Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 80

Dear readers, I'm so sorry for the very late update. I have another job recently and there's a lot to juggle. However, I hope you don't lose interest in this story. I'll do my best to give my best for you. Enjoy this chapter! Sorry if it's too short. The next one is in progress and I hope I can deliver it sooner.

"I'm pregnant."

The words struck Matthew like lightning on a clear sunny day.

"No! It's impossible. I've always been very careful!"

"Except for the last time we made love. You got carried away and forgot to withdraw on time."

He froze as his brain began to play back the momentous events. He remembered that morning so vividly. He'd been so emotional after her acceptance of his weakness that he abandoned himself in a moment of unbridled, uninhibited passion. He'd made love to her multiple times throughout the day, and in one blissful moment he'd poured everything he had into her, literally as well as figuratively.

"But... but you said you could take care of it!"

"I thought I could!"
She snapped, tears rolling down her cheeks. After he'd spent inside her, she'd rushed to clean herself up. She thought she'd dug every drop of his seed out of her canal. How was she supposed to know that some of it would be left inside and take root within her?

She watched through teary eyes as Matthew ran his hand through his hair, shock and frustration plastered on his face. Suddenly she felt exhausted. The lengthy journey had worn her out and now her belly felt uncomfortably tight and heavy. She gazed longingly across the sidewalk at the glowing windows on the back of the club, her mind picturing a cozy bedroom with a warm, soft bed inside.

"Matthew, I'm very tired and it's so cold out here. Please let me in."

"No! You can't stay here!" He blurted, and Arabella stared at him with shocked disbelief.

"Matthew, what am I supposed to do? I have nowhere to go. If my parents find out that I'm pregnant, they will marry me off to some poor gentleman who is willing to take a sullied bride in exchange for money. Do you want it to happen?"

Matthew stiffened at her accusing tone.
"Don't try to lay the blame for this on me. You've gotten yourself into this!"

"Are you really that heartless? This baby in my womb is your flesh and blood. You may hate me, but this child is innocent!"

Matthew turned still as the words hit him in the right place. It reminded him of his own situation as a child. His noble father had forsaken Matthew's mother, leaving her to her own devices when she was pregnant. Ironically now he met with the same dilemma. He couldn't leave Maggie now, not after he'd given her his words. And he wouldn't want to. Maggie was the one who would never let him down and he wouldn't let her go. On the other hand, he couldn't just abandon Arabella and the baby.

"Matthew, I don't think I can stay out here for more than one minute." Arabella's impatient voice broke into his thoughts. When his gaze swerved back to her, she urged,
"Please let me in."

"No. We'll find another place for you to stay."

Matthew took her by the arm and led her to the sidewalk, scanning the street for a hackney cab. Fortunately he spotted one approaching in their direction. He waved down the vehicle and once it pulled by, he opened the door and thrust Arabella inside. As he climbed after her and settled himself in the seat opposite her, he'd come to a resolve. He would not leave Maggie for Arabella, no, but he would look after Arabella and their child.

"Where are we going, Sir?" called the driver from the front seat outside.

"Paramount Hotel." He mentioned one of the most prestigious hotels in town. Arabella frowned. A night stay at the hotel cost a fortune, and even the upper classes like her parents complained about its exorbitant rate. She couldn't help but ask,
"Matthew, why don't you let me stay with you at the club?"