Claimed by My Ex's Stepbrother

The scent of antiseptic filled the small hospital room. Tessa's hands trembled as the nurse smiled, holding the ultrasound report like a fragile promise. All she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. Months of pills, hormone injections, and doctor visits had drained her both physically and emotionally. And now, maybe... a flicker of hope. Maybe, finally, a chance to give her fiancé what he wanted: a child. Their child. "Congratulations, Miss Quinn." The nurse smiled. "You're pregnant." "Yes!" Tessa squealed. "I'm finally pregnant with Grayson's baby!" A shaky breath escaped her lips and her eyes sparkled with hope. Finally. After all the heartache and desperation, she could give Grayson the baby he wanted so badly. The baby who would secure his place as heir to Thorne Industries, just like Grayson's father's will had demanded. This wasn't just about her anymore. It was about survival. She clutched the report close, imagining Grayson's smile, the relief flooding his face. This was their future, her future. Tessa grabbed her purse and jolted out of the hospital in a hurry, excited to share the news. The elevator dinged open to their high-rise apartment floor. Her heart raced as she fumbled with her keys. She stepped inside, expecting silence, peace, and maybe a smile from Grayson. Instead, laughter spilled from the living room. Grayson lounged on the velvet couch, an arm wrapped possessively around a woman Tessa knew too well - his secretary, Sofia. Tall, sleek, with an amused smirk curling her lips. "Grayson," Tessa's voice cracked like glass. "What's happening?" He didn't even look up. "You again. What are you doing here?" "What am I doing here?" Tessa snapped. "We live here, remember? The real question is what is she doing here?" "That's none of your business, Tessa." Grayson said coolly. "What do you want?" Tessa's stomach twisted. The casual dismissal hit harder than any shout could have. She stepped forward, eyes locked on Sofia's hand resting on Grayson's thigh. Her eyes opened in realization. "You've been lying to me," she said, voice trembling but steady. "How long? How long have you been screwing your secretary while I've been killing myself trying to give you the one thing you keep saying you need?" Grayson finally met her gaze, his expression flat. "You're making a scene over nothing. Sofia understands me. She doesn't drag me down with endless doctor visits and false hope." The words landed like a slap. Tessa's breath caught. Her fists clenched. "False hope? After everything I've put myself through? The pills, the appointments I dragged myself to even when I was shaking, the sleepless nights wondering if this would finally be our chance - and this is how you repay me? By calling me false hope?" Grayson shrugged, cold and unapologetic. "You've been nothing but a disappointment, Tessa. I don't even think you can get pregnant." The words hit her like ice water. "No," she hissed, stepping closer, her voice low but fierce. "I've done everything. Every damn thing. How can you treat me like this?" Sofia chuckled, sharp and cruel. "Maybe you're just not the right one, Tessa. Maybe I'm the one who can actually give Grayson what he wants." Grayson smirked. "She'll give me my heir," he said, rubbing Sofia's belly. "You're nothing but a broken failure." "How dare you speak to me like this?" Tessa snapped. Sofia stood, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Don't pretend you were ever enough for him." Grayson laughed darkly. "You're dried up, Tessa. You've been lying to me the whole time. You can't bear my heir. No baby is coming. At least not from you." Her hands balled into fists. "How dare you? I've done everything for us. For you." He smirked. "And look where it got you. Get out of my sight. Just looking at you makes me sick." Her voice grew sharper, fueled by anger and heartbreak. "You fucking bastard. How can you do this?" she demanded, dragging at his shirt. Before he could reply, the front door swung open. His mother - Eleanor - stepped in, regal and cold, her eyes like daggers aimed at Tessa. "Get your filthy hands off my son. How dare you question him for you not being able to carry his baby? You sterile piece of junk." Tessa's breath hitched. "That's not true." Eleanor's lips curled. "I'm not wrong. You're weak, incapable of giving us what we need." Sofia leaned in, her voice silky and cruel. "I will give Grayson the heir he deserves. You're just a broken woman." "Would you shut up, you home wrecker?" Tessa snapped, lunging at Sofia, rage blazing in her eyes. But Grayson caught her, shoving her backwards. Before she knew it, his hand flew across her face, giving her a burning slap. His mother's eyes narrowed in approval and Sofia smirked. "Grayson. How dare you? How dare you hit me?" Tessa sniffed. "That's enough, Tessa. I am done with you. Now get out of my house." Tears blurred her vision as pain and humiliation washed over her. "Fine. I see who you truly are now. And I never want to have anything to do with you again. I hope this home-wrecker can give you babies." "Yeah. Yeah. Get out!" He chuckled, brushing her off. Furious and broken, Tessa pulled the crumpled report from her purse. "You think you know everything? You don't." She tore it in two, the pieces fluttering in the air before she shoved them into his face. "See that? That's the truth you refuse to accept." Grayson sneered, wiping his cheek. "You're delusional." She spun away, her heart pounding, tears burning her eyes. The apartment door slammed shut behind her. "Silly girl," his mother said as Tessa stormed out of the room. "What's this nonsense now?" Eleanor bent down, her fingers brushing the torn pieces of paper scattered on the floor. Her eyes scanned the shattered report and widened in realization. "Grayson." A slow, satisfied smile curled her lips. "What is it, Mom?" He turned to face her. "She's pregnant," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "She really is pregnant." Sofia narrowed her brows. Her knuckles turned white as Grayson grabbed the piece of paper from his mother's hand. His eyes scanned the page. His heart thudded in his chest as he saw the pregnancy confirmation. "Go after her," his mother scowled. "She's carrying your heir - and that baby will change everything."