Page 42 of The King's Secret Baby

I draw a deep breath, new worries surfacing. What will my mom think when I tell her I’m becoming a single parent, just like she was?

The thought makes me cringe. All of the things she sacrificed; the luxuries — and sometimes needs — she went without just so I could be comfortable… I know she doesn’t want the same thing for me.

And then there’s the other aspect of it. Growing up without a father.

I never missed my father, exactly, since I knew he had to be a deadbeat to skip out on a pregnant woman. But what Ididmiss was the idea of him. And I still do, a little bit; maybe that ache will never go away.

Luca isn’t like my dad, at least. He’s sticking it out, promising to support me and the baby.

But what about after the baby is born? They’ll need their father in their life.

I bite my lip, the hard truth sinking in. I’m going to need to accept Luca’s offer, no matter how much it hurts my pride.

I pull out my phone, my fingers trembling as I open my email. I start typing a message to my editor, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision.

Good afternoon,

I’m writing to let you know that I’ll be resigning from my position at The Morning Star, effective immediately after I submit my piece on Prince Luca. I apologize for the short notice but, due to personal reasons, I won’t be able to return to New York anytime soon.

Thank you for all the opportunities you’ve given me over the years. It’s been an honor to work with such a talented team of journalists.

Sincerely,

Hailey

I hit send, a sense of finality washing over me. I know I’m making the right choice, though it means giving up the career I’ve worked so hard for.

Because nothing is more important than my child’s well-being. And if that means staying in Werdenfeld, finding a way to co-parent with Luca despite our differences, then that’s what I’ll do.

I stand up from the bench, brushing off my dress. The crumpled contract catches my eye, and I pick it up, smoothing out the wrinkled pages.

Maybe Luca and I can find a way to make this work, after all. Maybe we can put aside our pride and our hurt, and focus on what really matters: the tiny life we’ve created together.

With a deep breath, I tuck the contract into my pocket and head back towards the palace, ready to face whatever the future may bring.

At Luca’s study, I pause in front of the closed door and steel myself. There’s no going back; I’ve already submitted my letter of resignation toThe Morning Star.

Cringing, I raise a fist and knock.

“Come in,” Luca’s voice calls from inside. I twist the ornate handle and step into the room.

He’s still behind his massive desk, papers strewn before him. I guess that’s what really hurts when I look into his unreadable blue eyes; I’ve been outside going through the five stages of grief while he’s been in here continuing on with his work, completely unruffled. I might as well be another bump in his day, another decision to be made about a guest list or which restaurant to book for a dignitary meeting.

“I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.” His tone is neutral, guarded.

I approach his desk, the wrinkled contract clutched in my hand. “I’ve been thinking about your offer,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. “And I’ve decided to accept.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You have?” He seems surprised, though he quickly masks it.

I nod. “Yes. On one condition. Both of us are present for the baby as they grow up.”

He blinks. “Of course. That’s one reason I asked you to live here in the palace. It’s my preference that you and the child continue to live here throughout their whole childhood.”

I swallow hard, having trouble believing that was his original intention at all, since this is the first he’s bringing up us living here permanently. More likely, he’s trying to butter me up so that I’ll sign his contract.

Right now, I don’t really care. The priority is setting my child up for the best life possible.

Luca leans back in his chair, considering me. “And you’re willing to abide by the terms we discussed? Keeping the pregnancy secret, staying here in Werdenfeld?”

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