I let out a yawn while stretching, welcoming the new day. The morning sun poured into the room, wrapping everything in golden warmth. I had a smile on my face — and I wasn't even sure why. But it had been a while since I smiled like that… not since I left the mansion after we swapped back.
"Good morning, pumpkin," I whispered to my stomach, gently rubbing it.
I threw the duvet off and stood up, heading into the bathroom to freshen up. When I came back, I noticed some clothes neatly folded on the bed, with a small note on top.
From Selena.
I shrugged and slipped into the outfit. A soft cream blouse and a pair of loose cotton trousers that felt surprisingly comfortable. The kind of comfortable that lets you forget things for a second.
I stood in front of the mirror, checking how it fit. To my surprise, I liked it. I liked how it looked on me — on this version of me. Not the sister. Not the double. Just me. For once.
I found myself striking a small pose, then another. I smiled a little, just quietly appreciating the moment until a voice broke it.
"I believe you look absolutely stunning."
I jumped, my heart lurching to my throat. I turned around sharply, glare ready.
"I thought I told you to stop sneaking up on me!" I snapped, my voice sharper than intended. "And what are you doing in my room?"
Killian stood by the door, leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest like he had all the time in the world. That infuriating smirk tugged at his lips.
"I knocked," he said casually. "No response."
He raised his hands in mock surrender.
"I just came to let you know breakfast is ready. Also… your parents are here."
My expression didn't change. "You could've sent a maid. Or my sister. Just saying."
I rolled my eyes and turned to adjust my blouse in the mirror, but he moved before I could step away. His hand grabbed my arm gently, pulling me back — into him.
His chest met my back, and I tensed immediately.
"You should stop rolling your eyes at me," he murmured near my ear, voice low, unhurried. "It's not nice."
A shiver ran through me before I caught myself.
"Mr. Reign," I said, louder this time. "This is inappropriate."
I wriggled out of his hold, walked over to the bed, and picked up my phone, steadying my breathing.
"Thanks for the info. And now, I'd like you to leave."
"I'm sorry," he said simply, turning toward the door. But then I ruined it.
"Good boy," I muttered under my breath.
He paused.
I froze.
I didn't even mean to say it — it just slipped out.
He turned around and approached me again, slow, calm. He stopped just behind me, so close I could feel the heat off his skin.
"I'm beginning to notice a pattern," he whispered, his tone darker now. "And I hope it's not what I'm thinking. Because it won't end well."
And then he walked out of the room, leaving a trail of tension behind him.
God.
He was suspecting something.
Us.
I stood there for a few more seconds, trying to gather myself. Then I cleared my throat, adjusted my blouse again, and patted down my trousers like they were the problem.
If he was getting suspicious, I needed to kill it — now.
***********************
The dining room was full of voices and clinking cutlery when I entered. Conversations floated across the room. I walked over to where my parents were seated and greeted them with a quick, respectful smile. My mother gave me a look — a soft warning in her eyes — and I nodded slightly. I understood.
There were other seats available, but only one made sense — beside Killian, on his left. Taking any of the other open spots would've drawn attention, and that was the last thing I needed.
I slipped into the seat quietly.
"Here," my mom said, standing to help dish food onto a plate for me. She handed it over with a tired smile.
"Thank you, Mom," I murmured, my voice calm but tight.
I was just picking up my fork when Selena spoke up.
"Dad, I have some news."
Her voice was bright. Careful. Practiced.
Killian paused mid-bite, his fork hovering in the air before he slowly set it down. He leaned back slightly, turning his head toward her.
Selena reached for his hand, smiling. "Mom already knows, but I haven't told you yet…"
She drew it out like she always did when she wanted the attention on her.
"I'm pregnant."
There was a beat of silence before my dad's face broke into a wide, joyful smile.
"Really? Congratulations, Reign!" he said, looking toward Killian, who gave a slow nod, his expression unreadable.
"But why was I the last to know?" my dad asked, a mix of teasing and hurt in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Dad," Selena said, standing up and going over to hug him. My mother smiled at me across the table, almost with pity, and I forced a polite smile back.
But then Selena, in all her glory, opened her mouth again.
"But… I'm not the only one with a baby on the way."
My stomach dropped. Cold dread twisted its way up my spine.
What?
My dad's smile wavered. "What?"
My mother blinked, her smile faltering too.
I didn't even glance at Killian. I didn't dare.
"Serena's pregnant too," Selena said sweetly — like she had my permission. Like it wasn't my secret.
There it was.
Boom.
The table went silent.
"What?" my dad said, blinking at me.
"Selena—" my mom warned quickly, her voice low.
"Selena—" I hissed, sharp and shaking.
But the damage had already been done.