Chapter 87 Spill The Beans

Chapter 87 Spill The Beans
\[Gianna’s POV\]

I rush forward, arms held out, and just as I’m about to throw myself against Ace’s body, I feel a hand clamp on my shoulder, stopping me.

“What,” I hiss, turning to find Grant watching. “What are you doing?”

“Your condition,” he smiles, his gaze snapping to my belly and back up so quick I’m not certain if anyone else could see. “Have you forgotten?”

“Condition?” My mother asks, concern coloring her words. “What’s wrong?”

“Are you alright?” Ace chimes.

For a moment, I don’t speak as I take in the two, noting how short my mother looks between Ace and Anthony. It’s strange to say the least, at least when it came to Ace because the last time we were together, he was just barely taller than my mother.

Ace.

My childhood friend who lived next door to me. The one who protected me when someone would bully me and would keep me company when things were rough.

He knew me the best out of everyone and when he moved, I took a huge hit because I felt like a part of me was missing.

When he left he was nothing more than a scrawny teen going through puberty with his shaggy brown hair, freckle covered face, and metal smile, but now…Well, he was a man.

He had bulked up for sure and his hair was now styled perfectly. Even his smile was different since his braces were gone, but even then, he still just feels like the Ace who left me.

“Are you alright?” Ace repeats, moving forward and touching my cheeks. “What’s wrong? Should I have waited a few days to visit?”

“No,” I gasp as I feel a gaze burning into me. “I’m fine, it’s just…” I trail off, wondering if now was the right time to tell my mother and Anthony about me and Grant.

“She’s pregnant.”

My eyes widen as Grant’s voice rings out and when I turn to Grant he is watching me impassively.

“What?” He asks, giving me a look. “That’s why we came here, right?”

“That…” I begin, slowly turning to my mother who is staring at me like I’m some mythical creature that she has never seen before while Anthony eyes his brother.

I’m almost certain from the look that Grant is getting, Anthony understands that he is the father and if I dare say it, he looks like he wants to beat the shit out of him.

“Honey,” my mother murmurs, her face wavering. “What did Grant just…I didn’t hear him correctly, right?”

For a moment, I don’t speak as I try to get my wits about me because even now the fear of being rejected and turned away claws at my stomach.

“Maybe we should go inside,” Anthony suggests when I don’t speak. “It seems that we may have something to discuss as a family, Ace,” he continues, turning his gaze to the man who looks stunned in front of me. “I know you came because you wanted to see Olivia and Gianna, but it looks like now might not be a good time.”

“R-right,” Ace stammers, his gaze staying locked on me. “I believe you may be right. I’ll…” He looks around, taking everyone in while clearly looking for the right thing to say. “I’ll come visit again when things have settled.”

“Again?” I repeat. “How long are you staying?”

“I’m here permanently,” he smiles. “So, be sure to not be a stranger.”

Finished speaking, he pats my head and when he does, I hear a grunt of annoyance escape Grant who remains behind me.

“It was nice to meet you…” Ace continues, focusing on him. “Sorry, I didn’t get your name.”

“I didn’t offer it,” Grant points out and Anthony gives him a look that screams behave. “I’m Grant, Grant Holdin of Holdin Industries. I’m Anthony’s brother, Gianna’s boss, and…” He let’s a slow smile spread across his face and I’m certain he is about to deal the final blow to every damn body around us. “I’m Gianna’s husband.”

“WHAT?” My mother gasps, not bothering to hide her shock. “What did you just say? Anthony,” she continues, turning her gaze to her husband. “Anthony, did you hear that?”

“I did,” Anthony confirms, his gaze murderous. “And I hope this is some kind of joke.”

“It isn’t,” Grant tells him. “I’m being extremely serious. Have you ever known me to joke about personal things?”

“No,” Anthony responds. “But this time you better be fucking joking. How can you make such a ridiculous joke right after saying something like that?”

“It isn’t a joke.”

My voice is low, careful as I speak, and I can feel my anxiety flaring, but since the cat was out of the bag, well, there was no point in denying it.

“Grant and I are married.” I continue, this time more firmly. “And he…He’s the father of my child.”

“I’m gonna fucking kill you!” Anthony roars, moving forward, his fist flying before Grant can even react and when it connects with his cheek, I let out a gasp.

“WAIT!” I scream as Anthony prepares to swing again. “What are you doing?”

“What the hell were you thinking?” Anthony demands, ignoring me completely. “Sleeping with your brother’s stepdaughter of all things!”

“I didn’t know she was your stepdaughter at the time.” Grant points out and Anthony hits him again, this time busting his lip. “Anyway, you should be happy that I did the responsible thing.”

At his words, I feel something in me shift because his words remind me once again that our relationship isn’t one of love, but one of responsibility.

“Should I have abandoned her when I found out she was pregnant?” Grant continues as my mother grabs Anthony. “Would that have been the better choice to make?”

“That…” Anthony hisses through gritted teeth. “That’s…But what about our father? What about Rachel? Are you out of your mind? Do you know what will happen when father discovers what you’ve done?”

“I’m prepared for that.” Grant shrugs. “And as for Rachel, I’ve said since father suggested that ridiculous engagement that I wasn’t going to marry her. Honestly, that old man will finally take me seriously when I present Gianna to him as my wife and when he learns that she is pregnant with an heir, he will certainly come to terms with it eventually.”