The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 127

127 The Price of a Lie

127 The Price of a Lie

Because Dr. Cruz was right about one thing–she needed to get pregnant. And fast.

“Mr. Sterling is many things, but an obstetrician is not one of them.” Dr. Cruz chuckled. “The recording will play while I move the wand over your stomach. I’ll point out the head, limbs, even make him listen to a pre–recorded heartbeat. Men are easily fooled in these situations–they see what they expect to see.”

Dr. Cruz gestured toward his living room. “Would you like a drink first?”

His eyes darkened with desire. “Have you now?”

In her car, Isabella checked her phone. She had three hours before the charity gala at Bryce Hill’s mansion. Bryce had been pursuing her for months, despite knowing about her engagement to Liam. Tonight, she would finally give him what he wanted.

Bryce didn’t hesitate. “My study is quiet. Follow me in five minutes.”

When Bryce finally collapsed into exhausted sleep just before dawn, Isabella lay beside him, staring at the ceiling. She felt hollow inside. Two men in one day–both meaningless to her, both merely tools to achieve her goal.

Isabella took the prosthetic, her face twisted with disgust. “This feels so… real.”

“Fine,” she whispered, hating herself but seeing no alternative. “But make it quick.”

He shrugged and led her to his home office. A large monitor sat on his desk, already displaying what looked like an ultrasound image.

“I have the money,” she said without preamble. “Let’s get this over with.”

This was the price she was willing to pay for Liam Sterling. These were the sacrifices she made for their future together. He would never know how far she had gone, how much she had debased herself for him.

Isabella’s mind raced through her options. She needed this man’s cooperation. The appointment was already scheduled. Liam would be there, expecting to see their baby for the first time.

“I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you,” he murmured against her neck.

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127 The Price of a Lie

Dr. Cruz moved closer, watching over her shoulder as she input the details. His cologne was overpowering at this distance, making her slightly nauseous.

Isabella set down the fake belly and opened her handbag. “I’m transferring it now. She pulled out her phone and opened her banking app. “Fifty thousand dollars, as agreed.

The doctor’s house was modern and sleek–all glass and sharp angles. He answered the door in casual clothes, a stark contrast to his usual professional appearance.

She dressed quickly, avoiding her reflection in the mirror.

In Bryce’s study, things progressed rapidly. He was eager, passionate, and clearly had been fantasizing about this moment for a long time.

“You won’t need it yet. At thirteen weeks, most women barely show, especially first pregnancies. Start wearing looser clothes in a few weeks, then gradually increase the size.” He pulled out a silicone belly from a drawer. “This is adjustable. You can gradually pad it more as your ‘pregnancy‘ progresses.”

No matter what it cost her.

Isabella stiffened. “That wasn’t part of our agreement.”

Isabella watched him go, then made her way to the bar for a strong drink. She downed it quickly, needing the liquid courage.

“Miss Clairemont,” he said with a smirk. “Come in.”

Either way, she would win. She would secure her place as Mrs. Liam Sterling.

As she drove home in the pale light of early morning, Isabella touched her flat stomach. By next week, Liam would believe there was a baby growing inside her. Maybe, if she was lucky, there actually would be.

“Mmm. Perhaps we could discuss it somewhere more… private?”

Isabella nodded slowly. “And the fake belly?”

Hours later, they had moved to his bedroom. Isabella remained focused on her mission, encouraging him again and again, determined to maximize her chances.

Isabella Clairemont glanced nervously around the upscale residential neighborhood as she parked her Mercedes outside Dr. Evan Cruz’s home. She checked her makeup one

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127 The Price of a Lie

last time in the rearview mirror before grabbing her designer handbag.

“All for a good cause.” He kept her hand in his, his thumb stroking her skin. “I’ve been hoping you’d come.”

She stepped back, bumping into his desk. “I should go.”

“Consider it a bonus.” His hand reached out, fingers trailing down her arm. “You’re trying to get pregnant, aren’t you? Liam won’t touch you, so you need someone who

will.”

She forced a seductive smile. “You bring it out in me.”

She smiled, forcing warmth into her expression. “This party is magnificent, Bryce. You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Isabella,” he breathed, taking her hand and kissing it. “You look absolutely breathtaking.”

She didn’t respond, just grabbed her purse and left, slamming the door behind her.

Dr. Cruz’s hands were on her waist now. “No one needs to know. It would solve all your problems.”

Isabella stepped inside, her heels clicking on the polished concrete floors. The interior was minimalist and cold, much like the man himself.

Afterwards, Isabella stood in Dr. Cruz’s bathroom, furiously scrubbing her skin under the hot shower. Tears of anger and humiliation streamed down her face. She felt dirty, used–but she had what she needed. The fake ultrasound was secured.

Isabella closed her eyes, pretending he was Liam. “Then take me.”

He checked his own phone, nodding when the deposit notification appeared. “Perfect.” His eyes traveled slowly down her body. “You know, since you’re here and paying so generously for my services…”

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