He might have tried to extend a hand the other day, but it’s not enough. This is what he always does, and if I keep letting him, keep forgiving him, he’ll never see how much his actions hurt me.
A knock at the door startles me, and I clutch my hand to my throat as I try to take a breath.
“Yeah?” I choke, wondering if it’s Ronan. But then Mila pushes the door open and gives me a small, tired smile.
“Morning.”
I wave her in, and she closes the door behind her before crossing the room to sit on the edge of the bed beside me.
She tucks her feet up beneath her. “Are you okay?”
“Not even a little.”
She doesn’t need to ask why. She already knows.
“Have you told him yet?”
I hesitate for a second, then shake my head, ignoring the pang of guilt at the secret I’m keeping.
“I can’t, not yet. I need to make sure everything’s…real, first. I know that sounds stupid, but I’m still wrapping my head around it all. This was not in the contract, and I have no idea how Ronan is going to react to the idea of us having a baby.”
Mila nods, not pushing the subject further. That’s one of the reasons I love her. She knows when to back off and give me space, which is what I need right now.
Well, space from Ronan, that is.
“You know I’ll come with you today, right? You don’t have to do this alone.”
“Thanks.” I rest my head on her shoulder. “But I’m not even sure how I’m going to get out of here. I thought it was bad before, but Ronan’s brought in even more security. There’s no way he’s going to let me leave.”
“Then we lie.”
Mila says it so casually that I blink.
“What?” I lift my head, turning to face her.
“I’ll tell him I have a grief counseling session at the hospital and you’re coming with me for support.”
I stare at her, unsure whether to laugh or hug her.
“That’s actually…brilliant.”
“I know.” She shrugs. “Now let’s just hope he buys it.”
To my complete surprise,Ronan does buy it.
Mila’s explanation is confident and well-rehearsed, and Ronan, though visibly wary at the idea of us leaving the safety of the house, agrees on the condition that Cormac goes with us.
I start to panic that we’ll be found out, but Mila takes it in stride.
We head outside to where Cormac waits in the car. “I figured something like that might happen. Just keep your cool, and I’ll handle the talking.”
I nod, but I’m still sweating by the time we arrive at the hospital.
Cormac gives us a sidelong glance from the front seat, but he doesn’t question us.
He pulls up outside the hospital entrance. “I’ll be waiting in the café. Message me if you’re going to be longer than an hour.”
The second we’re out of the car and walking into the hospital, I grab Mila’s hand as a wave of anxiety hits me as I remember why we’re here.
