel. Caitlin knew it was just his way of showing sympathy. That’s how he was—his heart a mystery, always hard to read. Even though Daniel often seemed heartless, as if he only cared about money, he still paid attention to her—in his own way.
He left her on the side of the road, saying he had urgent business to take care of. Unfortunately, Caitlin couldn’t ask what that business actually was. Still, she was grateful Daniel hadn’t exploded in anger after her reckless behavior earlier and for ruining their date.
“Meeting the president, huh?” Caitlin muttered, watching her boyfriend drive away. Boyfriend? What a joke.
Once Daniel had disappeared into the distance—no more than a speck now—Caitlin climbed the lobby stairs and entered the elevator to return to her unit. That’s when she realized her emotions had become completely unpredictable. What on earth had she done? Why couldn’t she anticipate her own actions anymore? This pregnancy was changing her—and sometimes, her own behavior startled her.
She could never erase the regrets she carried from her naïve past, from loving the wrong man. But at least now, she could write new chapters—ones she had chosen for herself, for tomorrow and the days after. Caitlin didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain: she was in big trouble. She was carrying a baby—and had to brace herself for Daniel’s fury if he ever found out.
Standing in front of her apartment door, Caitlin looked down at her belly. “Are you planning to keep pushing your mom to take revenge on everyone who’s ever upset her?”
Once inside, she let herself collapse onto her narrow bed. Her eyes, too tired to stay open any longer, slowly shut. Was this satisfaction from pulling off Tobi’s birthday surprise? She didn’t know. But the memory made her smile.
Then suddenly, a thought struck her—something about Daniel, about his troubled sleep. “What’s wrong with Daniel?”
Later, Caitlin found herself on a trip with him. A gentle breeze swept across the countryside. The sound of cows and sheep in the distance. Open fields and old-fashioned farmhouses with wooden barns for storing harvests.
The car rumbled along a rough, uneven road. The vehicle Daniel was driving looked like something straight out of an off-road documentary. If he knew she was pregnant, no way would he be reckless enough to bring her here in that thing. He’d have chosen a safer route.
It had taken them two hours to get here. Caitlin had fallen asleep for one of them, and she felt a bit guilty that Daniel had to drive alone the whole time. She should’ve kept him company.
“We’ll be staying at this inn for a few days,” Daniel said as they arrived at an old house that looked more haunted than welcoming.
“A guest house?” Caitlin asked hopefully. She still wished they weren’t staying here just the two of them.
Her nerves took over. The gloomy air around the building sent chills down her spine. “It’s an inn, Cat. How many times do I have to say it so you understand? A house rented for vacations—look it up if you’re still confused,” Daniel replied, stressing the last sentence.
He grinned before hopping out to unload their bags. Caitlin carefully stepped out into the unfamiliar place, her mouth agape as she took in the building’s grandeur.
“Come on, let’s go in,” Daniel called, dragging their suitcase.
The door was unlocked. A middle-aged woman rushed toward them, flustered and breathless, but with a smile as warm as spring sunshine. Caitlin smiled back. She turned to Daniel, silently asking who this was and how to greet her. Was this Daniel’s mother?
“I didn’t expect you two to arrive this early—I was still cleaning! Enjoy your stay. I’ll leave you to it,” the woman said before hurrying off.
Caitlin glanced at her retreating figure, then turned to Daniel. “Did you chase her away?”
“Chase her? No. She’s just busy, probably off to feed her ducks and chickens. She’s rich, you know. She’s just thrilled someone’s finally come to this village and rented out this spooky old place,” Daniel said, unfazed by Caitlin’s frightened expression.
“Spooky?” Caitlin whispered.
Daniel entered a room, and Caitlin followed without protest. It was a bedroom with classic décor and a large, luxurious-looking bed—at least by Caitlin’s standards. Daniel lay down, pulling off his shoes and socks, then patted the empty space beside him. An invitation. Caitlin joined him, curling into his arm. Why was she being so obedient? Let’s blame it on the baby.
“Let’s get some rest. I’m exhausted, Cat,” Daniel murmured, closing his eyes.
Caitlin actually wanted to explore the house—and the village too. She hadn’t been to a place this remote since she was little. But seeing Daniel drifting off made her pause. Then he suddenly turned toward her, eyes locked on hers.
“Do I make your heart race?” Daniel asked.
“But you can’t possibly feel that way about me… can you?”
“I can,” he answered firmly. “Though it might be… a different kind of heartbeat. Don’t fall for me too much. I’m just using you. Who knows, I might leave you tomorrow morning after spending the night in your bed.”
Caitlin blinked, tears beginning to form. Daniel’s voice was sharp, his words cold. But his eyes told another story. She couldn’t tell who was truly hurting—herself or him. But the sadness shimmering in his gaze made her want to save him.
“I don’t mind,” Caitlin replied. “Being used.”
“Because of that card? Because you don’t have a steady job? So, this relationship isn’t free, is that it?” Daniel chuckled.
The awkwardness melted into laughter. Caitlin burst into a wide grin at his ridiculous joke and tugged playfully at his hair. If this were the Caitlin from a few months ago—before Daniel ever touched her—she would’ve been deeply offended. But love sometimes made women foolish. Like now, when she actually let Daniel take her here.
“Oh, stop it. Don’t make me sound like an easy woman,” she complained.
“Still want to know what my real job is?” Daniel teased.
Caitlin narrowed her eyes. “Nope. You keep that mouth shut. You wouldn’t answer me anyway.”
“I’m thirsty,” Daniel said.
Caitlin started to get up to fetch him some water. “There’s still some in the ca—”
But before she could finish, Daniel grabbed her and kissed her hungrily. So that’s the thirst he meant. After the long journey, maybe it wasn’t fair to just sleep. So Caitlin let herself be touched.
As her hands cupped his face, she finally found the courage to ask, “What if I’m pregnant?” She waited. Technically, she hadn’t confessed yet. She just wanted to hear what Daniel would say.
“What?”