Page 30 of Worship Him

He nods approvingly. "It's about time."

"I know," I reply, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my stomach. "But I can't take Avery with me when I go."

Jackie smiles reassuringly. "Of course not. I'll watch her for you tomorrow while you talk to Adam."

"Are you sure?" I ask, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude.

"Absolutely," she says without hesitation. "Avery will be in good hands with us."

Barrett crosses his arms, looking thoughtful. "Do you want me to come with you? For support?"

I shake my head. "No, this is something I need to do alone. But thank you."

He gives me an encouraging nod. "You've got this."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The thought of facing Adam fills me with dread, but I know it's necessary.

"Thank you both," I say sincerely.

Jackie pulls me into a hug again, her warmth giving me strength. "We're here for you, no matter what happens."

As we part ways for the evening, I feel a sense of resolve settle over me. Tomorrow, I'll face Adam and tell him the truth about his daughter.

12

DESTINY

Istand outside Adam’s house, the weight of my decision heavy on my shoulders. My finger hovers over the doorbell, and I take a deep breath before pressing it.

After a moment, the door swings open, and there he is—Adam, looking as composed and intimidating as ever. His expression hardens the moment he sees me.

"Destiny," he says, his voice cold.

"Adam," I reply, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "Can I come in?"

He steps aside, allowing me to enter. The tension between us is almost tangible, thickening the air as we move to the living room.

His home is just as I remember it—minimalistic yet luxurious and beautiful. Every piece of furniture screams wealth and power, just like it did when I still lived here.

"Why are you here?" he asks once we’re both seated.

"I need to talk to you," I say, meeting his gaze head-on.

He leans back, crossing his legs and simply looks at me, not seeming at all interested in what I have to say.

My voice trembles as I start, "Adam, Avery... she’s your daughter."

He stares at me, stunned into silence. His usual composed demeanor cracks only the slightest, revealing raw confusion.

"I didn’t cheat," I continue, my hands shaking. "She’s yours."

Adam's eyes narrow. "Why the hell didn’t you tell me?"

"I was scared," I admit, my heart pounding. "I was afraid you'd feel obligated to stay with me for Avery’s sake. That it would ruin us even more, especially in the long run."

He abruptly stands up and starts to pace the room, running his hands through his hair. "I would never do something so short-sighted." He glares at me. "Destiny, this isn’t just about us. It’s about…our daughter."

"I know!" I say, my voice breaking. "But I didn’t want her growing up in a home where her parents were together out of obligation."

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