Lara's heart pounded in her chest as she stepped out of the black car, her legs almost unsteady beneath her. The sleek, modern building in front of her loomed like a fortress, its glass windows reflecting the cloudy sky above. The man in the suit walked ahead of her, leading the way with an air of calm authority. Lara had no choice but to follow.
Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She had spent the past few days wondering about Ethan Blackwood, trying to piece together the fragments of information she had received, but now, facing the reality of meeting him, the questions only seemed to multiply. Who was he really? Why had he suddenly become such a significant part of her life?
As the elevator doors closed behind them, Lara found herself staring at her reflection in the polished metal. Her face was pale, her nerves tightening with every passing second. She had no idea what to expect. Was he the villain in this story, or was he someone who held the key to unlocking the mysteries surrounding her pregnancy?
When the elevator reached the top floor, the doors opened to reveal a large, airy office. The walls were adorned with modern art, and the space had a minimalist, yet luxurious feel to it. But it was Ethan Blackwood who commanded the room.
He stood by the window, his back to her, staring out over the city. There was an intensity in his posture, a focus that seemed to reach far beyond the glass and into the horizon. Lara couldn't help but notice how imposing he looked, even from behind. His tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders, and the way he carried himself exuded power.
As if sensing her presence, Ethan turned slowly, his gaze locking with hers. The intensity in his eyes made her feel exposed, like he could see straight through her.
"You came," he said, his voice smooth, almost a whisper, but it held a weight that made her pause.
Lara didn't know how to respond. For the first time, she was in the presence of the man who had been the subject of her thoughts for days, yet she felt a mix of fear and curiosity. Was this the man who held the answers to everything?
"I didn't have much choice," Lara replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "You've been keeping me in the dark for too long."
Ethan stepped toward her, his movements deliberate, calculated. "I understand why you'd feel that way. But you need to trust me if we're going to move forward."
Lara crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing. "Trust you? After everything that's happened? You expect me to just believe everything you tell me?"
"I'm not asking you to believe everything I say, Lara. I'm asking you to hear the truth."
He motioned to the seat in front of his desk, a silent invitation. Lara hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly took the seat. Ethan sat across from her, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You don't know the full story," Ethan began, his voice now serious, the warmth that had been there earlier replaced by a coldness that sent a chill down her spine. "Your family—your father—has been hiding things from you. Things about me. And about you."
Lara's breath caught in her throat. "What do you mean, about me?"
Ethan leaned forward, his eyes intense. "You're connected to the Blackwood family, Lara. More than you realize."
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Lara's pulse quickened, her mind racing to make sense of what he had just said. Her family—connected to the Blackwoods? How was that even possible?
Before she could ask more questions, Ethan spoke again, his voice low. "I know this is a lot to take in. But you need to understand something important: You're not just carrying any child. The father is someone who has been a part of this world for a long time. And it's not just a coincidence that you're pregnant. There's a reason for everything that's happening."
Lara's head was spinning. What reason? Why now? And how did this all tie into the Blackwoods?
Ethan watched her closely, as if waiting for her to digest the information. He didn't seem surprised by her confusion. He knew that the truth would be a heavy burden to carry.
"I'll explain everything, Lara. But first, you need to decide: Will you trust me, or will you walk away?"
Lara's mind raced. Trust him? Was she ready to hear the truth, even if it meant unraveling everything she thought she knew about herself and her family?
For a long moment, Lara stayed silent, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. The weight of his words pressed down on her. Finally, she met his gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I don't know if I can trust you," she said. "But I can't walk away without knowing what this is all about."
Ethan gave a'