The realization hits me harder than ever. The gravity of it is crushing, suffocating. Damn it, I can’t even think about this right now. I’m not ready to face the truth.
Jason’s voice breaks my spiraling thoughts. He’s standing just behind me now, close enough that I can feel his presence but far enough to make it feel casual.
“So, how’s everything been going?” he asks, casual, trying to fill the silence between us.
I force a smile, trying to mask my inner turmoil. “Busy, you know… just work.”
He raises an eyebrow, clearly sensing there’s something more. “You sure? You’ve been quiet lately.”
I nod, trying to avoid his gaze. “Yeah. Just a lot on my plate.”
Jason’s smile falters, but he doesn’t push. “Well, I’m here if you want to talk. You know that.”
I don’t know how to respond. He’s trying to be considerate, but I can’t talk to him about this. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
I nod, hoping that’s enough as I lead him back to the living room.
“I’m going to this gala soon,” he says, almost casually as we sit on the couch. “It’s a big event for the art community. I was wondering if you’d come with me—be my partner for the night again?”
I freeze for a moment, turning to look at him. The last art fundraiser we attended was really fun and the caliber of people I met were interesting, which wasn’t surprising since Jason came from money. But now things were different. I agreed to go that time because I needed a distraction from Lukin.
Now I’m pregnant!
“I don’t know, Jason,” I say, my voice a little too hesitant. “I’m not really in the mood for it.”
He doesn’t take my hesitation personally, though. He smiles that familiar, easy grin of his, the one that makes everything seem just a little bit lighter, even when I’m struggling to keep it together.
“Come on, Zoe,” he insists, his tone playful. “You need a night out. You’ve been cooped up, working nonstop. You’re going to have fun. It’ll be good to get out, trust me. Nothing romantic. Fully platonic. I promise. Scout’s honor.”
I sigh, knowing full well he’s right. I need to get out of this headspace. I need something to distract me. It won’t fix everything, but it might offer a temporary escape.
“Okay,” I say finally, the words slipping out before I can fully think them through. “I’ll go with you.”
Jason’s face lights up immediately, the relief in his expression making my stomach twist slightly. I can tell he’s happy about it, but I’m not sure why. I hope he knows that now more than ever, there’s no future for us. Not when I’m carrying another man’s child.
“You should leave,” I finally say. “I’ve been so stressed; I need to rest.”
Chapter Sixteen - Lukin
I lean back in the leather seat of the car, my fingers tapping idly against my thigh as the city lights blur past. The neon glow streaks across the window, but my mind is a thousand miles away. It always is, lately. My thoughts are consumed with one thing, one person.
I can’t get her out of my head no matter how hard I try.
It’s maddening.
Beside me sits Nadia—elegant, sharp, but ultimately hollow. A perfect distraction. She’s been hanging off me for the past week, always in the right dress, saying the right things, doing exactly what I need her to do. She’s the type of woman who can fade into the background, unnoticed, but her touch is always present. Always eager to please.
She isn’t Zoe.
And that’s the point.
Her hand slides over my thigh, teasing, slow and deliberate, her fingers brushing against the fabric of my trousers, sending a flash of heat through me. She leans in, her breath hot against my ear as she whispers something filthy.
Her voice is smooth, practiced. It’s meant to turn me on, to pull me back into the moment.
But it doesn’t.
I don’t stop her. I don’t push her away.
