Page 68 of Secret Baby for Dr. Billionaire

“I’m not going to take Sofi from you, okay?” I added. “But I need to put her in her crib so I can take care of you.” I extended my arm so she could give me Sofi. She looked uncomfortable at how she was positioned in her mother’s arms. But I couldn’t focus on Chloe with Sofi in her arms.

“Chloe!” I didn’t want to yell, but she needed to snap out of it. There was only so little time before she’d pass out. She flinched at my voice, but it got her attention nonetheless.

“Give her to me. Please.”

“Don’t take her away from me,” she begged, still crying.

“I’m not. I promise you that.” She nodded and handed me Sofi.

I didn’t waste more time. I kissed Sofi on her cheeks before settling her back in her crib. She had gone quiet now, as did the house, and I was thankful that, at least for a moment, Chloe and I could think.

I helped Chloe to the couch, and now I was inwardly panicking as she brought her hand to her chest.

“Even breaths, baby,” I instructed, and I was surprised when she threw her hands around me, her body sagging against mine in relief. Her hands fisted my shirt as she wheezed in a breath. I soothed her, stroking her back. “I need you to tell me where your inhaler is.”

“Bedside. Drawer.”

She drew a breath after each word. And I stood from the couch, practically sprinting into her room, and found her inhaler in the drawer. When I returned, she was still pale, still struggling, but after she’d shaken the thing somewhat and breathed through it. I gave her the inhaler, and she closed her eyes as sweet relief took over.

Her head lay on the headrest as her breathing slowly went even. She wept silently, tears rolling down her temples and hair as she brought the back of her hand to her forehead.

I positioned myself beside her, shifting my position until we were identical. Except I opened my eyes and stared at the rectangular false ceiling and the lights glowing there, illuminating the room.

The TV was still going, and Sofi had returned her attention to it.

“You’re not taking her from me. I’m not an irresponsible mother. I swear to God. I didn’t know that he’d come in and do that,” Chloe whispered behind me. Devastation laced the words. She didn’t move, didn’t flinch. She didn’t even dare to touch me. “Please. Don’t take her away.”

The way she was pleading made my heart crash into a million tiny pieces.

“Fuck, Chloe—”

“She’s all I have. I promise I didn’t mean to put her in danger, Ben.”

“I know,” I agreed.

“I did everything for her. And I thought that when you said you’d help me after I found you here, I thought all my worries would be over. I’d have someone to help me take care of her. Someone she’d know as her father.”

“I am here for you.”

“I thought you were going to help me, Ben.”

“Jesus—I am, Chloe. I’m so, so, sorry.”

She was quiet for a moment, and then she sighed deeply before sitting up.

“I think you should leave, Ben.”

Her words stung, but I knew I deserved them. I stood from the couch. I told her I was sorry one last time before departing her penthouse.

I thought I should leave, too.

Chapter twenty-three

Chloe

Ihadjustcomeout of the elevator when I saw Sam trying to open Ben’s door with Billy Anne. She was hopping up and down, patiently waiting for the former to open the door so she could go on with her day.

Charlie barked with excitement on the other side of the door.

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