LOGINWhen we step into the theater, it’s dim but not crowded, that perfect in-between where it feels like the world has stepped aside just for us. Adrian gestures toward the center.“I picked the best seats,” he says quietly. “Middle row, dead center. You get the perfect view with no neck strain.”“Look
He smiles, eyes on the road. “You’ll see.”I narrow my eyes. “I don’t really like surprises.”“That’s unfortunate,” he chuckles. “Because I like giving them.”“I don’t have that kind of patience,” I warn.He laughs, the sound warm and easy. “I’ve noticed and I find that so cute.”I look down, using
Adrian arrives exactly on time.I know this because I’ve checked the clock three times already, pacing from the living room to the hallway and back again like I’m waiting for an exam result instead of a date. When his car finally pulls up outside, headlights briefly washing over the front of my hous
A soft chuckle escapes me. “Well… technically, we’ve only been on one date, but we talk every day, and he told me he wants to build something more with me.”The sadness and despair on her face vanish, replaced by a huge smile that lights her up.“Please tell me you’re not lying, just so I can finall
The picture shows my back, with Noah’s hand resting on my lower spine. It was probably taken while I was admiring the necklace, but what I don’t remember is his hand being there at all.Was I so absorbed that I didn’t even notice where he’d placed it?“So,” Mom says sharply, her eyes burning with an
“I don’t think I heard you right,” Mom says, staring at me like I should be booking a psychiatry appointment. “There must be a mistake.”I get her. I really do. Noah is the last person anyone would ever imagine I’d have a child with, yet here we are and the proof is the very obvious baby bump stretc
Without another word, Lilly grabs her phone and dials. I can hear the faint ring, then Noah’s voice low, calm and controlled.“Where are you?” she asks.“In my study,” he replies.My head snaps up. He’s here? He’s been here this whole time? I didn’t even know he was home. He didn’t text, didn’t knoc
I close Sierra’s door behind me, but the truth of her words sticks to me like smoke.I don’t want to be involved with the baby, but she shouldn’t be worrying about any of this. She should be resting, healing, and focusing on staying healthy, not drowning in stress because of my mess, my inability to
Her mouth opens, but no words come. Shock floods her face and for once, she doesn’t know what to say.“Noah,” she breathes, voice trembling. “You’re actually defending her?”“I’m telling you to stop,” I say, my tone low but steady. “I will not tolerate any more lies, Brook. And I won’t let you disre
I should be used to it. After all, I’ve heard those words said to me so many times. Even Noah himself has said them to me, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. It still fucking hurts like a bitch to hear them. “He belongs to Chloe—” “Stop,” I say, venom curdling into my throat. “Don’t use her a







