# Chapter 2: A Secret Begins

Three months had passed since that unforgettable night.

The city was as busy as ever. Cars filled the roads, people rushed to work, and the world continued moving forward as if nothing had happened.

But for Elina, everything had changed.

For the past few weeks, she had been feeling exhausted. Every morning she woke up feeling weak, and even walking to university made her dizzy. The smell of food she once loved now made her feel sick.

Her best friend, Sophia, noticed the changes immediately.

"Elina, you've been acting strange lately," Sophia said with a worried expression.

"I'm fine," Elina forced a smile.

"No, you're not. You look pale, and you've barely eaten anything."

"It's probably because I've been studying too much."

Sophia crossed her arms.

"I don't believe you."

Elina laughed softly, trying to change the subject, but deep inside she was beginning to worry.

Something didn't feel right.

...

After class, Elina suddenly felt dizzy while walking down the hallway.

Her vision blurred.

Before she could fall, Sophia quickly caught her.

"Elina!"

"I'm... okay..."

"No, you're coming with me."

Sophia immediately took her to the nearest hospital.

After several medical tests, Elina sat nervously outside the doctor's office.

Her hands wouldn't stop shaking.

She didn't know why.

Maybe it was just stress.

Maybe she had a vitamin deficiency.

Maybe...

The door opened.

"Miss Elina?"

She slowly stood up and entered the room.

The doctor smiled kindly.

"Please have a seat."

Elina nodded.

The doctor looked at the medical report for a few seconds before speaking.

"Congratulations."

Elina blinked.

"...Congratulations?"

"You are pregnant."

Her heart stopped.

The room became completely silent.

"...What?"

"You are approximately three months pregnant."

The words echoed inside her head.

Impossible.

She couldn't believe it.

"There must be a mistake."

The doctor gently shook his head.

"We repeated the tests several times. The results are correct."

Tears slowly filled Elina's eyes.

She remembered the graduation party.

The loud music.

The flashing lights.

The rain.

A pair of beautiful blue eyes...

After that...

Nothing.

She couldn't remember anything else.

She slowly walked out of the hospital while holding the report tightly against her chest.

Outside, rain began falling from the dark sky.

She stood there without moving.

"Who are you...?"

She whispered.

"Why can't I remember your face?"

A single tear rolled down her cheek.

Meanwhile...

In the center of the city stood the tallest building anyone had ever seen.

Ashford Tower.

The headquarters of Ashford Group.

Luxury cars lined up outside the entrance.

Employees stood respectfully as a black Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the building.

The driver opened the door.

A tall young man stepped out.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit.

His blue eyes were cold yet captivating.

His name was Elio Ashford.

At only twenty-six years old, he was one of the youngest billionaire CEOs in the country.

Every employee lowered their heads.

"Good morning, President Ashford."

Elio simply nodded before entering the building.

The entire lobby became silent.

Everyone admired him.

Everyone respected him.

And everyone feared disappointing him.

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