Chapter 1

Shiloh’s POV:

I never imagined my life would take such a huge turn. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever visualize my life turning out this way.

I have always been a good daughter, and the best younger sister anyone could ask for. I have never done any wrong except for that time I snuck out with my best friend Emma for a party, but that is beside the point.

My plans were to get good grades, become a fashion designer like my mum and sister, date a handsome guy just like a fairy tale story, and live a happy life with him and our kids running around. Just a simply happily-ever-after.

My dream was to live a happy life, and my sister, Sylvia, and mum are my role models.

I always looked up to Sylvia. She runs my mum’s designer label, is married to Garrett Seth who runs my Dad’s company. They have a lovely, adorable son, Edward. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was great, and she was living my fairytale.

But I never planned on getting pregnant at 20 years old while I was still in college. And I never thought I’d lose everything I cherished in just one day.

So how did all this happen to a beautiful girl with so many dreams?

I had a beautiful life as the youngest daughter of the Danta family, one of the richest billionaire tycoons. I was dating the only son of the Cristian family, who was also one of the richest multi-billionaire tycoons.

We were high school sweethearts, and we were always seen together. Chance was my love. We were inseparable. My life was a fairytale, and any girl would want to be like me, Shiloh Malia Sante, the unknown daughter of the Danta family. Sante is my public name since Dad hides my identity. I don't know why he does, but maybe he thought I would one day disgrace his name.

I sound like a brat right now, but you can't help it when your life is just great.

Then Chance and I got pregnant. It should be easy since we were in love and we could just get married, raise the child together, and live happily ever after. Just the way I dreamt.

But this is real life. There is no happily ever after and I had to learn that the hard way.

My father is strict and believes in reputation, morals, and learning from every mistake you make. He believes having a child before getting married is bad luck and an end to my life as an ethical lady.

And my mother believes in never settling for less or going for whatever you can handle. My mum was a woman in the limelight, and every young woman’s role model. She didn’t want to look for the spotlight when her daughter was pregnant before marriage.

Since my dad and mum had an arranged marriage, my dad believed that every arrange married could end up great as theirs. And it was the reason he hated the idea of getting married just because of a child.

Because of my pregnancy, my dad asked me to leave his house. And that left me without any options.

Today’s events run through my mind, making my eyes cloud with unshed tears.

I sip from my coffee, feeling anxious. The morning rays brightly welcome the day. The noise of people chatting, the flipping sounds of newspapers, the doorbell welcoming people walking in. The cafe was always busy in the morning with people rushing for coffee and getting ready for an industrious day.

I take another sip of my coffee, watching the activities going on around me and trying to focus, but I couldn’t stop running through all the different scenarios of how my parents would react. Would Sylvia be angry with me? Of course, she would.

What have I gotten myself into? I couldn't bring myself to tell Chance. He would be furious because he always made sure I was on birth control, but even birth control isn’t 100% effective. Just one mistake might cost me my relationship.

I didn’t even want to think about what my dad would do. And my mum…she would be heartbroken. Her dreams and ambitions for me would go down the drain.

The only person who could support me right now was Emma. She was my childhood friend but was more like a sister. She was always getting into trouble and was a loveable scamp.

I loved her but right now she was 30 minutes late. She was always late, even when we were in high school. But she was the best so I couldn't complain.

The doorbell rang again and snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked at the door and saw my one and only bestie. Her long, brown, wavy hair flowed around her. She had flawless skin, but that’s to be expected when your mum hosts famous fashion shows. Emma is glamorous inside and out.

She smiles at me, a smile that could get any guy on his knees. Her boyfriend, Damien Mario, once a typical playboy, is really lucky to have my girl.

She makes her way towards me, takes a seat in front of me, and studies my facial expression.

"Girl, you look sick," she says. Concern laces her voice before she calls a waiter over and orders a mocha smoothie.

"Someone is in need of something sweet," I tease her with a smirk after the waiter takes her order.

"Whatever," she says, rolling her eyes before staring at me with a serious look. "But seriously, you look sick. The last time I saw you like this was when Chance called you fat," she says laughing. That made me go on a diet for two weeks and I ended up in a hospital bed. I never want to go through that ever again, but he apologized later saying it was just a joke, and nothing else.

"And right now, you look just like that, so tell me what’s going on," she urges with a raised eyebrow.

The waiter comes back with her order and places it on the table with a sweet smile before leaving.

"With frequent mood swings, having morning sickness all the time, and finding out you’re two weeks pregnant," I pause dramatically thinking everything through. "Yeah, that will undoubtedly make me look sick."

She laughs lightly before smirking. "You scared me! I thought you were really pregnant." She chuckled before taking a sip of her smoothie.

"I wish it was a joke, but it's not," I say.

Her eyes open wide and her mouth hangs. Her shock leaves her speechless and my anxiety comes rushing back. I avoid looking at her, feeling embarrassed.

"I know this is bad, but I really need your help," I say, still not finding the courage to meet her intense gaze.

She moves closer to me. "Have you told your parents and Sylvia yet?" she asks softly as her gaze locks with mine.

"No, I can't do it. What if my mum and Sylvia are disappointed, or worse, Dad disowns me?" I say in a panic. My breathing becomes heavy.

She places her hands on my shaking hands, but I pull away. I bite my nails nervously.

"Calm down, Shiloh. Take a deep breath," she says, pulling my hand away from my mouth.

Taking slow, deep breaths calms my nerves. "Thanks," I say with a smile.

She returns the smile. "So does Chance know about all this?" she asks.

Before I answer, I pay the bill, then walk out to my car with Emma trailing after me. "No," I finally say, sipping my coffee.

"Why?" she says as she gets into the passenger seat.

I turn the car on and back out of my parking spot. "I don't know how he will react after constantly telling me to be on pills," I say with a frown as her gaze burns the side of my face.

"Shiloh, you have to let your parents know. You can't keep this from your family, and most importantly, Chance," she says, staring at me intensely before facing the window.

"Okay," I say turning towards Emma's house. She gives me a look that I know so well. "Right now?" I ask, alarmed.

"Yeah, of course. Just drive me to my place and go straight home," she orders. "Park at the front of the gate." She digs through her bag.

"Why? I should just take you inside," I ask as I park in front of her gate.

"Don't worry. I just want you to get this over with," she says, stepping out of my car. "Call me if you need any help."

"Can't you come with me?" I ask, desperately pleading.

She smiles. "Not happening," she says before entering the gate.

I sigh loudly before driving off towards my house, anxious about what I’m about to do.