Forsaken Bride: Deceived Into Love's Second Chance

Blaine glanced at Deanna with a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Ms. Evans, are you ready to come to the Gordon Estate with me now?"

Jayden didn't even bother wiping away the blood on his cheek. His entire focus was fixed on Deanna, his Adam's apple bobbing with nerves.

He opened his mouth, struggling to find the right words, but Deanna's gentle reply cut him off before he could speak. "Yes, I'm ready. Thank you for coming."

The words struck Jayden like a blow. For the first time, he realized just how completely he had lost her.

Deanna never once looked back at Jayden as Blaine helped her into the car.

He stood frozen, unable to stop them. Part of him knew he had no claim on her anymore, and the other part understood that the Spencer family were powerless against the Gordons. Still, the finality of it all seemed unreal. Deanna had once loved him with her whole heart—how could she walk away so easily?

He stared down at the wedding ring Deanna had thrown at him, the same one he'd chosen for her himself. Even now, it still carried the delicate scent that reminded him of her.

As Deanna settled into the car, her last glimpse was of Jayden lowering his head, pressing the ring to his nose, trying to breathe in what little of her remained.

She slumped into the seat, pain radiating from her injuries, and let the bitter irony settle in her heart.

...

Upon arriving at the Gordon Estate, Deanna was ushered away to treat her wounds. When she reappeared, Gerard was already waiting for her in the living room.

Despite his age, Gerard radiated strength and authority. "I know it isn't easy, marrying a man who may never wake up. But you have my word—once you become part of the Gordon family, you'll be one of us, and we will stand behind you."

Deanna lowered her head, her eyes flickering with complex emotions. Gerard's words made it clear he understood the dangers she faced from Richard.

She lifted her gaze and offered a polite, composed smile. "Thank you. I understand."

Deanna usually radiated energy and warmth, but whenever she dialed up her sweetness, she could melt the hearts of elders in an instant.

Gerard studied her with open approval. Setting aside her delicate health, he found both her grace and her family background more than acceptable.

"You'll need to start getting used to Connor's presence, since you'll be his wife before long," Gerard muttered. "Tonight, you'll stay in his room."

The suggestion made Deanna's fingers tense for a moment, but she gave a demure nod and agreed.

With a wave of Gerard's hand, Blaine rose to guide Deanna down the hall.

She trailed after him, her steps obedient but her gaze unreadable. Gerard might have said this was to help her grow accustomed to Connor, but Deanna knew better. He wanted proof that she could handle caring for his grandson. If she failed the test, he'd likely call off the marriage entirely.

Her thoughts drifted until she realized they had stopped outside Connor's room.

Deanna slipped through the door, and the sight before her brought her to a stunned halt.

Sprawled across the soft bed was a man whose presence seemed to command the entire room. His features were sculpted and striking, with a quiet intensity that lingered even in sleep. Months of immobility hadn't stolen his appeal—he was only slightly more slender, his body still athletic beneath the sheets. If anything, the long rest had polished his looks to an impossible sheen. It almost felt unfair to call it beauty, but no other word fit; he looked like he'd been carved by the hand of an artist.

Catching Deanna's stunned expression, Blaine offered a satisfied nod. "Ms. Evans, allow me to formally present your fiance."

He paused, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Mr. Gerard Gordon is hoping to welcome a new member into the family to carry on the lineage. He's counting on you tonight, Ms. Evans."

A moment's hesitation seized Deanna. She knew her role here—she was meant to give Connor an heir—but wasn't Gerard being just a little too forward?

Keeping her voice even, Deanna lowered her eyes and replied quietly, "Understood. Thank you for letting me know."

While they exchanged words in low voices, neither noticed the slight twitch of the sleeping man's hand on the bed.

Blaine, looking thoroughly pleased with the arrangement, handed Deanna a discreet box. "Mr. Gerard wants to evaluate Connor's sperm motility. He's trusting you to collect it tonight."

Deanna's composure faltered. Was she truly supposed to collect Connor's sperm?