His Ruthless Revenge (A Dark Bully Romance)

Chapter Twenty Three

Present day...

"Louise, listen to me." I instruct her, turning away from the window so I can face her. "This is your one and only chance to get everything you ever wanted so you've got to do exactly what I say, do you understand?"
"What are you talking about?" She replies scornfully, glaring at me with her piercing eyes.
"Look, the only reason that Chase told you to have an abortion is because he thinks I'm pregnant as well and he doesn't know how to handle it." I explain rapidly, knowing I have to be quick if I want to intercept Chase before he walks in.
"You're what?!" She cries, shoving me backwards so I stumble.
"I'm not really pregnant." I clarify hastily. "I was just screwing with him but I took it too far and I see that now."
"You're a psycho." She whispers, shaking her head at me in disgust. "A complete psycho and I think it's about time Chase finds out who you really are."
"I really don't care what you think of me right now but you have to do as I say!" I implore her, racing towards the bedroom door so I can stop her from leaving.
"No way! I'm not listening to you from now on. I'm going to tell Chase the truth about everything and he's never going to speak to you again!" She cries hysterically, scrambling for the door handle so she can fling it open.
"You've got to listen to me right now. Chase has just arrived and you can tell him whatever you want but not yet. If you really want to be with him and keep hold of him then you have to listen to me."
She pauses for a moment, contemplating her options while I hold my breath and try and figure out what I'm going to do next.
"I just want Chase." She groans woefully, trying to hold back her tears. "Where is he?"
"He's just arrived but he can't know that you're here yet. There's no way he'll abandon you or his baby when he finds out the truth. I promise you."
I keep on reassuring her that everything will work out in her favour, knowing I have to convince her or my plan won't work and it will have meant absolutely nothing.
The fact I've just found out Louise really is pregnant is something I can't even begin to process yet. The news makes me feel sick to my stomach and my heart physically aches with sadness.
With no other options in front of me, I leave her in my bedroom and rush downstairs as the front door opens and Chase enters the hallway.
His arrival takes everyone by surprise and they all turn to look at me with expectation. They don't know how to respond to his unexpected appearance and neither do I to be honest.

My plan is falling apart.

"Surprise!" I announce enthusiastically, throwing my arms around a dumbfounded Chase.
"April, what the hell's going on?" Chase demands abruptly, his eyes quickly scanning the crowd in front of him.
"I'm sorry about all of this." I apologise readily, joining him at his side. "I know you hate being the centre of attention but I really wanted us to have a party so we can make our special announcements to everyone."
We're still being observed so I keep my voice low, ignoring the furtive glances and secret whispers surrounding us.
"How many people are here?" He asks impatiently, pulling me in closer towards him.
"More than I can count." I admit. "It may have gotten a little out of hand though."
"Why didn't you tell me about it?"
"Because I wanted it to be a surprise and do something nice for you." I lie hopelessly, praying he doesn't see through my facade.
"I just wish you'd told me about it. We could have planned it together." He persists kindly, placing a kiss on my forehead.
"It will be fine." I promise him, taking Chase by the hand as I lead him through the hallway.
There's even more people waiting to greet him when we enter the living room and he squeezes my hand even tighter.
"April, this is crazy. You really didn't have to do all of this and you know you should be taking it easy."
"Chase, I'm not an invalid and I wanted to do this for you."
"You really are too good for me." He sighs heavily,  turning me around to face him. "What did I do to deserve you?"
"You're about to find out." I inform him, smiling up at him. "Now go and get yourself a drink and then come and join me. We can share our news with everyone then."
"Ok, I'll be right back."