Page 58 of Worship Him

I stand up, pacing the room with Avery. My mind races. The stupid paparazzi is creating a story where there isn’t even a trace of gossip.

And Adam... God, Adam. His words echo in my head, each repetition another blow. "I'm not condoning this type of behavior." What behavior? Being a mother? Trying to protect our daughter?

Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them back. I won't cry. Not now. Not over this.

"We'll be okay, Avery," I murmur, more to convince myself than her. "Mommy's got you."

She makes her usual adorable sounds when I lay her down in her crib. Holding her hand, I smile at her. Her eyes have this wonderful way of soothing my soul.

Still, when I look around our apartment I can't help but feel trapped.

The walls seem to close in, and for the first time since moving here, I long for the spaciousness of the house I shared with Adam.

No. I shake my head, banishing the thought. That's not home anymore.

This is. Me and Avery, we're home.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. Whatever comes next, whatever Adam meant by those words, I'll face it.

But damn, it hurts. I can’t deny the way my heart aches.

I need air. The apartment is suffocating me more with every passing second. Avery fusses in her crib, sensing my distress.

"Shh, baby girl. We're going for a walk," I coo, lifting her into my arms.

I strap her into the stroller, my hands shaking slightly. A walk will clear my head. It has to.

The elevator ride down is silent, save for Avery's soft gurgles. I take a deep breath when the doors open, steeling myself for the outside world.

The moment I step out of the building, chaos erupts.

"Destiny! Over here!"

Oh, God. Of course the paparazzi has to show up now.

"Is it true Adam's denying the baby?"

I nearly freeze. Who the hell told them something like that?

"What do you have to say about his statement?"

Cameras flash, blinding me. Microphones rudely thrust into my face. Bodies press in from all sides.

"No comment," I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.

I try to push through, but they're everywhere. Avery starts to cry, the noise overwhelming her.

"Please, let us through," I plead, panic rising in my chest.

A reporter shoves his mic closer. "Destiny, how do you respond to Adam saying he doesn't condone your behavior?"

My heart races. Sweat beads on my forehead. I can't breathe.

This is insane.

"Move!" I shout, surprising even myself with the force behind it.

I turn the stroller around, pushing back towards the building entrance. The doorman sees my struggle and rushes to help, creating a small path.

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