A few moments later, the doors open into the lobby, and cold air rushes in. A clerk at the desk nods as I pass by, heading toward the revolving door that leads to the street. Chicago is a glittering mess of headlights and early winter darkness. I tug my coat tighter around myself and then flag down a cab. Once inside, the heater kicks on, and I rattle off Oliver’s address before sinking back against the seat as the city slides by in a blur of neon signs and bundled-up pedestrians.
As soon as my phone buzzes in my pocket, dread crashes over me, and I force myself to look at the screen.
Unknown number.
My stomach clenches. It’s late enough that my brain doesn’t bother pretending this could be anyone else. I can practically hear Collin’s voice in my head.
You need to take care of this situation, Kia.
Instead of opening the message, I block the number, and the thread disappears.
All I want is for him to get the hint and move on with his life. I’ve already promised not to come after him for child support or help. As far as he’s concerned, we no longer exist.
I press my palm to my belly, my fingers splaying instinctively over the small bump. “I’ve got you.” At this point, I don’t know who I’m trying to convince.
Myself or the baby.
Maybe both.
The cab turns toward the lake, and high-rises glow against the dark sky. I tip my head back against the seat and stare out the window. Maybe Evelyn’s right and the smartest thing I can do is to take a step back and assess the situation.
The truth is, I left school because it felt like I was drowning. Every day became heavier than the last. Expectations were pressing in from all sides until breathing became impossible.
For the first time since stepping off Oliver’s elevator with my duffel slung over my shoulder, I don’t feel that way. Sitting at Laiken’s table tonight and watching Elody lick sauce off her fingers before arguing for extra bedtime stories steadied me in a way I hadn’t realized I was desperate for. While at Laiken’s, I wasn’t the girl who messed everything up and ran away.
I was just… there.
Useful and needed.
The cab pulls up to Oliver’s building, and I pay the fare before stepping onto the sidewalk. The wind slices straight through my coat, chilling me to the bone. Inside, the lobby is warm and quiet, a welcome contrast. I cross the marble floor and move into the elevator, using the keycard for the penthouse.
As the car rises through the building, I study my reflection in the polished metal. My cheeks are flushed and my hair is falling loose from my knot. My eyes look a little less hollow than they did this morning in the bathroom mirror.
It helped. Having a purpose is exactly what I needed.
For the first time in weeks, the future doesn’t look like a blank wall. Instead, it looks like mornings filled with playing, grocery lists, and preschool schedules. It looks like saving quietly and preparing for the day I can stop keeping this baby a secret.
One step at a time.
That’s exactly what this is.
The elevator doors slide open, and as soon as I step out, I notice the penthouse is shrouded in darkness. It’s usually brightly lit with the city beyond glowing through the windows. Ever since Rina moved in, there’s been laughter, constant chatter, and noise filling the space, making it feel alive and lived in.
Tonight, the only light comes from the skyline. But the moment that thought crosses my mind, I notice a faint flicker from deep inside the living room.
A candle maybe?
My steps falter as I squint.
Wait… are there a few of them?
I’m just about to call out when music that’s low and sultry catches my attention. I take another cautious step forward as a moan threads its way through the music.
It’s followed by a rough grunt.
I freeze.
Oh no.
