Chapter 13 Atlas glared at me , his anger burning hot and unwavering . But he didnt see the redness blooming across my cheek , the sharp sting left behind by Ivys slap . I lifted my head , meeting his gaze with a calm , almost eerie stillness . The one who should be apologizing isnt me , I said quietly . His brows furrowed , irritation flickering in his eyes , but I continued before he could interrupt . She brought up my father , Atlas . Dont you think you owe me an apology for what happened back then ? For a split second , something flickered across his face something unreadable . Then it was gone . If it werent for me , your father would have died even sooner , he said , his voice cold with certainty . Celeste , I promised your father Id take care of you for the rest of my life . But that promise came with a condition you wouldnt hurt Ivy . I stared at him , and then laughed . A quiet , hollow sound . How foolish of me to think , even for a moment , that he might finally see me . Just as the edges of my vision darkened , the room tilted violently , and then nothing . When I woke up , the sterile scent of disinfectant filled my nose . A nurse stood by my bedside , gently removing the IV from my arm . Congratulations , she said with a kind smile . Youre pregnant . My breath caught . You need to be extra careful , she continued . Your body is weak you cant afford too much stress . Try to rest , eat well , and keep your emotions stable . My hand instinctively drifted to my stomach . For five years , I had wanted to have a child with Atlas . I had dreamed of it , longed for it . And now , at the worst possible moment , life had given me one . * 19:41 Divorced From The Pretender 7.9 % Chapter 13 My phone vibrated against the hospital sheets : Atlas . His message was short , direct . The doctor said youll be fine as long as you rest . ] A second message followed . ( When you apologize to Ivy , Ill come pick you up . ) A cold , bitter laugh slipped from my lips . I turned off my phone . The nurse returned , her expression hesitant . Miss Laurent , the doctor has scheduled another test . Please follow me . I nodded and trailed after her . But instead of leading me toward the examination rooms , she stopped near the stairwell . I frowned . Something felt wrong . A familiar voice confirmed my suspicion . I heard youre pregnant . I turned to find Ivy Monroe standing behind me , her arms crossed , an unmistakable smirk playing at the corners of her lips . She took a slow step forward . I underestimated you , Celeste , she mused . Youre more stubborn than I thought . I said nothing . She tilted her head , studying my face like a cat playing with its prey . Do you know why you never got pregnant in the last five years ? My fingers curled instinctively against my stomach , an invisible chill creeping up my spine . Ivy leaned in , her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper . Because I told Atlas I didnt want you to have his child . The world seemed to slow around me . And he listened , she continued , her words like knives carving into my skin . Every morning , when he handed you your vitamins , he was actually giving you birth control . Ivy smiled sweetly , waiting , expecting to see devastation on my face . I didnt give her the satisfaction . I met her gaze , my voice eerily calm . Her smirk faltered slightly , as if my lack of reaction unsettled her . 19:41 Divorced From The Pretender , 8.1 % Chapter 13 I stepped past her , reaching for the door , but I didnt make it . A sudden force slammed into my back . My balance was ripped from beneath me . The world tilted violently as I tumbled forward , my body colliding with cold , hard steps . Pain exploded through me white hot , unbearable . Then a sharper , deeper agony bloomed in my abdomen . I barely managed to turn my head before I saw it a crimson stain spreading beneath me . The pain didnt register immediately , but the realization did . I was losing my baby . When I woke up , I was back in the hospital . It was over . The life inside me was gone . Without a word , I reached for the divorce papers I had prepared weeks ago and placed them on the bed . Then , I walked out of the hospital , out of Atlass life . I got into a taxi , heading straight for the airport . As I reached the gate , just seconds before boarding , my phone buzzed one last time . A message from Atlas . [ Celeste , I cant believe youre still causing trouble for Ivy . Apologize and stop pushing me . ] 19:41 O Divorced From The Pretender In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.