Five Months Later
Five full months had passed.
Things had settled into a rhythm, and Bree's growing bump was now impossible to hide. She wore oversized clothes, trying to mask it—but her effort was in vain. At just five months, her belly was already large.
She hated it.
Despite the compliments—"You look so beautiful pregnant," or "You're glowing!"—Bree couldn't shake the discomfort. The truth was simple: she was carrying twins, and that came with double the weight, double the discomfort, and double the anxiety.
Through it all, Avery had stepped in as her "husband"—her support system. She had been everything Bree needed. From rubbing her back when the cramps hit, to running out in the middle of the night for weird cravings, Avery had been there.
Since that night five months ago, Braddy had stayed only two more days before leaving.
She was hurt.
Not just because Bree was pregnant, but because she felt her daughter was choosing to deprive her unborn children of a father's love.
They spoke occasionally over the phone. Braddy only promised to return to New York once Bree gave birth.
Ayden's Mansion
Ayden was dressed sharply for work.
With his phones and laptop bag in hand, he stepped into the private elevator. The metal doors opened to the ground floor, and he walked toward the dining area.
The table was already set. As he sat, a young woman approached with a serving spoon.
Ayden caught her wrist mid-motion.
"Who are you?" he asked coldly.
"I'm Matilda, sir. The new chef. I replaced Jane last night," she said quickly, head bowed.
"Were you not informed of the rules in this mansion?" Ayden's voice turned icier.
"I'm sorry, sir. I arrived late last night and haven't been briefed yet."
"Mike!" Ayden barked.
Within seconds, Mike—his mansion butler, a man in his early fifties—appeared.
"Good morning, Master," he greeted.
"Mike, remind me—what's your most important duty when a new worker arrives?"
"I inform them of the mansion rules… and your preferences, Master."
"Then why was she serving my food?"
"I apologize. She had just arrived after a long journey, so I planned to brief her this morning. Matilda, understand this—Master doesn't allow anyone to touch his food or belongings."
"I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again," Matilda said, bowing.
"Leave," Ayden ordered.
The two hurried away before he changed his mind.
He served himself: seafood noodles with a thick sauce whose origin he didn't recognize.
He ate quietly.
Then left for work.
Blake Corporation – Ayden's Office
Ayden arrived at the company and used his private elevator—one that led directly to his top-floor office.
The floor was eerily quiet. No assistants. No noise. This floor belonged to him alone.
He entered the sleek office and took his seat, immediately grabbing his phone.
"Bring me coffee," he said into the phone, then ended the call.
Minutes later, Ryan brought it in and left without a word.
Ayden sipped.
Then he got to work.
Minutes later.
Then it started.
His palms began to itch. Then the soles of his feet. Within minutes, the itching spread across his entire body.
Uncomfortable, Ayden took off his jacket, unbuttoned his shirt collar, and rolled up his sleeves.
That's when he saw it—his skin was swelling. Angry red blotches appeared everywhere.
He opened his phone camera.
His face was puffing up. His eyes turning red.
He reached for his contacts, struggling to dial, when the door burst open.
"Xander. Call Michael. Now," Ayden croaked as Xander and Adrian walked in.
"Ayden, holy sh*t. You look horrible," Adrian said, rushing forward.
"What the hell happened?" Xander asked, already pulling out his phone.
"Come to Blake Corporation. Emergency," Xander said quickly into the phone, then hung up.
They helped Ayden to his feet.
"Adrian—open the room."
Adrian moved fast, pressing a code into the wall panel. A section of the wall slid open, revealing a hidden doorway.
It led into Ayden's private room—an opulent apartment within his office, reserved for late nights or emergencies. Few knew of its existence.
It had a kitchen, living room, bedroom, walk-in closet, and bathroom. Every inch screamed wealth and privacy.
They laid Ayden on the bed.
"What triggered this?" Adrian asked, visibly worried.
"I don't know," Ayden groaned. "It just started… itching… all over."
Moments later, Dr. Michael arrived.
"What's wrong?" he asked urgently.
"It's Ayden," Xander answered. "He's reacting to something."
Michael rushed over. One look and his face tightened.
This wasn't the first time he'd seen it.
"Tell me what you ate for breakfast," Michael asked.
"Noodles. Seafood. And some sauce."
"What kind of sauce?"
"I don't know. Just give me something. It hurts," Ayden said through clenched teeth.
"Shut up. I need to be sure before I prescribe anything," Michael snapped.
"Adrian, call Mike. Ask him what sauce the chef used."
Adrian dialed immediately.
"Mike, put the chef on. Now."
"One moment, sir." Mike handed the phone to Matilda in the kitchen.
"Good day, sir," she said nervously.
"What sauce did you use this morning?" Adrian asked.
"Peanut sauce, sir…"
"F**k," Adrian muttered and hung up. He turned to Michael.
"It was peanut sauce."
"She wasn't informed?" Xander asked.
"She's new," Adrian explained.
Michael sighed.
"You need to get a personal nutritionist before this kills you," he said, opening his bag. He began applying cream to Ayden's skin and handed him some medication.
Ayden nodded, his eyes fluttering shut as exhaustion pulled him under.