My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2: Chapter 79: Finding out the secret

Sharon's POV

After that heartbreaking call, I knew today simply wasn't my day. The silence that followed felt heavy — suffocating — as though the walls themselves were pressing in on me.

I had always known my life wasn't simple. It never had been. Complicated emotions, tangled relationships... they seemed to follow me everywhere.

I wrapped my fingers around the warm ceramic cup of coffee I'd made, the steam curling gently into my face. I brought it toward my lips, hoping the warmth might settle the ache inside my chest.

I didn't know what I would do if Stephen ever left me again. The thought alone sent a cold shiver down my spine.

Still... I had hope in us.

A knock on the door cut through my thoughts.

I paused mid-sip, lowering the cup and setting it on the counter. My heart leapt — foolishly optimistic — and I hurried toward the door.

For a moment, excitement bloomed. I imagined Stephen standing there, apologetic, ready to pull me into his arms.

But when I opened the door, that fragile hope shattered.

Patricia stood there.

The smile on my face vanished instantly.

"What is this bitch doing here?" I muttered under my breath.

"Hey, sis," she greeted, a smirk stretching across her face — sharp, almost predatory.

I froze, rooted to the spot.

"Can you at least let me in?" she said, snapping her fingers impatiently.

Rolling my eyes, I stepped aside.

She walked in like she owned the place, her heels clicking against the floor as she took in the room with slow, deliberate glances.

"What do you want, Patricia?" I asked, folding my arms. "If you're looking for Stephen, he's not here."

"Um... no," she scoffed.
"I came to see you."

My brows knit together.
Me?

A flicker of unease crept through my chest.

⸻

Stephen's POV

My phone rang just after we dealt with Aaron.

Dad.

I answered — and immediately regretted it.

"I want to see you in my office now!" His voice blasted through the speaker, sharp enough to make me pull the phone slightly away from my ear.

I left Stiles behind and drove off. I'd planned on heading home — Sharon was probably already annoyed with me — but this couldn't wait.

When I arrived at my father's company building, the atmosphere felt tense. The halls were unusually quiet. He'd dismissed the workers early — a sign things were about to get ugly.

I stepped into his office.

"Do you know what you've just done?!" he exploded.

His face burned red with anger.

"Do you want to ruin my reputation? Oh — I forgot. You already have."

I clenched my jaw.

Reputation. That was always his obsession.

He cared about appearances, status, public image — never about me. Never about how I was doing. He never asked about school. Never asked how I felt. He just sent money, as if cash could replace affection.

My mother wasn't much different — always lost in her own luxuries. The only time she intervened was to smooth over arguments so Dad would keep funding me.

I grew up surrounded by comfort but starved of warmth.

Maybe that's why I turned out the way I did.

Maybe that's why Sharon meant everything to me.

And maybe that's why the thought of losing her terrified me.

If she ever discovered the truth...

I forced the thought away — even wishing Patricia would somehow disappear from our lives entirely. Because right now, she was the only thing standing between Sharon and me.

Then my father dropped the bomb.

"You're marrying Patricia after you graduate. I would begin preparations immediately, but my schedule is tight. You need to forget Sharon. And focus on being a father to your unborn child."

My chest tightened.

"Dad... that's not possible," I said firmly. "I love Sharon. And I'm not even a hundred percent sure that baby is mine — so don't get your hopes up."

I walked out, slamming the door behind me.

⸻

When I got home, I stepped inside and heard laughter drifting from the living room.

Patricia and Sharon sat together.

Laughing.

The sound felt unnatural — forced.

My stomach dropped.

What were they talking about?

Don't tell me—

"Oh, shit," I muttered under my breath.

⸻

Sharon's POV

Patricia crossed her legs elegantly, watching me with that same unreadable smile.

"There's something you need to know, Sharon," she said.

My heart thudded.

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes glinting.

"I'm pregnant... for Stephen."

The words struck like thunder.

And in that moment — the world seemed to stop turning.