Between Love and Uncertainty

Chapter 1

Elena Rivers had just finished her shower, her delicate fingers fastening the silk straps of her nightwear. She moved to the bedside table and glanced at her phone.
Sebastian Ford wouldn't be coming back tonight, would he?
As she lay back on the bed and closed her eyes, her fingertips grazed the soft curve of her abdomen, a mixture of joy, excitement, and uncertainty swirling within her.
She couldn't shake off the doctor's words from earlier that day—
"The exam results have come in. You're just under two months along, and the pregnancy is still unstable. Do you want to keep it, or consider terminating it?"
She hadn’t given the doctor a definite answer because she wasn't entirely sure herself.
While she felt an overwhelming sense of anticipation at the thought of becoming a mother for the first time, it was daunting as well.
This would be her first child, conceived after over a year of marriage to Sebastian. After all they had been through, this was their sole tie beyond the marriage certificate.
...
The soft glow of the night lamp illuminated the bedroom when Elena heard the sound of a key turning in the lock.
Moments later, a tall, solid figure loomed over her.
His fingers were cool against her skin, making her fully awaken.
“Sebastian…” she sensed an unsettling vibe from him, but before she could finish her thought, his lips silenced her.
The kiss from Sebastian Ford wasn’t forceful; it retained the same coolness that enveloped him, tinged with a hint of mint.
Elena’s body tensed with a sudden chill. She instinctively raised her hand to stop him. “Sebastian… no!”
The doctor had just said she was pregnant, that she shouldn't...
Sebastian paused at her words.
In the enveloping darkness, his deep, dark eyes studied her with an inscrutable intensity, waves of emotion swirling in their depths.
“What’s wrong?” His voice was low, slightly hoarse, tinged with a hint of displeasure.
No man relishes being interrupted like this.
Especially Sebastian Ford, the heir of the Ford family, the most sought-after bachelor in town.
Elena couldn't bring herself to tell Sebastian about her pregnancy. Instead, she swallowed hard before whispering a lie, “I… I wasn't feeling well today and went to the hospital for a check-up…”
The stillness of the room magnified their breaths, and Elena felt her heart race. She couldn’t bear to meet Sebastian's gaze, aware that he awaited her explanation.
She stammered, “The doctor said I have a minor gynecological issue, and it's best to avoid… avoid any… intimacy…”
Even if she hadn’t articulated what she meant, Sebastian understood.
His piercing gaze lingered on her uneasy expression, as though he were weighing the truth of her words.
Elena knew she had to be clever; Sebastian was not someone easily fooled. Eventually, he would learn about her hospital visit. It made more sense to play along...
Telling him that “pregnancy” was actually a “gynecological issue.”
With his well-known germophobia, Sebastian would never push her in this context…
“I’m sorry…” Elena pressed her lips together, responding quietly.
For a moment, Sebastian fell silent, his eyes locked onto her, and then abruptly, his heavy frame rolled away from her, like a wild stallion finally subdued.
With a swift motion, he turned off the bedside lamp, then gently tucked her in, ordering, “Get some sleep!”

Chapter 2

This was the first time Elena Rivers had turned down Sebastian Ford.
Though Sebastian said nothing, Elena could feel a hint of displeasure radiating from him.
The next morning, Sebastian was gone.
Cocooned in her blankets, Elena stared blankly into nothingness, her once-bright eyes dimmed.
In the days that followed, Sebastian didn’t return.
Elena sat on a small stool in the corner of the set, her mind elsewhere as she flipped through the script, stumbling over her lines.
"You're just a pet he keeps around. What makes you think you deserve his love? If it weren't for the fact that you helped his family, he wouldn't even look your way… let alone marry you."
Reading these lines, the light in Elena's eyes faded further.
Wasn't her relationship with Sebastian just like this?
Lost in her thoughts, a sudden nudge at her elbow jolted her back to reality.
"Lydia Ashford, her agent, spoke briskly. “Elena, come on! Director Xavier said Clara Fairchild can't make it. We need someone who can step in temporarily, and I recommended you. Let’s move!”
Clara was the lead in this production, a rising star in the entertainment world.
“But I’ve never even played a lead role…”
Elena’s protest was cut short as Lydia pushed her along. “Come on! Who do you think started as a lead? Opportunities aren’t just handed out; you have to grab them.”
Elena was pulled directly in front of Director Xavier, where Lydia couldn’t contain her excitement in introducing her.
“Director Xavier, meet Elena. She may not be well-known yet, but her acting skills are impressive. Why don’t you let her audition?”
Lydia discreetly pinched Elena’s arm as a nudge to snap out of it.
As she collected herself and made eye contact with the middle-aged man assessing her, she greeted confidently, “Hello, Director Xavier.”
The script in the Director’s hands had been nearly crumpled, and several producers and assistants exchanged skeptical looks, assessing if this plain-looking woman in flats and jeans could carry the lead role.
Under their scrutiny, Elena felt exposed, like she was standing there naked without a hint of concealment.
But she found her courage. “Director Xavier, I promise I’ll give my best…”
Since Lydia was putting in so much effort to create this opportunity for her, she wouldn’t let her agent down.
As she steadied her breath, the Director finally spoke.
“Alright, go ahead and give it a shot.”
In a world where aspiring actresses often lose their composure, the Director couldn't help but take a second look at Elena before gesturing to the crew, “Let’s set the lights.”
Elena exhaled softly, while Lydia discreetly gave her a thumbs-up. She pressed her lips together, following the makeup artist and stylist to get ready.
...
A few hours later, as praise flowed from everyone, Elena finished her shooting.
The directors huddled together, reviewing the scenes, and there was no mistaking the appreciative looks on their faces. From her physicality to her control over the dialogue, Elena delivered an utterly flawless performance.
In fact, she brought more vibrancy to the role than the initially chosen Clara Fairchild.
“Wow, Elena, you’re like my ultimate idol!”
Once she left the dressing room, Lydia enveloped her in a huge bear hug, showering her with kisses. “I was so into it, I almost cried!”
Lydia pointed at her own eyes, demonstrating the tears she was faking.
“Was I really that good?” Elena laughed, bemused.
“Absolutely! Don’t believe me? Ask the Director.” Lydia raised her eyebrows triumphantly. “You were way better than Clara.”
Not far away, a black SUV pulled to a stop, an assistant holding an umbrella outside.
A woman stepped out, her long, graceful legs stopping short as her beautiful eyes scanned the bustling set. Finally, her gaze locked onto Elena and Lydia.
“Seriously? How could this nobody think she’s a star? She’s just an unknown actress, yet here she is trying to take my place? Not to mention that the Director bypassed me and cast her without even asking.” Clara’s assistant frowned, clearly unimpressed.
Clara’s smile faded slowly, and with a flick of her hair, she donned her heels and walked over confidently.
“Is that so? She did act better than me.” Clara’s clear voice rang out before she even reached them.
Fans gathered eagerly, bursting into cheers, “Clara! Clara! Our goddess!”
The directors and producers exchanged shocked glances, their expressions mirroring the confusion of the crew, "Wasn’t Clara supposed to be unavailable? How is she here now?"
Elena and Lydia exchanged puzzled looks as well.
Clara—why was she suddenly here?
Before they could fully process, Clara, striding confidently in her heels, suddenly stood directly in front of Elena, raised her hand, and slapped her hard across the face. The sound reverberated through the air, her ears ringing with a fiery sting.
The slap was unexpected and clear, leaving everyone stunned.
The director's team looked on in disbelief; nobody had anticipated Clara would take such drastic action.

Chapter 3

“Elena, are you okay?” Lydia Ashford said anxiously, pulling Elena Rivers behind her as a shield. Her voice was laced with anger. “Clara Fairchild, what was that all about?”
“What do you mean? I just thought that last scene was dull. Real fights are far more engaging than fake ones… don’t you think? I was merely teaching the newbies how to learn by, well, experiencing things firsthand,” Clara Fairchild said, her red lips curling into a sly smile.
“You’re crossing the line.” Lydia Ashford tried to step forward to confront her, but was gently held back by Elena Rivers, who gestured for her not to escalate the situation.
Lydia bit her lip, her expression darkening. She suddenly looked up at Clara Fairchild with a forced smile and said, “Miss Clara, that was quite a ‘performance.’ With so many media outlets around, shouldn’t we invite some of them in for an interview?”
Clara Fairchild brushed off Lydia’s disdain with a calm and radiant smile, playfully rolling her wrists. “I don’t mind at all. But if you’re going to talk about acting, standing there like a statue doesn’t inspire confidence in your understanding of the art.”
Elena Rivers furrowed her brow, her complexion draining of color. She might have been feeling faint...
Thinking Elena was frightened, Lydia was about to say more when Clara Fairchild flared her wrist teasingly. “If you think my demonstration was lacking, I don’t mind doing it again…”
Before she could finish, Clara’s hand was already raised.
Lydia’s eyes widened in shock. “You…”
She could hardly believe Clara Fairchild was so brazen.
Elena Rivers braced herself, half-expecting another slap, her face instinctively turning away in an attempt to evade the blow, but there was nowhere to hide.
Before Clara’s hand could connect, it was caught mid-air by a long, elegant hand, as a smooth, cold voice cut through the tension. “On-site demonstrations? It appears Miss Clara is quite confident in her skills.”
At the sound of that voice, Elena’s heart skipped a beat.
She knew that rich, deep voice all too well.
Sebastian Ford.
What was he doing… here?
Elena’s eyes widened as she looked up, taking in the sight of a man clad in crisply pressed dress pants, his tall figure tapering sharply beneath a coat. Underneath the tousled hair, his indifferent eyes held a penetrating gaze, his strong jawline giving him an air of icy authority.
The director snapped back to reality, hurried over with the producer, and was all politeness as they stammered, “Sir Edmund, what a surprise! You didn’t send anyone to inform us. Look, we’re still in the middle of filming.”
“Yes, Sir Edmund! It’s a bit chaotic here; why don’t we step out back to talk?” the producer chimed in eagerly.
Following Sebastian Ford were several middle-aged men in suits, evidently executives of the corporation. Two women, looking like secretaries, scribbled notes, likely for the supervisory review of investment projects.
Confused, they glanced at the scene, unsure why Sebastian had suddenly made a ‘stop’ gesture before striding to the center of the filming grounds.
Assistant Ethan Blake stepped up quickly, wearing an apologetic smile while smoothing out his suit with disciplined hands. Clearing his throat, he hurried to catch up. “Sir… Sir Edmund… Everyone is still waiting.”
Sebastian Ford’s brow furrowed slightly, and he gave Clara Fairchild a fleeting glance before releasing her wrist.
“I don’t want to see anything like today’s incident again. I hope you will focus on producing the show rather than engaging in power plays among the actors. Otherwise… JF Corporation can withdraw their funding at any time.”
Sebastian Ford’s voice was cold, each word deliberate and clear, resonating with every person present.
The producer’s face turned pale. “Sir Edmund, please don’t—”
“Sir Edmund… we were indeed discussing acting. I was helping a newcomer learn how to make fight scenes feel authentic. I might’ve hit a bit too hard, but I was not lying,” Clara Fairchild interjected eagerly.
She knew this drama was funded by Sebastian Ford, but she never imagined the president of the renowned JF Corporation could be so young, not to mention that his aura and looks overshadowed every man she had ever met.
It was undeniable; she felt a flicker of attraction.
He embodied the quintessential bachelor of high society.

Chapter 4

"I don't have time for your excuses, Clara." His deep, melodic voice cut through the air, laced with a hint of disdain.
"And..." he paused, his gaze drifting over Clara’s shoulder, "you seem to have quite the entourage."
Clara's complexion turned pale, nearly causing her to stumble back.
She had nearly ten assistants and guards behind her, plus a manager accompanying her. By comparison, Elena appeared much more vulnerable, with only Lydia, her manager, by her side.
"But..." Clara tried to explain herself.
Sebastian didn't have the patience to listen. He tugged at his tie, Adam's apple bobbing slightly as he spoke just one word, "Let's go."
He turned to leave, his eyes never once meeting Elena's until—
"Elena? Are you okay? You look really pale. Do you have a fever?" Lydia quickly reached out to steady Elena, who felt as if even a gentle breeze could knock her down.
Elena shook her head, her voice weak. "No..."
Yet, cold sweat was already beading on her pale forehead.
The discomfort in her abdomen intensified, making her feel as though she might faint any second.
Sebastian stopped, turning his head slightly and taking in every subtle expression of endurance and pain on Elena’s face.
"I should get you to the hospital, Elena!" Lydia exclaimed, ready to support her.
But Elena's body gave in like a leaf blowing away, and Lydia gasped—Sebastian was behind her!
She reached out to grab Elena, but it was too late.
Elena collided straight into Sebastian's chest, his brows furrowed as he instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist to catch her mid-fall.
The familiar scent of mint overwhelmed Elena, and she panicked!
Sebastian!
"I'm so... sorry, I didn't mean to..." she stammered, trying to pull herself upright, but fate had other plans, and she toppled back again.
This time, Sebastian scooped her up in a princess carry, preventing her from hitting the ground in an ungraceful heap.
The scene unfolded too quickly; by the time Elena realized, her hands were tightly grasping Sebastian's neck.
Silence blanketed the room for three seconds.
"Elena..." Lydia was taken aback, her hand reaching out in a helpless gesture mid-air.
"Sebastian..." Ethan's expression mirrored the disbelief of everyone else.
Elena was stunned, her heart racing wildly, and her cheeks burned. She wanted to yell for Sebastian to put her down, but found herself tongue-tied, unable to voice a word.
Sebastian showed no signs of letting her go, still holding her securely.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she heard his cold, indifferent voice in her ear, "Ethan, go bring the car around."
With that, he strode away, holding Elena firmly in his arms.
Gasps erupted all around!
The producer and director could hardly believe their eyes, while Lydia stood frozen in shock.
Fans who had gathered outside to support the film quickly pulled out their smartphones to capture the moment. "Oh my gosh! This is huge news!"
"Who is that woman being carried away by Sebastian? I'm so curious! He just ditched Clara for an unknown actress? Am I seeing this right?"
"I looked it up—her name's... Elena Rivers?"
What a strange name!
Only Clara, inundated with whispers around her, felt her slender nails digging into her palm, resentment and fury spilling out of her lips like venom, "Elena Rivers!"
How dare she steal my spotlight today! Even a man like Sebastian is doting on her—this woman is not getting away with this!

Chapter 5

“Sir Edmund… what’s going on?” One of the board members waiting for Sebastian Ford was visibly taken aback when he emerged holding a woman in his arms.
Without a flicker of emotion, he replied, “We’re pausing today’s project review. We’ll resume tomorrow.”
With those words, he acknowledged the question.
Ethan Blake had already parked the Bentley at the side entrance of Crossroads Town. Elena Rivers was helped inside, and soon after, Sebastian settled in beside her. Despite the warmth of the car’s heating system, an unsettling chill radiated from him.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to trouble you…”
Elena genuinely felt unwell; pain throbbed slightly in her lower abdomen, which had caused her to inadvertently fall against him.
“If you’re feeling ill, then don’t come into work. The family doesn’t need the money.” He leaned back, appearing exhausted as he closed his eyes, his lips moving slightly.
Elena stiffened at his words.
Sure, the Ford family had no lack of cash, but she did.
What she desired was to be a self-reliant Mrs. Ford, not a housewife dependent on her husband, ignorant of the world outside her home.
“Sebastian…” She attempted to voice his name, her tone crystal clear.
His eyes snapped open, a cold glare that filled the car pressing down upon her like a physical weight. He turned his head to look at her.
“Hmm?”
“Well…” Elena bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before asking softly, “Do you… want children?”
He paused, clearly caught off guard, his gaze fixating on her small, delicate face, his eyes darkening.
Elena’s heartbeat quickened, “I was just asking. I didn’t mean anything by it…”
His eyes lingered on her for a moment before he composed himself. He rubbed his neck, his voice now lacking the earlier frostiness.
“Not for the time being.”
Her heart plunged at his answer, leaving Elena with a bittersweet sense of loss spreading throughout her body.
Was she sad?
Deep down, she knew it pained her, yet she also understood the nature of their marriage; feeling sad had no place here.
It was her dream to marry him, to love him, which meant her role in this marriage would forever be humble.
Time slipped by while the car drove. Suddenly, pain surged through Elena’s abdomen, causing her to frown in discomfort.
Her hand, resting on her lap, felt warm and damp; when she opened it, a troubling trickle of blood appeared.
What was happening to her?
Panic began to rise within Elena. As she caught a glimpse of the Rivers Estate approaching, she called out, “Stop the car!”
“What’s wrong?” Sebastian’s eyes shifted to her, his once sharp gaze now dulled into a calm depth.
Yet, the weight of his presence still felt oppressive.
“I…” Elena gritted her teeth against the pain, forcing a smile. “Isn’t that my home right there? Can we stop? It’s been a while since I’ve seen my parents, and I miss them.”
Sebastian furrowed his brow but instructed Ethan nonetheless, “Make a U-turn up ahead.”
“Yes, sir.”
A moment after the car was in motion again, before it had fully stopped, Elena stumbled out the moment the door opened. She hurriedly pressed her palm against the door, glancing back at the window with a hint of guilt. “You don’t have to come in. I’ll stay the night and head back tomorrow.”
Sebastian, poised to exit, froze in place.

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