Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

After Clare hung up with Dustin, she set her phone aside and waited in silence. She was sure he'd come; she really was pregnant, though she knew exactly who the father was.

In the week following their fling, Clare speculated if a baby could tie Dustin down. Yet, Dustin was always so careful-no woman had ever managed to trap him. His precautions were foolproof.

With no other option, Clare turned to another man and got pregnant. She then spun a heartbreaking tale. The supposed kidnappers were out of the picture, leaving no one to debunk her story. Her tears were so convincing, Dustin was bound to believe her. She'd checked his social media; he was now the proud dad of a boy and a girl. His life seemed so perfect, making her own situation-carrying another man's child-seem all the more tragic.

Considering Dustin had recently rescued her, she figured he'd show her some compassion.

True to form, Dustin showed up.

The moment Clare saw him, tears welled up and spilled over. "Dustin."

Dustin looked concerned, seeing her in such light clothing, like she'd just arrived from a colder part of North America. It was deep winter. Wasn't she freezing?

He shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around her, his brow furrowed. "The doctors checked you before. Why didn't you say anything?"

Clare lowered her gaze. "I just couldn't."

Dustin opened the car door. "Let's get you to a hospital. You've got a big following now; we need somewhere discreet."

Clare got into the car, shivering.

"It's okay. I just want to arrange for an abortion. It's not your child, so don't worry. I can't keep it, a child with no known father. Dustin, can you help me book it? I'm sorry for bothering you. I saw your social media; you seem really happy." Her tears flowed again.

Dustin gripped the steering wheel, his tone softening. "I'll talk to the doctor. What about afterwards? Going back?"

Clare shook her head, her tears falling even harder.

"If I go back now, I'll be found out. I've got a two-month leave, so I can stay in Beaconsfield to recover. But I'm not familiar with the area. Not sure where the nice neighborhoods are." Dustin glanced at her in the rearview mirror.

"After the surgery, I'll take you to a property I own in Beaconsfield. It's empty; you can stay there for now."

Clare had already returned the black

card Dustin gave her that night via Cefusing to take any benefits that encounter.

from

Dustin's offer now was just to make up for that night.

"That villa's yours now. Take care of yourself."

Clare's eyes brightened, her lips curling into a small smile. "Thank you."

Once they reached the hospital, Dustin found a doctor he knew to handle Clare's procedure.

The surgery was quick, but Clare, after a long night, wasn't feeling great and decided to stay the night at the hospital.

Dustin was ready to leave until the

doctor asked, "Miss, do you havez anyone with you? You're not in great shape, and there might be injections later. The side effects can be painful." en

"I'm fine."

Hearing this, Dustin stayed, sitting in the hallway outside.

At 3 a.m., after Clare was given an injection and cried out, Dustin went in to hand her a tissue.

"Dustin, sorry for keeping you from home."

Dustin sat down, his face calm. "The kids have a nanny, and Emma's understanding. She won't ask about my whereabouts." Clare forced a smile. "Your fiancée sounds wonderful. Got a date set?"

"Not yet. We'll wait until she's better."

This meant Clare still had a shot. She could play on Dustin's guilt.

She couldn't accept not being Dustin's chosen one, especially when another woman suddenly appeared, pregnant.

It all boiled down to luck, didn't it?

Clare knew she had changed,

especially after hearing Dustin say he just wanted to settle down, t seemed that woman was just a bit luckier than the rest. noveldrama