Page 71 of High Stakes

Aiden’s head shoots up and he immediately pulls an arm from Laurie’s shoulders. It’s like time is stood still, and for a few seconds, we’re just locked in each other’s pain. His eyes then travel down to my stomach with his brows pulled together in confusion.

Laurie clears her throat around the same time I feel an arm slip around my shoulders and Cal appears. I glance at him, unable to find the words, and he gives me a reassuring smile, before looking at the pair. “Are congratulations in order?” he asks, his voice friendly.

Laurie places her hand on her small bump and I’m instantly jealous. I’m not showing at all, even though I’ve stood in front of the mirror each night to check. “Sixteen weeks.” She slips her hand in Aiden’s, bringing him out of his shock. “We were really hoping to find out the sex today, but this little one is as stubborn as his father.” She laughs and the sound irritates me. “I sayhebecause I know that’s what Aiden is hoping for, but secretly I want a girl.”

“Congratulations,” says Cal. “This is our first scan but we’re super excited.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze and I force a weak smile. This isn’t how I wanted my first scan to go. And out of all the questions I currently want to askhim, my top one is why he hasn’t been to see me at all these last two weeks. He said he wasn’t giving up, and yet here he is, with Laurie. And they’ve created a life together.

“Bella?” Aiden mutters, and I’m not sure if he’s questioning Cal’s statement or if deep down he knows I’m carrying his baby. Either way, we’re interrupted when my name is called, and we all turn to the nurse.

“Me,” I whisper, “That’s me.” And I rush into the room.

The sonographer is already waiting, and he instructs me to get on the bed. Aria and Cal look as shocked as me, but we can’t discuss any of it now as they each take a seat beside the bed.

Cold gel is squirted onto my stomach and the wand is pressed there, causing me to wince because I’m desperate for that pee. “Do you know roughly how far along you are?” he asks.

“Twelve weeks and two days,” I say firmly.

“Yes, I’d say thirteen weeks,” he corrects.

I narrow my eyes, “I am twelve weeks and two days,” I repeat.

He eyes me warily and Cal gently pats my hand. “She’s just had a shock,” he explains.

The sonographer gives a stiff nod before peering closer at the screen. “I think you’re right,” he adds.Twelve weeks and two days since Aiden Tremos broke my heart.

We leave the hospital, and Aria is the first to address the elephant in the room. “I can’t believe it,” she says, “He’s having a baby . . . with that witch.”

I shrug, “She always did hold something over him. I guess it was only a matter of time.” I turn to Cal, “Thanks for rescuing me back there. I felt like all my words were getting stuck in my throat.”

Cal grabs my hand, giving it a little squeeze. “You’re better off without him Bells, let him shack up with that bitch. Your baby will be surrounded by love.”

“How come he hasn’t ran from her?” I whisper, tears stinging my eyes.

Aria throws her arms around me. “You did right by not telling him, Bella. If you had of done, you’d have her as part of your life too.”

Aiden

The second I get back after dropping Laurie at her mother’s, I grab JP and shove him up against the wall. “Did you know?” I yell.

Raff pulls me off, “What the fuck is going on?”

“Bella is pregnant by the fucking gym guru,” Isnap.

“I didn’t know, Aiden, I swear,” says JP.

“Shit man, that’s tough,” adds Raff.

I hate the thought of her being with him. I groan out loud. “Fuck.”

“It was gonna happen eventually,” Raff says gently. “She wasn’t going to stay single forever.”

“I just wasn’t . . . prepared,” I mutter.

“As long as she’s happy,” says JP.

I nod, even though my heart is aching and all I want to do is see her. “You’re having your own kid,” says Raff. “It’s done. You’ve both moved on.”

Before I can talk myself out of it, I grab the keys to the Audi and head to Bella’s shop. I park across the street, and watch her inside, chatting on the phone. There are no customers, so once she hangs up the call, I head inside.

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