127 The Price of a Lie 127 The Price of a Lie Because Dr. Cruz was right about one thing - she needed to get pregnant . And fast . " Mr. Sterling is many things , but an obstetrician is not one of them ." Dr. Cruz chuckled . " The recording will play while I move the wand over your stomach . I'll point out the head , limbs , even make him listen to a pre - recorded heartbeat . Men are easily fooled in these situations - they see what they expect to see . " Dr. Cruz gestured toward his living room . " Would you like a drink first ? " His eyes darkened with desire . " Have you now ? " In her car , Isabella checked her phone . She had three hours before the charity gala at Bryce Hill's mansion . Bryce had been pursuing her for months , despite knowing about her engagement to Liam . Tonight , she would finally give him what he wanted . Bryce didn't hesitate . " My study is quiet . Follow me in five minutes . " When Bryce finally collapsed into exhausted sleep just before dawn , Isabella lay beside him , staring at the ceiling . She felt hollow inside . Two men in one day - both meaningless to her , both merely tools to achieve her goal . Isabella took the prosthetic , her face twisted with disgust . " This feels so … real . " " Fine ," she whispered , hating herself but seeing no alternative . " But make it quick ." He shrugged and led her to his home office . A large monitor sat on his desk , already displaying what looked like an ultrasound image . " I have the money , " she said without preamble . " Let's get this over with . " This was the price she was willing to pay for Liam Sterling . These were the sacrifices she made for their future together . He would never know how far she had gone , how much she had debased herself for him . Isabella's mind raced through her options . She needed this man's cooperation . The appointment was already scheduled . Liam would be there , expecting to see their baby for the first time . " I've wanted you since the first day I saw you , " he murmured against her neck . 11:29 1/5 127 The Price of a Lie Dr. Cruz moved closer , watching over her shoulder as she input the details . His cologne was overpowering at this distance , making her slightly nauseous . Isabella set down the fake belly and opened her handbag . " I'm transferring it now . She pulled out her phone and opened her banking app . " Fifty thousand dollars , as agreed . The doctor's house was modern and sleek - all glass and sharp angles . He answered the door in casual clothes , a stark contrast to his usual professional appearance . She dressed quickly , avoiding her reflection in the mirror . In Bryce's study, things progressed rapidly . He was eager , passionate , and clearly had been fantasizing about this moment for a long time . " You won't need it yet . At thirteen weeks , most women barely show , especially first pregnancies . Start wearing looser clothes in a few weeks , then gradually increase the size ." He pulled out a silicone belly from a drawer . " This is adjustable . You can gradually pad it more as your ' pregnancy ' progresses . " No matter what it cost her . Isabella stiffened . " That wasn't part of our agreement . " Isabella watched him go , then made her way to the bar for a strong drink . She downed it quickly , needing the liquid courage . " Miss Clairemont ," he said with a smirk . " Come in . " Either way , she would win . She would secure her place as Mrs. Liam Sterling . As she drove home in the pale light of early morning , Isabella touched her flat stomach . By next week , Liam would believe there was a baby growing inside her . Maybe , if she was lucky , there actually would be . " Mmm . Perhaps we could discuss it somewhere more … private ? " Isabella nodded slowly . " And the fake belly ? " Hours later , they had moved to his bedroom . Isabella remained focused on her mission , encouraging him again and again , determined to maximize her chances . Isabella Clairemont glanced nervously around the upscale residential neighborhood as she parked her Mercedes outside Dr. Evan Cruz's home . She checked her makeup one 11:29 < 127 The Price of a Lie last time in the rearview mirror before grabbing her designer handbag . " All for a good cause ." He kept her hand in his , his thumb stroking her skin . " I've been hoping you'd come . " She stepped back , bumping into his desk . " I should go . " " Consider it a bonus . " His hand reached out , fingers trailing down her arm . " You're trying to get pregnant , aren't you ? Liam won't touch you , so you need someone who will . " She forced a seductive smile . " You bring it out in me ." She smiled , forcing warmth into her expression . " This party is magnificent , Bryce . You've outdone yourself . " " Isabella ," he breathed , taking her hand and kissing it . " You look absolutely breathtaking ." She didn't respond , just grabbed her purse and left , slamming the door behind her . Dr. Cruz's hands were on her waist now . " No one needs to know . It would solve all your problems . " Isabella stepped inside , her heels clicking on the polished concrete floors . The interior was minimalist and cold , much like the man himself . Afterwards , Isabella stood in Dr. Cruz's bathroom , furiously scrubbing her skin under the hot shower . Tears of anger and humiliation streamed down her face . She felt dirty , used - but she had what she needed . The fake ultrasound was secured . Isabella closed her eyes , pretending he was Liam . " Then take me . " He checked his own phone , nodding when the deposit notification appeared . " Perfect . " His eyes traveled slowly down her body . " You know , since you're here and paying so generously for my services …" " Should you? " Dr. Cruz moved closer , trapping her against the desk . " Think about it , Isabella . You're desperate enough to fake a pregnancy . Wouldn't it be better to have a real one ? " " I wouldn't miss it . " She leaned closer , whispering , " I've been thinking about your offer . " 11:29 3/5 127 The Price of a Lie " Done , " she said , showing him the confirmation screen . " No. I want to see what I'm paying for . " She slipped out of bed and dressed silently . Her body ached , and her heart felt heavy with the weight of her deception . She closed her eyes , thinking of Liam - handsome , powerful Liam who barely looked at her anymore . Who hadn't touched her in months . " This is what your fiancé will see at our appointment next week ," Dr. Cruz explained , clicking a button that made the image move slightly . " A perfectly healthy thirteen - week fetus . I've made sure the measurements match your supposed timeline ." Isabella leaned closer , studying the grainy black and white image . " And you're sure it will work ? He won't suspect anything ? " " It should . It cost me a fortune . " Dr. Cruz's eyes narrowed . " Speaking of which , it's time for payment . " " You're insatiable ," Bryce gasped after their third round . Dr. Cruz was lounging on his sofa when she emerged . " Same time next week for our appointment , Miss Clairemont . Bring your fiancé and try to look excited about your non - existent baby . " The Hill mansion was lit up like a Christmas tree when she arrived that evening . Isabella had changed into a stunning red gown , cut low in the front and back . She spotted Bryce immediately , his eyes widening as he saw her . 11:29