It had been a month since everything had spiraled out of control. Luke lay in the hospital, plotting relentlessly. While his body healed, his mind worked overtime, fueled by vengeance. He had his assistant research every detail about Eric Hart, from his business to his personal life. Luke’s plan was simple: destroy everything Eric held dear, piece by piece.

Meanwhile, Eric’s focus was split between running his company and obsessing over the information Tim had gathered on Emily. He and Tim had brainstormed endlessly, trying to figure out how to reach her, to explain what had really happened that night. Eric couldn’t stop thinking about her—the way she had vanished, the unanswered questions between them. He knew he had to fix things, but he wasn’t sure how.

As for Emily, she had thrown herself into her schoolwork and long hours at her parents' medical practice. She spent time with Rachel, trying to push the memory of that night to the back of her mind. But it wasn’t easy. The flashes of what happened with Eric, the confusion, and the fear—it still lingered, haunting her in quiet moments.

And lately, Emily had been feeling unusually exhausted, drained in a way she couldn’t explain. Her appetite had diminished, and she barely had the energy to get through the day. Something wasn’t right.

Emily had been resting on the couch, staring blankly at the TV. Fatigue weighed her down, and no matter how much she tried to shake it, she couldn’t.

"Rach," Emily called weakly, "I’m going to lie down in my room for a bit. Can you wake me in an hour?"

Rachel, noticing the pallor in Emily’s face, frowned with concern. "Em, are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been run down lately. Maybe you should go to the doctor."

"I’m fine," Emily insisted, though even she wasn’t sure. "I just need sleep. School and work have been too much lately."

Rachel watched her friend disappear into her bedroom, the worry gnawing at her. Something was off, and she knew it.

Twenty minutes later, a sound of retching came from the bathroom.

Rachel rushed in to find Emily hunched over the toilet, her body trembling as she threw up.

“Em!” Rachel cried, kneeling beside her. “This isn’t normal. You’ve been feeling off for weeks, and now you’re throwing up? You need to see a doctor.”

Emily wiped her mouth, still pale and shaky. “I’m fine... just need rest.”

But before she could protest any further, her vision blurred, and she swayed dangerously, nearly fainting.

Rachel grabbed her just in time. "That’s it! You’re going to the doctor, whether you like it or not."

Emily’s resistance melted as exhaustion overtook her. “Okay,” she whispered weakly. “I’ll go.”

“You’re so stubborn, Em,” Rachel muttered as she helped her friend to the car, her tone a mix of worry and affection.

At the doctor’s office, Rachel checked Emily in while they waited quietly in the crowded waiting room. Emily leaned her head on Rachel’s shoulder, her stomach still churning.

“You okay?” Rachel asked, stroking her friend’s hair gently.

Emily nodded weakly. “I feel awful, but I’ll be okay.”

“Lay your head down. Rest a bit,” Rachel urged, trying to comfort her.

Emily closed her eyes, letting the warmth of Rachel’s presence calm her nerves, even as anxiety fluttered in her chest.

The nurse led them into a room, offering Emily a bag in case she felt sick again. Emily slumped onto the examination bed, clutching her stomach as the pain returned in waves.

The doctor entered, his demeanor calm but attentive. “Hello, I hear you’re not feeling well. Let’s take a look.”

He listened to Emily’s heartbeat, checked her vitals, and then began asking questions. “What symptoms are you having?”

“I thought it was just stress from school and work,” Emily explained, her voice hoarse. “But I’m always exhausted, can’t eat much, and now I’m throwing up.”

The doctor paused thoughtfully. “I have a hunch about what’s going on, but to be certain, we’ll need to run some tests—a urine sample and some blood work.”

Emily nodded, her anxiety increasing. She followed the doctor’s instructions, and after a long wait, he returned with the results.

“I have your results,” the doctor began, his voice steady. “Congratulations, Miss Leroux... you’re pregnant.”

The room fell silent.

Emily’s breath caught in her throat. She stared at the doctor, then at Rachel, who looked equally stunned. “What?”

“Pregnant?” Rachel repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emily shook her head, her mind spinning. “Are you sure? I... I’ve never had...” She stopped mid-sentence as a memory flashed through her mind. That night. The flashes of Eric’s hands on her body, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

No, no, no... Emily thought, trying to push the memory away. But she couldn’t deny it. That night with Eric—it had happened. And now... this.

Her face flushed with disbelief, and she turned to Rachel, her eyes wide with panic.

Rachel, sensing her distress, rubbed her back soothingly. “It’s okay, Em. We’ll figure this out. You’re not alone.”

The doctor, sensing the emotional weight of the news, offered a gentle smile. “I know this is surprising, but it’s important to take care of yourself. I’ve prescribed vitamins to help with the morning sickness, and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

Emily nodded numbly, barely hearing the doctor’s words. As he left the room, she turned to Rachel, her voice barely a whisper. “How did this happen? One night... how can one night lead to this?”

Rachel took Emily’s hand, her voice soft but steady. “You don’t have to make any decisions now. Whatever you choose, I’ll be by your side.”

Emily stared at her, horrified at the thought of terminating the pregnancy. “I can’t... I can’t do that. I can’t kill a life.”

Rachel squeezed her hand. “Okay. We’ll figure this out together. But what about your parents? And... Eric?”

Emily’s stomach churned again, but this time it wasn’t from sickness. It was fear. “I don’t know, Rachel. I can’t face any of them right now.”

Rachel nodded in understanding. “Let’s just get you home. I’ll make you something light to eat, and we’ll take it one step at a time.”

Emily sighed deeply, her mind still reeling from the news. “Please... just keep this between us until I figure out what to do.”

“Of course, Em,” Rachel said, standing up. “You know I’ve got your back.”

As they left the doctor’s office and headed home, Emily couldn’t shake the overwhelming reality of what had happened. One night. One mistake. And now her life would never be the same.