Chapter 3 THREE

"I'm here to fight for my daughter," I declared, my voice unwavering and firm.

Shock splashed across their faces like dirty water hitting a pristine wall. Zayn's expression twisted from cold fury to complete disbelief, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto mine. He seemed frozen for a moment, as if trying to process what I had just said.

He had been drunk that night-so drunk that every memory was a blur. He never got a proper look at the woman's face, and when he woke up the next morning, everything was just... blank. That memory had haunted him, but he never found answers-until now.

I swallowed every ounce of fear still clinging to my throat. I had to face this moment. I had to endure whatever hardship came my way. For Jewel.

Jack wiped the side of his mouth, his steps slow and hesitant as he approached. His face was filled with heartbreak, and I knew he was still struggling with the truth. He had feelings for me, maybe even something deeper, but I couldn't think about that now. My priority-my only priority-was my niece. My daughter.

Jewel.

She was my blood, and I would walk through fire to make sure she stayed safe and loved. She deserved better than this chaos.

"Are you her mother?" Zayn asked sharply, pointing directly at me. His voice was demanding, and I could feel the weight of his question pressing into my chest.

Jewel cried out again-louder this time. Her wails pierced the air like needles. She was scared, and I hated that she was caught up in this mess.

"Yes, she's my daughter," I replied without hesitation, my voice firm. I stepped toward the maid holding her, desperate to comfort the baby who was crying out for love.

Jack's smile faltered at that moment, and I could almost see his heart shattering behind his eyes. I hated hurting him-but I couldn't afford to care right now. Feelings could wait. Jewel could not.

But Zayn moved fast.

He blocked my path.

I tried stepping to the left, but again he was there, his tall frame shadowing mine. His hand shot out, stopping me in place.

"Let me comfort her. She's in tears!" I pleaded, but he didn't budge. Instead, he gripped my wrist, pulling me back.

"I need an explanation, Mara!" he shouted, his eyes blazing with fury. I'd never seen him this unhinged before-he was usually composed, in control. But now... he was unraveling.

"Mr. Norman..." I gasped, struggling to free my arm, my gaze never leaving Jewel. Her cries were like daggers to my soul.

"My baby needs me..." My voice broke, a raw sob escaping my throat.

Jack had already walked out. He couldn't bear the scene. Who could blame him? The woman he loved had just claimed to be the mother of his best friend's child. It was too much.

Zayn's grip tightened, making me flinch.

"Why?" he snapped. "If she's our baby, why did you abandon her in my mansion last night and come back this morning like nothing happened?"

His face was too close. His anger too loud. His grip too rough.

"You're hurting me," I choked out and shoved his hand off with all the strength I could muster.

"I was devastated," I said, trying to control the emotion in my voice. "When I found out I was pregnant... I was barely two weeks in. The doctor said it was risky, that I might not survive if I tried to get rid of it. I was scared and alone..."

Zayn's face twisted further.

"You should've just died instead of bringing more pain into my life," he muttered with venom.

That was the last straw.

I slapped him.

Hard.

The sound echoed through the high-ceilinged mansion like a thunderclap. Zayn didn't flinch. His face stayed a blank, unreadable canvas. But the sting on my palm reminded me of just how far I'd been pushed.

"I'm sorry for keeping the child from you, I truly am," I said, my chest heaving. "But don't you dare call Jewel a pain. She's a child. She's your daughter. And she's not some curse. I may have abandoned her last night... but I'm here now. I came back for her."

Zayn's face remained emotionless, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

"The DNA results will arrive tonight," he said coldly. "If she's mine, I'll take full responsibility."

"Full?" I repeated, a knot forming in my chest.

"Yes. I'll provide financially. I'll be a father on paper. That's all. You handle the rest."

His voice was flat, emotionless, and devoid of any warmth. That declaration hit me harder than his words ever had.

In my heart, I knew he didn't just want to distance himself from me-he wanted to disconnect entirely from the child we claimed was his.

I raised my hand again, but this time I stopped myself. He wasn't worth another slap. He wasn't worth another ounce of my anger.

But I had to say something.

"You're cold, Zayn Norman. Ice cold. And I pity you," I whispered. "Because no amount of money will ever make you the father she needs if you refuse to open your heart."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear.

"And if the DNA test proves she's not mine... you're going to jail for fraud. That's a promise."

His breath was icy against my cheek. A shiver ran down my spine-not out of fear, but fury.

I stared back into his eyes, refusing to blink, refusing to break.

"She's yours. And when that test proves it tonight... I'll be the one holding her, not you."

"I guess you don't know abandoning a child is illegal!"He muttered,his voice cool but filled with anger.