Page 49 of A Baby For Her Billionaire BFF

“Let’s eat before we figure anything out,” she says gently. “You need your strength.”

I nod, mechanically picking up a noodle with my chopsticks. The food tastes like a mix of tangy tamarind and sweet peanuts, the comfort of familiarity chasing away some of the bitter taste from earlier.

Even as I eat, though, I need to talk. “We had such a good time in Pennsylvania. He was so grateful to have me with him. I thought… I thought he would be happy. That he would want this baby.” My lower lip quivers.

She sighs. “I’m sorry, Nora, but I have to be honest. Oliver comes first in his world. He’s always made that clear. He cares more about success than anything else or anyone else. My guess is he’s freaked out because the responsibility of family life will get in the way of his work.” She snorts. “Even though he could hire a dozen nannies and never once have to change a diaper.”

“I don’t want that.” I shake my head. “I want a partner to raise my baby with.”

Lynn nods sadly. “I know you do, and you deserve that. It just might not be him.”

I look down at my plate, tears blurring my vision.

“Hey, hey.” She sets her food aside and takes my hands. “I didn’t say that to upset you. You just have to be prepared for the possibility, okay? And if he can’t step up, then he doesn’t deserve you or this baby.”

I sniffle as she reaches over to swipe a tear from my cheek. “It just hurts, you know?”

“Of course it does.” Her voice is soft, empathetic. “Love is complicated and messy and unpredictable. But it’s also resilient and strong and beautiful.”

She squeezes my hands tighter, catching my eye. “And I know you have so much love in that big heart of yours, Nora. Enough for you and your baby, whether Oliver’s there or not.”

I manage a watery smile at that. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” she replies firmly. “But if you need me to go over there and kick his ass, I will.”

That makes me laugh. Just a little, enough to feel the familiar crinkle around my eyes, enough to give me a sliver of hope amidst the storm.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I tell her, my voice just a notch stronger than before.

I set the pad Thai aside, sated and suddenly feeling exhausted. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, and my body’s just about ready to call it quits for the day.

Lynn seems to get it because she starts clearing our food away, leaving me on the couch. I watch her move around my apartment with an ease that’s almost enviable. She’s always been like this, able to adapt and adjust every time life throws her curveballs.

She returns with a glass of water for me, setting it down on the coffee table with a soft clink. “You should get some rest. I’ll sleep over tonight. I can crash on the couch.”

“You don’t have to?—”

“Well, I am. My shift doesn’t start till tomorrow night anyway.”

“Okay.” I nod and relax a little more, comforted by her presence. “What will my parents think?”

“You’re a grown woman, Nora. You’re allowed to become a mom whenever you choose. It doesn’t matter what they think.”

“Yeah,” I agree, still sure they’ll be disappointed if I have to tell them I’m becoming a single mother by choice.

Then again, maybe it’s my own disappointment I’m really worried about. I’ve always wanted a family, and for me that includes a partner to raise kids with. It’s not me juggling everything on my own.

“How does a bath sound?” Lynn suggests. “That might help you relax.”

I nod, pushing myself off the couch and wobbling towards my bathroom, Lynn’s concerned gaze following me.

I fumble for the light switch and am greeted by the soft glow of the small overhead lamp that casts long, eerie shadows across the pristine white tiles. With a sigh, I lean against the counter, taking in my reflection in the mirror. My eyes look tired, shadows under them deeper than usual. My hair, usually sleek and shiny, is a frizzy mess.

For a moment, I just stand there staring at myself, taking in all the changes that have suddenly erupted in my life.

“You look like hell,” I mutter to my reflection. But beneath the layers of exhaustion and distress, I can see it — a fierce determination that has always been my driving force.

This week threw a curveball my way, and even though things are tough right now, I know that I’ll pull through. Not only that, but I’ll come out stronger on the other end.

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