Because I came here to tell him he’s going to be a father.
And now all I want to do is run.
I storm down the driveway, tears burning hot in my eyes, vision blurred as I push into the dark. Gravel bites into the soles of my boots. The cold hits my flushed skin, sharp and punishing.
But I don’t stop.
Not until I hear him behind me.
“Olive, wait.”
I don’t turn. I can’t. Not with my chest cracked open like this.
But then he’s there and suddenly his hand is on my arm, spinning me around before I can pull away.
His eyes are wild, panicked, searching my face.
“It’s not what you think,” he says, breathless. “It’s from Sam. From the bachelor party.”
I blink, confused. Still trembling. “What?”
“The thong,” he says quickly. “It’s not… it wasn’t mine. We took my truck weekend to go to the bars. Someone must’ve left it as a prank.” He rakes a hand through his hair, eyes pleading. “I didn’t even notice it was there. I swear to God; Olive I haven’t been with anyone. Not since you.”
My mouth parts, but no words come.
Because I want to believe him.
Desperately.
But the hurt’s still so close to the surface, so sharp, it feels like I might bleed from it.
“You expect me to believe that?” I whisper.
“Yes,” he says without hesitation. “Because it’s the truth.” He steps closer, hands raised like he’s afraid I’ll bolt. “I know I’ve let you down before. I know I’ve made mistakes. But not this. Not you. I wouldn’t do that to you, Olive.”
I shake my head, trying to breathe. Trying to think.
“You didn’t call. You didn’t fight. I waited, Liam.”
“I know.” His voice breaks. “And I’ve regretted it every day.”
Silence stretches between us.
Tense. Fragile.
“I came here to tell you something,” I say finally, my voice thin.
He looks at me, eyes filled with every emotion I’ve tried to forget.
“Then tell me.”
My throat tightens. I press a hand to my stomach. And this time, I don’t stop the words.
“I’m pregnant. We’re having twins.”
His reaction isn’t what I expect. Not even close.
He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t reach for me. Doesn’t say a word. Instead, he takes a step back. And then another. Like I’ve just slapped him.
