Page 141 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

It’s all a blur, the streets, the stoplights, the people laughing on sidewalks like the world hasn’t ended.

I step inside the apartment, shut the door quietly behind me, and lean back against it like it’s the only thing holding me upright.

The article flashes behind my eyelids.

Eva’s voice snakes through my mind.

Denver’s disappointment slams through my chest like a wrecking ball.

I squeeze my eyes shut, but it doesn’t stop the tidal wave.

It was supposed to be different.

I was supposed to be stronger this time.

My fingers tremble as I pull out my phone.

I don’t know why I do it. Self-destruction, maybe… But I open the article again.

Left his pregnant girlfriend behind.

The words punch straight through me.

And the worst part, the part that makes bile crawl up the back of my throat?

I don’t know if it’s a lie.

He didn't know this was going to happen. He thought he was protecting me. Is he just as lost as I am?

I close my eyes and press the phone to my chest, willing the ache to stop.

I shouldn’t still want to believe him. But I do.

I still love him. God, I still love him.

But love isn't enough if you're the only one standing in the wreckage.

I trace my stomach with trembling fingers. Maybe someday, I’ll tell our baby the whole story. How love isn’t perfect. How sometimes the people you love the most are the ones who break you wide open. And how sometimes, even then... it’s still worth it.

My phone buzzes in my hand, jolting me.

I glance down.

Alessio.

For one wild second, my heart leaps.

I almost answer. Almost.

But the ache is too raw, the betrayal too fresh.

I let it go to voicemail, clutching the phone like it might burn a hole straight through my palm.

A minute later, curiosity wins.

I play his message.

"Sophie, please... it’s me. I know what’s out there. I know what you’re seeing. The pictures, the girls, it’s bullshit. You know me better than that. Eva’s not getting away with this. I’m not letting her mess with my family. I’ll fix this,dolcezza. I swear to you. God help me, I'll make things right. I love you. I love you and our baby more than anything in this fucking world. And I’m coming back. Just... hold on for me. Please."

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