Jane POV

As we walked closer to the door, my legs felt heavy. The mansion was huge, more like a palace than a house. The driveway was wide, the walls were tall, and there were guards dressed in black suits. Two maids opened the door before we even knocked.


Hades squeezed my hand and whispered, 'You are doing great."

I nodded, even though my heart was racing. We stepped into the house. The air smelt like fresh flowers and old money.

Everything shone. the floors, the walls, the furniture. Big gold frames hung on the walls, holding pictures of the Thomsons, all in stiff, serious poses.


A woman came down the stairs and she is slim, elegant, and graceful. Her hair was pulled into a bun, and her dress was soft, cream silk and she looked like a queen.

She walked toward us with a calm smile, her eyes moved from Hades to me, and then to my belly.


'Mother," Hades said warmly, giving her a hug. 'This is Jane."

I smiled politely and said, 'Good afternoon, ma'am."

She nodded slowly and her smile stayed but I could feel her eyes studying me.

'Jane," she said softly, 'you are very beautiful and I can see.. Congratulations are in order."

I touched my belly gently. 'Thank you, ma'am."

She gestured for us to sit in the living room. The chairs were velvet and soft.

Everything looked expensive. I sat carefully, my back was straight, and I tried not to look nervous.

'I have heard so much about you," she said. 'Though I must admit, I was surprised to learn everything so quickly."

'I understand," I reply. 'It was unexpected for me too."

She gave a small smile, but I felt it was a polite one, not warm. She was being careful, watching and measuring me.

We were just starting to relax when I heard footsteps.

They were slow and strong.

It was Jane's father, I wanted to hide my face, I could remember his face on the court day. . His face was hard and his jaw was tight. He looked like someone used to giving orders. His presence filled the room. His eyes land on me instantly.

'Father," Hades stood up. 'This is Jane."

Mr. Thomson didn't smile, He nodded slightly but didn't shake my hand and his eyes dropped to my belly, then back up to my face.

'So," he said in a cold voice, 'this same woman?."

I swallowed hard. My hands were sweating, but I kept my head high.

'Yes, sir," I said quietly.

He turned to Hades. 'We will talk. Later."

He walked to a chair and sat down, not looking at me again.

The room went quiet.

Hades moved closer to me and placed his hand gently on mine. His eyes said ''m here,"

His mother cleared her throat. 'Would anyone like tea?"

'Yes, please," I say, trying to break the silence.

She nodded to a maid.

Mr. Thomson picked up a newspaper and started flipping through it, he was not speaking.

I sat there, and I felt like I had just stepped into a test. One I didn't prepare for and one I cannot afford to fail.



We sit down on soft, golden chairs in the living room. Everything here sparkled. There are fresh flowers in tall vases.

A maid poured tea into tiny cups, and a butler brought in a tray of snacks I didn't even recognize. My dress was tight around my belly, but I sat straight, trying not to fidget.

Hades held my hand. His thumb stroked my fingers gently, and I tried to calm myself. I felt his support, and I was thankful.

"Father," Hades began, his voice clear and calm. "I want to introduce you to Jane properly. She is the mother of my child. She is also the woman I love."

Mr. Thomson didn't even blink. He stared at me like I was a stranger who had walked into his palace without permission.

"What is your full name?" he asks, looking straight at me.

"Jane Grande, sir," I said, and I tried to keep my voice steady.

He folded his arms. "Grande? As in Jane Grande, the woman from the media? The one involved in that court scandal not long ago?

I pause. "Yes, sir. That's me."

'The same woman who sent my son to prison?"

He scoffed, "So it's true."

"Father," Hades said sharply. "That was in the past, I deserved what she did and I am also a changed person now just because of her,"

"I'm not asking you," Mr. Thompson replied and he turned to me again. "Tell me, Miss Grande. What exactly are your intentions with my son?"

"I... I never planned this, sir," I said honestly. "But we have grown so close. We care about each other. I want what is best for our child."

He narrowed his eyes. "And what about your past? The lawsuits, the stories of betrayal, the courtroom drama? You think that is good for our family?"

I swallowed hard and my throat was dry. "I have made mistakes, sir. But I have also worked hard to fix them."

He laughed bitterly. "Fixed them? You think being in court over assault and defamation was nothing? You think carrying a child means we forget everything?"

"Enough," Hades said, standing up. "This isn't fair."

"Sit down," his father said coldly. "I am talking."

Hades hesitated, then slowly sat down again and his jaw was tight. I saw anger in his eyes.

Mr. Thomson leaned forward. "How do we even know that child is my son's? Did you do a test?"

"Yes, we did," Hades snapped. "The baby is mine."

"And you believe that?" his father said

"With all the stories I have heard about this woman?"

My heart sank and I pressed my palm against my belly as if protecting the baby from his words.

"Sir," I said softly, "I know I can't change your opinion right now. But I love your son. I didn't trap him. I didn't lie to him. I have only tried to be honest."

Mr. Thomson stood up slowly. "I do not approve."

Hades stood too. "I wasn't asking for approval. I was introducing the woman I love."