I cross my arms, staring at the floor. It’s spotless, like every other corner of this place. I’ve had nothing but time to clean. Time to think. Time to unravel. “Congratulations,” I whisper, though my voice barely makes it out.
“Iknew it!” Silas claps his hands, closing the distance between us, his eyes blazing. My heart races as he steps closer. “Do you think I’m Poppy’s father?”
I open my mouth, words stumbling over each other before I finally say, “Yes,” confirming what I believed was the truth.
His expression twists into anger. “No!” he shouts, his voice sharp. “I can’t believe you fell for such a damn rumor. You’re one of the smartest people I know, Lauren—how could you believe something like that so quickly?”
“Wait, you’re not the father?” I ask, my voice weak.
He shakes his head, frustration radiating off him.
“Then who is the father?”
“I don’t know! Some guy who donated his sperm!” He throws his hands up, clearly exasperated. “God! I can’t believe this.” He covers his face, pacing like he’s trying to burn off the anger. “Do you really think I’d do something like that? Leave the mother of my child?”
“Then why does everyone think you’re the father?!” I shout back, my own frustration spilling over.
“I paid for the treatment, Lauren!” His voice is raw, laced with pain. “It was a gift for Stella. Nothing more.” He steps toward me, and I instinctively back up until I hit the door.
Silas stops inches from my face, his eyes burning with hurt. “How could you believe them so easily?” His voice is low now, filled with disappointment.
I drop my gaze, shame flooding through me. I’ve been so stubborn, so quick to believe the worst.
His hand gently lifts my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes, and I see something I’ve never seen before—vulnerability. “I promised I would never hurt you again. Is my word worth so little to you?” His words cut deep, and my chest tightens with regret.
“Silas …” My eyes well up with tears, and I shut them, trying to keep myself from breaking down in front of him. I’ve missed him so much these past weeks—his touch, his voice, his presence. And now I’m angry at myself for pushing him away.
Suddenly, panic floods me. The weight of my mistake is suffocating, the fear of losing him unbearable. It’s not the first time I’ve let a rumor feel like reality. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I’m not used to lies. I don’t know how to lie, and I don’t understandwhypeople do it. They said it at the party, and my mind just—” I pause, remembering the panic attack that overtook me that night, the way Silas looked at me as I hit my head over and over, unable to stop.
“Was that an episode?” His voice softens, his hand sliding gently to my neck, caressing me.
I nod.
“Lauren” He whispers my name like a promise. “Rumors are poison in the form of sound. You have to remember that people can be awful at times, and everything that comes out of their mouths can be garbage. I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
I nod again, shame still clawing at me.
“Promise me, from now on, you’ll listen to me before you act on any office gossip.”
I try to speak, but my voice betrays me, so I nod my head instead.
“I need you to say it out loud.”
“Yes.” I burst into tears. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for being like this, for not talking to you. I just—” My voice cracks again. “I couldn’t react that day. It was like my mind took over and ...”
“Shhh.” Silas pulls me into his chest, his arms wrapping around me, holding me tightly. “I understand. It’s not your fault. I’m just glad you’re talking to me now.”
I cling to him, suddenly terrified of letting go. “If only I were normal …”
Silas loosens his grip slightly, finding my face. His eyes shine with something deep and unspoken, something that makes my stomach churn with emotion. “Don’t ever say that again,” he murmurs, his gaze dropping to my lips. “You may not believe it, but you’re perfect just the way you are.Fuck, you’re Lauren Green. The girl who brought me to my knees, the one who made my heart race, and the one who still does.”
Tears stream down my face, and he wipes them away with soft kisses, his lips trailing along my skin. “It’s the way you are that dazzles me,” he continues, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t ever change. I love you, Lauren Green. And I would choose you, just as you are, a thousand times over.”
A smile bursts from my chest, breaking through the tears. His words, beautiful and raw, settle deep inside me, soothing the ache I’ve carried for so long.
“I love you too, Silas Walker,”
Silas
