Page 239 of Ignite

“Shit,” I sob.

In all this chaos, it turns out there’s something more important than anything.

Our baby.

“Hallie…” Lily calls up.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. Just sobs.

I rest my head on my knees and cry.

For the love I’ve lost.

All I can think about is the way he pleaded with me to hear him out.

And I shut him out.

Am I a monster too, for doing this to him?

The door crashes open, and Lily is on the floor next to me, wrapping her arms around me tight.

“Hallie. It’s going to be okay. I promise you.”

I shake my head.

“I can’t do this alone, Lily.”

“Shh. You’ll never be on your own. You know Conan is going to be by your side every damn step of the way, whether you like it or not. And so will I.”

I wipe my tears and sniffle.

“That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t want this to be the reason I forgive him. I need to know the truth.”

She nods and gives me a soft smile.

“Hallie, you’ve been running from the truth for weeks now. I think it’s time you hear him out. If you don’t like it, we can think of a plan. Maybe we never tell him. Or, if you do believe him…you tell him, and you let him back into your life.”

“W-what if he doesn’t want the baby?”

“Then that will also be your answer. Close the door on this chapter, for you and for the baby.”

I close my eyes.

“I need to book a scan. Fuck. I need to get a job. And decorate. Oh my god, Lily. I need a job. I can’t even race now, I’m pregnant!”

My brain spirals, and I descend into panic. I quit my job with no backup.

“One thing at a time, maybe? You’ve got months to figure it out.”

She picks my phone up from the floor and holds it out to me.

“But you need to start by speaking to Conan. You know it in your heart.”

Chapter 90

CONAN

Slamming the wrench down on the side, I wipe the sweat from my forehead.

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