Daddy’s billionaire step-brother
Chapter 65: Shame

Jessica returned from Athens brimming with excitement, eager to help Clara organize the baby shower of her dreams. Clara had chosen a whimsical mermaid theme, complete with seashell decorations, pastel colors, and shimmering accents. They spent days planning every detail, from the ocean-inspired cake to the delicate centerpieces, ensuring everything was perfect. Clara insisted on writing beautiful, hand-written invitations on sea-green envelopes, addressed to her closest

friends, their families, and the few relatives she still cherished.

One evening, while they were going over the final details, Clara turned to Adrian and asked whom he'd like to invite. He paused, thinking for a moment before naming a couple of close friends and a few distant relatives from his mother's side of the family. As he spoke, Clara noticed something-Adrian, much like herself, seemed lonely. They had few people to share this joy with. Clara's heart swelled with emotion as she realized how much they both needed this a family. And now, with their baby girl on the way, they were building one together.

The day of the baby shower arrived, and the mansion was transformed into a lively, magical space. The shimmering decorations sparkled in the sunlight, and the air buzzed with excitement. Guests arrived, filling the once-quiet halls with laughter, conversation, and warmth. Clara was radiant, glowing with happiness as she greeted everyone, her hand resting protectively over her growing belly.

As the party went on, she found herself wondering about her father. She had sent an invitation to their old address, unsure if he still lived there or if he would even care. A part of her longed for his presence, while another part hoped he would stay away. She didn't know what he was up to, but a sense of unease lingered in her heart. Yet, surrounded by so much love and happiness, Clara decided to push those thoughts aside.

Clara approached her aunts and cousins, hoping to make light conversation and enjoy the party she had worked so hard to create. "Are you all enjoying the party?" she asked, her smile soft, trying to gauge their moods.

They nodded politely, but Clara could sense a tension in the air. Something unsaid lingered between them. Taking a deep breath, she decided to ask what had been bothering her. "Have any of you spoken to my father lately? I haven't been able to reach him, and I don't even know if he got the invitation."

Her aunts exchanged glances, their expressions hardening as if they knew something she didn't. Clara's heart sank. "What's going on?" she asked, a knot forming in her stomach.

Her aunt, the eldest of the group, finally spoke. "Your father doesn't want anything to do with you or your new husband anymore, Clara. You've brought an immense amount of shame to his name, to all of us." The words were blunt, cutting like knives. "Calling off that serious engagement with the Caldwell boy and then running off to marry your uncle? What were you thinking?"

Another aunt chimed in, her voice cold. "And now you show up pregnant, parading around as if nothing happened. No one is stupid enough to believe this child was conceived after the wedding."

The weight of their judgment hit Clara like a wave, leaving her breathless. She could feel her chest tightening, the walls closing in as she fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. She had never intended to bring shame to her family, never wanted this kind of pain. It hurt more than she could bear to hear these words from her own blood, people she thought might still care for her.

Lowering her head, she whispered, "I'm sorry," her voice breaking. With tearful eyes and her heart in pieces, she excused herself quickly, walking away from them before they could see her crumble completely. The joy of the day had been shattered, and all Clara could feel was an overwhelming sense of isolation.

Adrian stepped out onto the balcony, replaceing Clara curled up on the edge, her face wet with tears. The soft evening breeze did nothing to calm the storm raging inside her. His heart sank at the sight of her. He quietly approached and knelt beside her.

"Clara," he said softly, "what happened?"

She looked up at him, her eyes red and pained. "I never meant to hurt anyone, Adrian. I never wanted to bring shame to anyone..."

He knew exactly what she meant. Pulling her into his arms, he held her close. Her small sobs broke through, but she leaned into his chest, replaceing comfort in his embrace.

"I don't understand," Clara continued, her voice cracking. "How could they look at me, at us, at how happy I am, and think it's somehow worse than being stuck in that twisted, loveless arrangement they wanted? How can my happiness be a crime?"

Adrian sighed, his jaw tightening. "That's how it works," he said bitterly. "People care more about appearances than actual happiness. Your aunts, your whole family... They're miserable old hags, every one of them, and yet they still think they're better than you."

A small laugh escaped Clara, despite her tears. Adrian smiled slightly at that, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

"That's why I always kept my distance," he explained. "My mother... she fell madly in love with your grandfather and he with her. They never forgave her. She made him happier than anyone ever could, but it didn't matter because she didn't fit their idea of 'proper.' A single mother from a lower-class background wasn't good enough for the Miller name, no matter how much she loved him."

Clara shook her head in disbelief. "Mr. Caldwell was willing to have children with his own son's wife just to preserve appearances... It's really disgusting."

Adrian's eyes darkened. "That's how deep it goes. It's not about love or family-it's a cult. The name, the legacy... It's a sick game. I make a lot of money, and yeah, I enjoy it, but I never wanted to play by their rules. I told myself I'd never marry, never have children... just so I wouldn't be part of any bullshit legacy."

He paused, then smiled, looking at her. "And now, look at me."

Clara's lips curved into a smile, her heart feeling a little lighter. The weight of their situation, her family's disapproval, and the schemes pulling them apart-it all seemed to melt away when Adrian held her like this. In his arms, she felt safe. And for that moment, nothing else mattered.