The glass hits the counter too hard when I set it down. It doesn’t break—but I kind of wish it had. Something should.
My phone buzzes on the table. I don’t even look at it.
Instead, I walk to the window, press my forehead to the cool glass, and stare out at the skyline.
Tomorrow, I’ll call my lawyer. Figure out what rights I have. What steps I need to take.
Because I’m going to be a father.
But I’m sure I can never be hers again.
Not after this.
There’s no coming back.
***
Lucas tosses a guitar pick across the couch, missing his open case by a mile. “You’ve been moody as hell all day. Either you're writing a breakup album or someone ran over your cat.”
I don’t laugh.
I haven’t really laughed since she told me.
Instead, I rub the heel of my palm over my eyes and mutter, “She’s pregnant.”
That gets his attention.
Lucas sits up straight. “Wait—Nora?”
I nod once, sharp. “Yeah.”
He stares at me, and for a second, I see the gears turning. “Damn. Okay. Wow. That’s… a lot.”
“Tell me about it.”
He exhales, then leans forward, elbows on knees. “So—what now? You two keeping it? Are you okay?”
“Of course we’re keeping it,” I say, voice flat. “And I’m gonna do the right thing. I’ll be there. Support the kid. Make sure they have everything they need.”
Lucas watches me carefully. “But not her?”
“No.” I bite the word out. “Not her.”
He waits a beat, then says, “What the hell happened? You were… man, I’ve never seen you like that with anyone.”
I don’t answer right away. My jaw works, tightening and releasing like I’m biting back bile. Then I stand, pacing.
“She lied to me,” I say, voice low. “Used me.”
Lucas frowns. “Nora? I don’t see her doingthat—”
“She had a plan.” The words taste bitter, even now. “Before we ever met. Some fan forum shit. She posted about wanting to meet me at charity events. About getting pregnant and living off it.”
Lucas’s brows shoot up. “What?”
I stand, needing to move. The walls of the studio feel too tight. “Jake found something. Brought it to me. Posts—years old. From a Storm & Silence fan forum.”
Lucas frowns. “Okay…”
