Verdict of Love

Shiloh’s POV:

I never imagined my life would take such a huge turn. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever visualize my life turning out this way.

I have always been a good daughter, and the best younger sister anyone could ask for. I have never done any wrong except for that time I snuck out with my best friend Emma for a party, but that is beside the point.

My plans were to get good grades, become a fashion designer like my mum and sister, date a handsome guy just like a fairy tale story, and live a happy life with him and our kids running around. Just a simply happily-ever-after.

My dream was to live a happy life, and my sister, Sylvia, and mum are my role models.

I always looked up to Sylvia. She runs my mum’s designer label, is married to Garrett Seth who runs my Dad’s company. They have a lovely, adorable son, Edward. Her life wasn't perfect, but it was great, and she was living my fairytale.

But I never planned on getting pregnant at 20 years old while I was still in college. And I never thought I’d lose everything I cherished in just one day.

So how did all this happen to a beautiful girl with so many dreams?

I had a beautiful life as the youngest daughter of the Danta family, one of the richest billionaire tycoons. I was dating the only son of the Cristian family, who was also one of the richest multi-billionaire tycoons.

We were high school sweethearts, and we were always seen together. Chance was my love. We were inseparable. My life was a fairytale, and any girl would want to be like me, Shiloh Malia Sante, the unknown daughter of the Danta family. Sante is my public name since Dad hides my identity. I don't know why he does, but maybe he thought I would one day disgrace his name.

I sound like a brat right now, but you can't help it when your life is just great.

Then Chance and I got pregnant. It should be easy since we were in love and we could just get married, raise the child together, and live happily ever after. Just the way I dreamt.

But this is real life. There is no happily ever after and I had to learn that the hard way.

My father is strict and believes in reputation, morals, and learning from every mistake you make. He believes having a child before getting married is bad luck and an end to my life as an ethical lady.

And my mother believes in never settling for less or going for whatever you can handle. My mum was a woman in the limelight, and every young woman’s role model. She didn’t want to look for the spotlight when her daughter was pregnant before marriage.

Since my dad and mum had an arranged marriage, my dad believed that every arrange married could end up great as theirs. And it was the reason he hated the idea of getting married just because of a child.

Because of my pregnancy, my dad asked me to leave his house. And that left me without any options.

Today’s events run through my mind, making my eyes cloud with unshed tears.

I sip from my coffee, feeling anxious. The morning rays brightly welcome the day. The noise of people chatting, the flipping sounds of newspapers, the doorbell welcoming people walking in. The cafe was always busy in the morning with people rushing for coffee and getting ready for an industrious day.

I take another sip of my coffee, watching the activities going on around me and trying to focus, but I couldn’t stop running through all the different scenarios of how my parents would react. Would Sylvia be angry with me? Of course, she would.

What have I gotten myself into? I couldn't bring myself to tell Chance. He would be furious because he always made sure I was on birth control, but even birth control isn’t 100% effective. Just one mistake might cost me my relationship.

I didn’t even want to think about what my dad would do. And my mum…she would be heartbroken. Her dreams and ambitions for me would go down the drain.

The only person who could support me right now was Emma. She was my childhood friend but was more like a sister. She was always getting into trouble and was a loveable scamp.

I loved her but right now she was 30 minutes late. She was always late, even when we were in high school. But she was the best so I couldn't complain.

The doorbell rang again and snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked at the door and saw my one and only bestie. Her long, brown, wavy hair flowed around her. She had flawless skin, but that’s to be expected when your mum hosts famous fashion shows. Emma is glamorous inside and out.

She smiles at me, a smile that could get any guy on his knees. Her boyfriend, Damien Mario, once a typical playboy, is really lucky to have my girl.

She makes her way towards me, takes a seat in front of me, and studies my facial expression.

"Girl, you look sick," she says. Concern laces her voice before she calls a waiter over and orders a mocha smoothie.

"Someone is in need of something sweet," I tease her with a smirk after the waiter takes her order.

"Whatever," she says, rolling her eyes before staring at me with a serious look. "But seriously, you look sick. The last time I saw you like this was when Chance called you fat," she says laughing. That made me go on a diet for two weeks and I ended up in a hospital bed. I never want to go through that ever again, but he apologized later saying it was just a joke, and nothing else.

"And right now, you look just like that, so tell me what’s going on," she urges with a raised eyebrow.

The waiter comes back with her order and places it on the table with a sweet smile before leaving.

"With frequent mood swings, having morning sickness all the time, and finding out you’re two weeks pregnant," I pause dramatically thinking everything through. "Yeah, that will undoubtedly make me look sick."

She laughs lightly before smirking. "You scared me! I thought you were really pregnant." She chuckled before taking a sip of her smoothie.

"I wish it was a joke, but it's not," I say.

Her eyes open wide and her mouth hangs. Her shock leaves her speechless and my anxiety comes rushing back. I avoid looking at her, feeling embarrassed.

"I know this is bad, but I really need your help," I say, still not finding the courage to meet her intense gaze.

She moves closer to me. "Have you told your parents and Sylvia yet?" she asks softly as her gaze locks with mine.

"No, I can't do it. What if my mum and Sylvia are disappointed, or worse, Dad disowns me?" I say in a panic. My breathing becomes heavy.

She places her hands on my shaking hands, but I pull away. I bite my nails nervously.

"Calm down, Shiloh. Take a deep breath," she says, pulling my hand away from my mouth.

Taking slow, deep breaths calms my nerves. "Thanks," I say with a smile.

She returns the smile. "So does Chance know about all this?" she asks.

Before I answer, I pay the bill, then walk out to my car with Emma trailing after me. "No," I finally say, sipping my coffee.

"Why?" she says as she gets into the passenger seat.

I turn the car on and back out of my parking spot. "I don't know how he will react after constantly telling me to be on pills," I say with a frown as her gaze burns the side of my face.

"Shiloh, you have to let your parents know. You can't keep this from your family, and most importantly, Chance," she says, staring at me intensely before facing the window.

"Okay," I say turning towards Emma's house. She gives me a look that I know so well. "Right now?" I ask, alarmed.

"Yeah, of course. Just drive me to my place and go straight home," she orders. "Park at the front of the gate." She digs through her bag.

"Why? I should just take you inside," I ask as I park in front of her gate.

"Don't worry. I just want you to get this over with," she says, stepping out of my car. "Call me if you need any help."

"Can't you come with me?" I ask, desperately pleading.

She smiles. "Not happening," she says before entering the gate.

I sigh loudly before driving off towards my house, anxious about what I’m about to do.

Steering into the garage, I put the car into park and turn it off before stepping out of the car.

I stare at the vast wooden door, scared of what my fate might be when I open the door.

Dad prefers living in a luxurious environment, and since my mum loves flowers she has a small garden for visitors.

I grab the doorknob but before I can open the door, it's pulled open, revealing Kate, our cook. She practically raised me, showing me a bit of motherly love.

She smiles warmly, leaving the door open for me to come in.

"Are Dad and Mom inside?" I inquire with a smile.

I walk into the kitchen and place my bag on the counter before opening the fridge for an apple juice. My nerves are in overdrive.

"Your mum—" Kate was cut off by laughter coming from my dad's office and little footsteps running towards us.

"Aunt Shiloh!" Edward yells as he runs towards me. He drapes his little hands around my legs.

He’s a handsome little boy, and except for the color of his hair, which he got from Sylvia, he looks like a replica of his dad.

I pull him up, place him on my hip, and kiss his chubby cheeks, making him laugh. "So how is my favorite nephew doing?" I say, grinning widely and pushing down my nervousness for now.

"Fine. I made a boat today in class using two sheets of paper," he says proudly.

I grab my apple juice from the counter then make my way to the living room laughing as Edward tells me about his day. I place him on the couch before taking a seat close to him and drinking from the glass of apple juice.

"Where is your mum?" I ask, helping him arrange his building toy.

"She is with Grandma, Grandpa, and Dad," he says.

"Oh, Shiloh you are back," Mum says walking towards us dressed in a black summer gown that reaches below her knees. Her brown hair is curled and looks beautiful as always.

"Hey Mum," I greet her. Sylvia, Garrett, and Dad walk into the living room too.

"Hey big girl," Sylvia says, welcoming me into an embrace.

"I was thinking you would never come to visit," I joke as we both laugh.

"Of course not! I can never let you have a minute of rest," she winks.

"Brother-in-law, what a wonderful surprise," I say, grinning while Dad scoops Edward up from the floor, hugging him to his chest.

Dad smiles at me. "What have you been up to, Shiloh?" Dad asks, sitting on the couch and placing Edward on his lap.

I gulp nervously as fear runs through me. Does he know? No, it can't be.

I blink twice. "Um…Everything is fine. Classes resume next week," I say coolly, hiding any trace of fear in me before sitting on a settee with Sylvia while mum sits with Dad and Garrett sits in an armchair.

My phone vibrates from the front pocket of my jeans. I pull it out to see a text message from Emma: what was their reaction?

Shiloh: I have yet to tell them.

Emma: You have to tell them. Get it off your chest already.

She’s right. I have to get this out of my system. It’s not like I can keep it from them forever.

I tuck my phone back into my pocket before looking up to find everyone chatting and laughing.

I can do this. But I need a little time…maybe tomorrow. No, I have to do this right now.

I sigh.

"I have something to say and it's very important," I say, not meeting anyone's gaze.

The place grows quiet. I anxiously look up to meet Dad’s intense stare. Edward and Garrett are no longer in the room.

"I...I..."

I exhale and inhale. My chest hurts as everyone waits patiently for me to continue. Sylvia places her hand on mine, getting my attention.

"Shiloh, relax. You are having an anxiety attack," she says with a worried look.

I breathe out and look at the floor. "Iampregnant," I rush out in one breath.

"Darling, calm down, we can't understand you," Mum says, concern lacing her voice.

"I am pregnant," I say reluctantly.

My words linger in the air as silence envelopes us.

I look at Dad and meet his sizzling gaze. His anger makes me flinch.

Mom and Sylvia look thunderstruck. The couch feels hot from their intense stares and it’s making me squirm.

"What?" Sylvia asks, jumping from the couch, angry and shocked.

I focus on my feet, feeling like a disappointment to my family. “Does Chance know you are pregnant?" she asks calmly, which is very surprising.

I shake my head as tears threaten to spill. Sylvia falls back on the couch, shaking her head in disappointment.

"Shiloh, I am so disappointed in you. How could you do this? Did you forget what family you are from?" Mom says angrily with a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

My heart broke. My mum had never called me a disappointment or looked at me with much pain in her eyes.

But she is right. How could I be so stupid to let this happen?

"Mum, please don't say that. It was a mistake on my part, but please don't," I plead as tears run down my cheeks. I can't tolerate seeing my mum in pain, especially since it’s because of me.

"I gave you everything. We made plans together," she says outraged while Sylvia tries to stop her from saying more. "But what did you do? You got yourself pregnant by that playboy who doesn't even respect you or care," she says bitterly.

I shake my head. "No, he loves me, and he cares. I am sure he will accept this child," I say with confidence.

My parents were never happy about my relationship with Chance. They said he was a rake. That he was very aggressive, arrogant, and filled with pride as he lavished his father's money.

I tried to let them know he loves me but gave up because they stood their ground. But my sister always had my back.

Dad has been strangely quiet, but he suddenly stands up from his chair. "Shiloh, I never expected this from you, but it seems you’re all grown up now and can take care of yourself and a baby," he says maliciously, "So, I am giving you the freedom to do whatever you like. Leave this house with all your belongings," he orders calmly.

"Dad please, I can't survive on my own" I pleaded desperately.

"I am not done talking," he says angrily. "Your car, your bank cards, everything will be confiscated. I will take care of your college fees but the rest is up to you. You are not allowed to mention this family's name or come near us until you become responsible and make something of your life." Sobs tear through my body. Mum and Sylvia are also in tears.

"Leave this house within 45 minutes." He turns to look at me with pain and anger in his eyes. "I warned you about that chap, so bear the consequences of your actions," he says, walking away towards the stairs.

I run to him, standing in front of him and blocking him from taking a step forward. "Dad please, forgive me. Dad, you can't do this to me, please. Please!" I dropped to my knees, begging him to change his mind.

He shoves me out of his way and walks up the stairs. I run towards Mum, pleading. "Mum please help me. Speak with Dad! I know it’s my mistake, but please, Mum. I am still your little girl, right?" I say, hugging her tightly.

I cried because no one could ever change my father's decision. He never goes back on his word but I wish he could take his words back or Mum could try speaking to him.

She did something that will never be erased from my memory.

"Kate!" she yells. I pull away from her, confused. Kate comes running from the kitchen. "Pack everything that belongs to Shiloh and send it out of this house," she orders while Kate nods before looking at me sympathetically. It was obvious that she had listened to everything that happened.

Mum glanced back at me. "You know how your father is. He will never listen to a word anyone says." She takes my hands in hers. "I want you to live with Chance even if I don't like him. This is the only way I can think of but give it a few months until I can convince your father to forgive you," she says with tears in her eyes before leaving.

Sylvia hugs me tightly. "It will be okay," she says, leaving me mystified. I drop to my knees and bury my face into my palms as I quake with sobs.

I drown in self-pity and already feel loneliness overwhelming my heart.

I lost everything in just one day.