Page 42 of Triplet Babies for the CEO

I feel like I’m hiding something huge from him, this looming truth that will change everything. For now, though, I focus on keeping my cool and getting through the morning without letting on that anything’s amiss.

I finish rinsing off and step out of the shower, trying to focus on my routine, hoping it’ll help steady me for the day ahead.

I dry off quickly, wrap myself in a towel, and reach for my phone.

I see a text from Gemma.

>>Did you tell him yet?

I take a deep breath, then type back a quick reply.

>>No, not yet.

My fingers hover over the screen as I try to think of something reassuring, but I have nothing to say.

Instead, I place my phone on the vanity counter and start putting on my makeup, trying to focus on looking put together for the office.

As I’m applying my mascara, focusing on each careful stroke, I catch a reflection of movement in the mirror.

Brody’s standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame with that easy, confident stance of his, watching me with a softsmile. His gaze is warm and steady, and it feels like he’s taking in every small detail of me in this moment, like he’s content just to be here.

There’s something almost magnetic about his presence, and for a moment, I can feel the tension start to melt away, as if just looking at him is enough to remind me that I’m not in this alone. At least, that’s what I want to believe.

“You about ready to head out?” he asks, but there’s that hint of amusement in his eyes that always makes me feel like I’m the only one in the room.

The way he looks at me, it’s like he knows every corner of my mind, every little flicker of my heart, and still, he stays.

“Almost,” I say, steadying my hand with the mascara wand, even though my heart’s pounding. “Just the finishing touches.”

I force a small smile, watching his reflection as he tilts his head, observing me with that familiar grin.

He doesn’t look away, his gaze so warm it almost makes me feel safe—like I can handle anything today. I turn away, trying to catch my breath.

For a moment, the air hums with a quiet, unspoken energy, and I feel my nerves settle, just enough for me to think that maybe, just maybe, I can get through today without letting my emotions unravel completely.

Then, my phone buzzes on the counter, breaking the stillness between us.

The screen lights up, Gemma’s name glowing brightly, and a single word flashes in the notification banner, “pregnant”.

The letters seem to shout, filling the room, and I feel my chest tighten. The word is so big, so obvious, and I barely manage to glance away before Brody catches sight of it too.

Brody laughs, his eyes lighting up as he straightens. “Gemma’s pregnant?” He’s genuinely thrilled, his whole face lighting up.

There’s a joy in his voice, pure and unfiltered, that catches me off guard. “That’s wonderful! I bet she’ll be an amazing mom.” His grin spreads wider, and he looks like he’s picturing it all: Gemma, her baby, the new life that’ll come with it.

I blink, thrown completely off balance, my mind scrambling to keep up. “Um…yeah. Isn’t that exciting?” My voice sounds thin, the words shaky.

I try to laugh along, but there’s a pressure building inside me, like a balloon that could burst at any second. I can feel the tension creeping back, my heartbeat racing faster with every second I stand there, my resolve slipping through my fingers.

He nods, still beaming, and I can’t help but wonder how that expression will change when he realizes it’s not Gemma’s news he’s celebrating.

There’s no way I can keep hiding it now.

That it’s my pregnancy she’s talking about.

It’s like the truth is a tornado, and I’m standing right in its path.

I take a deep breath, letting the smile drop from my face, and square my shoulders, turning to face him fully. My hands feel ice-cold, and I grip the counter, grounding myself as I look him in the eye, forcing my voice out, even though it’s barely more than a whisper.

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