Ruin Me Slowly

Chapter 19

Jane POV

Moving into Carter’s apartment was… strange.

It wasn’t like my father’s mansion. That place had cold marble floors, paintings worth more than some people’s lives, and a silence that made your skin crawl. It was too big. Too empty.

Carter’s place was different.

Still big—don’t get me wrong—but warm. There were soft blankets on the couch, random mugs in the kitchen, and sunlight spilling through the windows in a way that made it feel like home. I had my own room, but Carter insisted I could take the master if I wanted to. I didn’t.

The first morning I was there, Carter handed me his black card like it was no big deal.

“Go get whatever you need,” he said, sipping his coffee. “Clothes, baby stuff, vitamins… oh, and something nice to wear tonight.”

“Tonight?” I blinked. “What’s tonight?”

“Dinner,” he said casually. “With my family.”

My stomach dropped.

“Carter—” I started.

“I know,” he cut in, standing up. “But it’s important. And it’ll mean a lot if you come.”

I nodded slowly, the card heavy in my hand.

I knew his family hated me.

Especially Rosie.

But Carter was trying. He was standing beside me, even when the world wanted to tear us apart. I could do this—for him. For our baby.

I spent the morning shopping. I grabbed a soft beige maternity dress for dinner, some stretchy jeans and tank tops, and a pair of flats that didn’t cut into my ankles. Then I went to my ultrasound appointment.

I walked into the clinic alone, arms wrapped tightly around myself, nervous.

“Jane Ellis?” the nurse called out.

I followed her into the exam room, my palms sweaty.

“You’ll hear the heartbeat today,” the nurse smiled. “You excited?”

“Terrified,” I admitted.

She chuckled and helped me get settled.

A few minutes later, the doctor came in, smiling warmly. “Alright, let’s take a look at your little one.”

I turned my head to the screen as he moved the probe over my belly. Static. Then shapes. Then—

“Oh,” he said.

My eyes widened. “Oh?”

He smiled. “Congratulations, Ms. Ellis. You’re having twins.”

I stared at him, my jaw nearly dropping. “What?”

“Two heartbeats,” he confirmed, pointing to the screen. “Two babies. Fraternal, most likely. Everything looks great.”

Tears welled in my eyes as the sound of two strong heartbeats filled the room.

Two.

Two babies.

I left the clinic in a daze, clutching the print-out of the ultrasound like it was a piece of gold. I kept staring at it, my chest tight, my heart fluttering. I was scared, but also amazed. Somehow, in all this mess… two lives were growing inside me.

I was starving afterward, so I stopped by a local diner. Small place. Red booths. The kind of place that smelled like coffee and fries all day.

I slid into a booth near the window and ordered a grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Simple. Warm. Safe.

Or so I thought.

I was halfway through my sandwich when the door opened and I saw flashes outside. Then the door opened again—and suddenly, I was surrounded.

Paparazzi.

They were shouting my name, snapping photos, crowding around the booth.

“Jane! Jane, are the rumors true?”

“How does the King family feel about the baby?”

“Is Carter forcing the marriage?!”

I panicked.

My hands shook as I tried to shield my face.

“Please—stop,” I said, voice trembling.

Then, suddenly—arms wrapped around me.

I froze. And I smelled it. That cologne. That voice. “Sweetheart,” a smooth voice cooed near my ear. “There you are.”

I turned my head slowly—and saw him.

My father.

Richard Ellis.

He smiled at the cameras, holding me like he hadn’t ruined my life.

“Dad?” I gasped, stiffening. “What are you—?”

“Smile,” he whispered through his teeth. “If you don’t want something bad to happen to your precious husband and his family.”

I looked up at him, my blood running cold.

“What?”

“Smile,” he hissed again. “Now.”