Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 302

Chapter 302: Acceptance with Conditions
The next morning, Juliet sat on the edge of her bed, gripping her phone tightly. Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she stared at Owen’s name on the screen.

She had been waiting for this moment for months. And finally, it was here.

With a deep breath, she pressed the call button.

One ring.

Two.

Three.

By the fifth ring, she thought he wouldn’t pick up. Then, finally—

“Juliet.” His voice was cool, distant.

Juliet swallowed. “I—I need to see you.”

Silence.

She could tell he was debating whether to end the call right there.

A part of her wouldn’t even blame him. She had been avoiding him for months, ignoring his messages and calls, keeping him in the dark.

“Please, Owen,” she added, her voice softer now. “It’s important.”

A heavy sigh crackled through the line. Then, finally, he asked, “Where?”

She exhaled in relief, quickly mentioning a location.

At first, she had thought he would refuse to meet her altogether. But deep down, she knew the truth.

Owen liked her. A lot.

And despite his stubbornness, that was the only reason she was getting this chance.

—

Two Hours Later…

The restaurant Juliet had chosen was quiet, a small upscale café tucked away from the public eye. She sat at a private booth near the window, hands placed nervously on her lap as she waited.

Then, she saw him.

Owen stepped in, dressed in a fitted track suit, exuding confidence and a hint of irritation.

His sharp gaze landed on her, and for a brief moment, she saw something else flicker in his expression.

Shock.

Because now, there was no hiding it.

Her six-month baby bump was clear as day.

Owen strode towards her, taking the seat opposite hers without breaking eye contact. “Juliet.” His voice was calm, but she could feel the storm brewing underneath.

Juliet swallowed hard. “Owen, I—”

“When were you going to tell me?” His voice was firm, cutting through her attempt at an explanation. He already knew why she wanted to see him. “Or were you planning to hide it until you gave birth?”

“I was scared.” Juliet’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know how you’d react.”

Owen scoffed. “So, instead of talking to me, you disappeared for months?”

Juliet bit her lip. Her hands trembled slightly as she placed them over her stomach with tears in her eyes. “I—I know I was wrong. But please, don’t ask me to get rid of it.” Her voice broke slightly. “If you don’t want the child, I understand. I’ll raise it alone. I won’t come to you for anything, I swear.”

A tense silence stretched between them.

Juliet braced herself for the worst. She looked up just in time to see Owen reach into his pocket, pulling out a crisp white handkerchief. Without a word, he extended it toward her.

Juliet hesitated before taking it, dabbing the tears that had unknowingly escaped.

“I don’t want you to get rid of it.” Owen’s voice was softer now, but there was still a hard edge to it. “I’ll take responsibility.”

Juliet’s breath hitched. Relief flooded through her. “Really?”

“Yes,” Owen said firmly. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not angry, Juliet. You kept something this huge from me. You didn’t trust me enough to tell me.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry, Owen. I just… I didn’t know how to break the news. And then, you were going through your divorce with Olivia.”

Owen leaned back into his seat, watching her carefully. His emotions were a mix of frustration and something deeper—something almost resembling happiness.

Despite everything, he had a child, and the thought of that filled him with an unexpected sense of pride.

“I’ll let my parents know,” he said after a pause.

Juliet stiffened. “Your parents?”

Owen nodded. “They need to know.”

A fresh wave of nerves crashed over her. “What if they don’t accept the baby? Or worse… what if they try to take the child from me?”

Owen’s gaze hardened. “That won’t happen.”

Juliet searched his face for reassurance, and after a moment, she nodded.

“Tonight,” Owen said. “I’ll take you to them tonight.”

Juliet’s heart pounded, but she found herself nodding again. “Alright.”

—

The Scott Family Residence.

That same evening, a car rolled smoothly through the grand iron gates of the Scott estate, the towering mansion coming into view.

Juliet’s fingers curled into Owen’s sleeve as she stepped out of the vehicle, taking in the vastness of his family home in awe.

Juliet shot him a nervous look. “Your parents won’t chase me out. Will they?”

He squeezed her hand. “Relax. They won’t scold you.”

She nodded, but the anxiety in her stomach remained.

Together, they walked through the grand double doors and into the luxurious living room, where Owen’s parents were watching TV.

Richard and Patricia turned their heads as the door opened, their expressions shifting instantly at the sight before them.

Juliet, the baby bump and the way Owen was holding her hand.

Patricia’s eyes narrowed slightly. Richard’s brow furrowed.

Owen was the first to speak. “Mom. Dad.” He gave them a respectful nod. “I have something important to tell you.”

Juliet swallowed hard. “G-good evening,” she greeted nervously.

His parents didn’t respond. Instead, their gazes settled once more on the undeniable bump.

Owen led Juliet to the sofa, gesturing for her to sit. She hesitated before carefully lowering herself beside him, keeping her hands folded in her lap.

“I want you to meet Juliet,” Owen said smoothly. “She’s my girlfriend.”

Patricia’s brows lifted slightly at that.

“And,” Owen continued, “she’s carrying my child. Six months along.”

Silence.

It took a while for everything Owen said to be registered in his parents’ head. This was just too sudden for them.

But not wanting to waste anyone’s time, his father was the first to break the silence.

“No child of the Scott family will be born out of wedlock,” Richard declared with his gaze on Owen. “Get married immediately!”

Owen and Juliet’s heads snapped toward him.

“Wha?” Owen asked, momentarily caught off guard.

Patricia nodded in agreement. “We will arrange a private wedding—no media involvement.”

Juliet’s stomach dropped. This was beyond what she had expected. And she was happy.

Owen turned to his father. “That’s not what we came here for. This was just to let you know—”

Richard cut him off. “There will be no discussion, Owen.”

Juliet glanced nervously at Owen, fearing that he would refuse. But to her utter shock, after a moment of tense silence, he gave in.

“…Fine.” Owen exhaled through his nose. “We will have the wedding.” He had been sceptical about marriage after everything he had gone through with Olivia. Fortunately, Juliet wasn’t anything like her.

Juliet tried to hide her smile. But before she could process the situation fully, Richard spoke again.

“Before the wedding,” he said firmly, “a DNA test will be conducted.” His sharp gaze locked onto Juliet. “We need proof that this child is truly Owen’s. And only then, can we meet your parents.”

Juliet straightened her back, meeting his gaze without hesitation. “I have no objections. I’ll do it.”

Satisfied with her response, Richard nodded.

Patricia leaned forward slightly. “If everything goes well, the wedding will be held within two to four weeks. Shortly before Christmas.”

Owen nodded in understanding.

Juliet, however, struggled to keep up.

Was this really happening?

In just a few hours, she had gone from telling Owen about her pregnancy to being engaged.

She couldn’t wait to break this good news to Casey.