Page 48 of Triplet Babies for the CEO

Gemma’s been so kind to me, but the idea of her taking me in like a lost puppy twists something painful inside me.

Just when I think I can’t take any more, Josh leans in, his expression softening as he says, “Besides, there’s more news. Gemma just found out she’s pregnant.”

I feel my pulse spike as Brody’s face lights up, a broad grin spreading across his face as he claps Josh on the back. “Son, that’s amazing news!” he says, his voice booming with pride.

“I’m going to be a granddad.” There’s a warmth in his expression that I’ve never seen—pure and undiluted joy, and it makes something inside me crack.

Tears cloud my eyes, and I clutch the fabric of my borrowed dress, trying to hold myself together. My mind races, and I feel foolish, standing here on the outside looking in, realizing just how much I’ve been hoping for something I can’t ever have.

What was I thinking, imagining myself fitting into this picture-perfect family?

Despite the hurt boiling up in my chest, I stay a little longer, lingering just out of sight, feeling every word from their conversation like the twist of a knife.

The sight of Brody laughing, his face lighting up with joy and ease, brings an overwhelming wave of bitterness and heartbreak with it.

I grit my teeth, feeling the weight of it all press down on me.

Here he is, wealthy, secure, his life all planned out and falling neatly into place. But for me, this pregnancy has become nothing more than a “complication” to him, a wrench thrown into the perfect gears of his well-oiled life.

I’m “too young”, I’m some extra weight he has to figure out how to carry.

This realization strikes me, sharp and unyielding, and something in me hardens.

I can’t stay here another moment.

Turning on my heel, I leave the restaurant, slipping through the door without a word to anyone, the hurt and anger pulsing in every step I take. It’s like I’m finally seeing things for what they are.

My heart pounds as I make my way to the street to call an uber, but my mind is made up—I know what I need to do.

The drive back to Brody’s house is a blur. The Uber speeds along the dark, empty streets, and the glow of the streetlights only sharpens the ache in my chest.

By the time we pull up to the driveway, the house looms dark and quiet, a world away from the laughter and comfort I thought it might offer me.

Inside, I head straight to my room and grab my suitcase. The anger has faded, leaving behind a cold resolve. I toss in my few belongings: clothes, books, the little things that had started to make this place feel like home.

I leave Gemma’s dress on the bed, neatly folded, with a small thank-you note on top.

She’s been nothing but kind to me, and I don’t want her thinking I’ve run off without a word. Even if she didn’t keep my promise.

I pause, looking around the room one last time. Memories flash through my mind: moments of laughter, shared looks, stolen glances that once felt like promises.

But standing here, I feel a hollow emptiness.

I know now where I stand with Brody.

I’m a chapter he didn’t plan for, a detour he can’t fully commit to, and it’s time I accept that. There’s nothing more here for me.

With a deep breath, I grab the suitcase handle and close the door behind me, leaving this room, and Brody, behind.

As I walk through the house toward the front door, I feel my resolve strengthen.

This is what I should have done from the start. I should’ve gone with my bestie and found my footing on my own terms. Vegas. Jasmine.

Somewhere new, somewhere away from Brody’s complicated life.

Before I leave, I stop by the little area near the kitchen where Penny usually lounges. Her puppies are now old enoughto be adopted out, and they’re a fluffy bundle of excitement, stumbling around and playing.

Penny’s calm eyes meet mine, and she trots over, nuzzling my leg before licking my face as if she senses my sadness. I gently crouch down, scratching behind her ears as my vision blurs with tears.

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