Days slipped by in a haze of fear and uncertainty. Ava Collins moved through the office like a shadow—offering polite smiles, steady hands, and calm eyes that concealed an inner turmoil. Every time she caught sight of Liam Kingsley, guilt tightened its grip on her heart.
She wanted to tell him. She needed to tell him. Yet each time the moment approached, her courage faltered.
What if he didn't want this baby?
What if he viewed it as a mistake?
What if she lost both her job and him in an instant?
So, she remained silent.
One morning, as she stood by the window of her apartment with sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains, her fingers brushed against the small envelope she had tucked away days earlier—her doctor's confirmation. Proof of what she already knew.
She whispered the words to herself again, still grappling with their reality. "I'm pregnant."
The sound was both terrifying and beautiful.
At work, Liam noticed her pallor, the way she sometimes cradled her stomach or how she skipped her usual coffee. He said nothing, but his gaze lingered on her with quiet concern.
One evening, after most of the staff had left, he approached her desk. "You've been unwell lately," he said softly. "Do you need a doctor?"
Her heart raced. "It's nothing serious," she replied quickly. "Just tired."
He studied her face for a long moment, his intuition sharper than she wanted to acknowledge. "You're lying," he said gently—not accusingly; just certain.
Her throat tightened. "I can't talk about it right now."
He nodded slowly and stepped back. "When you're ready, Ava. I'll be here."
That kindness broke through her defenses. After he left, she sat at her desk with tears streaming silently down her cheeks. He deserved to know. But how could she reveal that the life they tried to keep hidden had already begun?
That night, she stood before the mirror with one hand resting on her barely noticeable belly.
"You're my secret," she whispered to her reflection. "For now."
But deep down, she understood that secrets rarely stayed concealed forever. When this one eventually surfaced, it would not only challenge her heart but also test the love she hoped Liam truly felt for her.