Page 8 of Worship Him

I still love Adam deeply; that’s undeniable. But our relationship ended for reasons that won’t magically disappear just because we have a child together.

The thought of being with him again only for everything to fall apart later terrifies me. It would hurt Avery more than anything

“I’m sorry,” I whisper to Avery. “I’m doing what I think is best for you.”

Plus, it's too painful to think about being with Adam again, knowing how things ended between us.

The love is still there, burning bright and hot, buried under layers of hurt that can’t just be ignored.

"I wish things were different," I murmur, leaning down to kiss Avery's forehead. "I wish you could have both your parents together without all the baggage."

I pull back and straighten up, feeling a new resolve harden within me. I'll tell him soon, but on my terms.

I just need a little more time to figure out how to do it without completely unraveling everything.

Avery stirs slightly but settles back into sleep with a contented sigh. I watch her for a few more moments before stepping back and taking a deep breath.

"Sleep tight, baby girl," I whisper before stepping out of the nursery and closing the door softly behind me.

“Alright,” I say quietly to myself. “Time to get back to work.”

Back in the living room, I sit down at my work desk where sketches and fabric samples await my attention.

For long moments I just stare at the sketches spread out before me. My clothing line has been my lifeline through all this turmoil. Drowning myself in work has been my coping mechanism ever since Adam and I split up. It has been easier than facing the messy emotions head-on.

Also, it's something I built on my own terms—a reminder that I'm capable of standing on my own two feet.

But even as I dive into my work, the thought of Adam looms large in my mind. It's not just about telling him; it's about facing the reality of our broken relationship and figuring out how to co-parent without letting old wounds fester.

I can see his face in my mind, his dark blue eyes piercing through every wall I’ve started to put up between us.

A shiver runs down my spine and I’m not too sure if it’s from the thought of facing him again or because I miss how he could look right into my soul.

My phone buzzes again—another reminder that life doesn't pause for personal crises. This time it's a message from one of my suppliers about a fabric shipment delay.

"Of course," I mutter, typing out a quick response before tossing the phone aside.

As much as I'd love to bury myself in work and avoid dealing with this mess, I know it's not an option anymore.

Barrett's call was just what I needed to make it sink in that there’s more than my fears at stake here. For Avery's sake, it's time to face the music.

One step at a time, Destiny. One step at a time.

4

ADAM

Isit at my desk, staring at the financial reports. The numbers dance on the screen, a mix of reds and greens that signal both progress and setbacks. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts from the cup beside me, a small comfort in the chaos.

"Adam, you still in here?" Marcus's voice cuts through my focus. My CFO leans against the doorframe, looking as exhausted as I feel.

"Yeah, just going over the reports again," I say, not looking up. "We’re making headway, but it's not enough."

He steps in, shutting the door behind him. "The board’s more optimistic now than they were a few weeks ago. You pulled us out of worse situations before."

I finally glance up, meeting his eyes. "Optimism doesn't pay the bills, Marcus. Investors want results."

He shrugs. "They want to see confidence too. And you've got that in spades."

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