Chapter 2
For just a split second, something cold flickered across his face. Then he slapped on that gentle doctor smile and rubbed my belly like I was some prized
cow.
“Hey now, little one, you’re giving mommy a hard time in there. Guess daddy’s gonna have to teach you some manners when you decide to join us.“[]
Then he grabbed my hand, his tone all sweet and loving, but his eyes were steel–no room for argument.[]
“Babe, this is our love made real. You can’t just decide you don’t want it anymore.“]
Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.[]
You’re the one who doesn’t want it, asshole.
“But what if… what if something’s wrong with the baby?”
Declan’s smile froze on his face like a glitchy video.[]
He practically ripped the ultrasound report from my hands. “How could anything be wrong? If there’s an issue, we’ll just terminate and try again. Bottom line–we’re having a kid.“[]
After scanning the results, he let out this huge sigh of relief.[]
Then shot me this accusatory look.[]
“Riley, you scared the shit out of me. It’s just the cord wrapped around the neck–that’s totally normal. Where’s the health issue?“[]
“That’s what got you all worked up? Babe, your husband’s a doctor. I’ll make sure this baby gets here safe and sound, no matter what.“[]
I stared at Declan with the most bitter smile. We’d grown up together, been kids in the same neighborhood.[]
When exactly did he turn into such a piece of shit?[]
Declan called me a ride home.[]
Treated me like I was made of glass the whole way to the hospital entrance.
Every nurse and doctor we passed looked at us like we were relationship goals.
“Dr. Martinez is so protective! Like he thinks someone’s gonna steal his wife or something.”
“They’re such a perfect couple. Their kid’s gonna be so lucky.“[]
Declan’s grin got even wider.]]
He smoothed down my jacket. “I might be late tonight–got another surgery on the books.“[]
“Text me when you get home, yeah?”
I nodded, choking back tears, and practically pushed him toward the elevator.
Who would’ve guessed that Mr. Perfect Husband had such a sick agenda hidden behind all that loving husband bullshit?
While waiting for my Uber, I dug through my purse and realized I’d left my Driver’s License upstairs in his office.
I headed back up to grab it, but found Declan’s office door cracked open.[]
A little kid’s voice drifted out.]
“Uncle Dec, why is Chloe’s skin getting so yellow?”
“The doctors said Chloe’s gonna die soon. I’m scared.“[]
Declan’s voice had this urgent edge I’d never heard before.
Chapter 2
“Don’t talk like that. Uncle Dec is gonna save you no matter what.“]
“If you keep saying stuff like that, you’ll make mommy cry.“]]
The kid’s sobs came in broken waves, and I could hear Piper getting choked up too.
“Declan, I’m begging you–please save Chloe.“[]
“I’ll do whatever Riley wants after this. I’ll be her slave for life. I know this is horrible for your baby, but my little girl can’t wait much longer.“[]
Through the crack in the door, I watched Piper collapse into my husband’s arms, sobbing.
Declan rubbed her back, his voice gentle as a lullaby while he said the most heartless shit I’d ever heard.]
“Don’t stress about it. If she hadn’t been so stubborn about refusing to donate her kidney to Chloe, I wouldn’t have had to go through this whole charade–marrying her, getting her pregnant.“[]
“She brought this on herself.“]
“You know not marrying you is my biggest regret. Everyone else can get in line behind you.“[]
I wiped
my face, but the tears just kept coming.
Every sweet thing Declan had ever said to me–all of it was just an act.
I turned and walked away without looking back.[]
If he’s so broken up about not marrying her, I’ll just step aside and let him have his dream girl.
As for this baby…
If she’s destined to be born just to have her organs harvested, then I’d rather she never takes her first breath.
