*Chloe's POV*
The words hit me like a physical blow. I stare at Gabriel, certain I've misheard him.
"What did you just say?"
Gabriel's eyes are soft, filled with an emotion I've never seen before. He squeezes my hands tighter.
"I said I want to raise the baby. As my own."
"But Gabriel, you were so angry before. You said your grandfather would never accept—"
"I lied."
The confession stops my breathing. "You lied?"
"About my grandfather demanding the abortion. I made it up because I was jealous." His voice breaks slightly. "The thought of you carrying another man's child drove me crazy."
My heart pounds against my ribs. "So your grandfather doesn't care?"
"He wants heirs, Chloe. He doesn't care where they come from."
I pull my hands away and stand up abruptly. "I don't understand. Why would you lie about something so important?"
Gabriel's face crumples with what looks like genuine remorse. "Because I was scared. Scared of losing you. Scared of raising Noah's child."
