Page 54 of If the Ring Fits

We exit his penthouse, the heavy door thudding shut behind us with an air of finality. No turning back now. My stomach curdles but I’m bolstered by the solid strength of Adrian beside me. Together, we step into the elevator, ready to face whatever the day may bring.

The car ride to Brooklyn feels endless, even with Sam expertly weaving through the city traffic. I fidget in my seat the entire time. Adrian reaches over and takes my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. His dark eyes filled with compassion. “I’m right here with you. We’ve got this.”

I exhale shakily and nod, trying to absorb some of his calm confidence. “I know. Thank you, Adrian. For everything.”

He rests his hand on my forearm in a silent reassurance.

As we near the coffee shop, I turn to Sam. “Can you please drop us off a couple blocks away? I don’t want Liam to see us getting out of a fancy car.”

“Of course, Miss Rowena,” Sam replies, smoothly pulling over to the curb.

Adrian and I step out onto the bustling sidewalk. My legs feel unsteady as we walk toward the meeting spot.

“Deep breaths.” Adrian keeps hold of my hand. “You’re one of the strongest women I know. You’ve got this.”

His words embolden me, pushing back the fear threatening to overwhelm me. I can face Liam. I have to, for the sake of my baby.

As we round the corner, I spot my ex sitting at an outdoor table, impatiently checking his watch. He probably arrived early only to call me out about being late, even if I’m on time.

My stomach plummets to my toes. Even seated, Liam exudes a cocky air of self-assurance. He looks just as handsome as ever in a crisp button-down and designer jeans, his light hair artfully tousled. But now, I see past the polished exterior to the cruel, manipulative man beneath.

Liam glances up, a calculated gleam in his ice-blue eyes as he meets my gaze with a smug smile spreading on his lips. He must think I’ve asked him here to beg him to take me back.

That arrogant confidence slips as Liam spots Adrian’s tall figure next to me. My ex frowns, his face already betraying that quiet rage and meanness that made me feel so fearful when we were together.

I steel myself, gripping Adrian’s hand like a lifeline as we approach the table.

“Hi, Liam.”

“Who is this guy?” my ex asks, not even bothering to say hello first. His tone is accusatory, as if I’ve done something wrong by bringing someone with me.

I will my voice not to shake. “This is Adrian, my boyfriend.”

Liam’s perfect features contort in a sneer, and his face goes red. “What’s the meaning of this? I don’t appreciate wasting my time to meet your new fuckboy.”

I wince at his rudeness, my cheeks burning with humiliation. He’s even worse than I remembered. All the weeks I spent building up my self-esteem after our breakup seem to evaporatein an instant, leaving me feeling small and worthless again.

Before I can say anything, Liam stands up abruptly, his chair scraping against the concrete. “I’m outta here. Whatever you have to say, I don’t want to hear it. You’re a loser, Rowena, and you’ve always only dragged me down.”

His words hit me like a physical blow, paralyzing me. I stand there, mouth agape, unable to form a coherent response. But Adrian steps forward, giving me a nod before turning a menacing glare on Liam.

“You should sit down and listen to Rowena.” Adrian’s deep voice is calm but firm. “It’s important.”

Liam scoffs, looking Adrian up and down with disdain. “And who the hell are you to tell me what to do?”

Adrian doesn’t back down, meeting Liam’s gaze unflinchingly. “Someone who cares about Rowena and who won’t stand by while you disrespect her.”

The two men stare each other down, the air between them almost vibrating. I hold my breath, half-expecting Liam to throw a punch. But to my surprise, he breaks eye contact first, dropping back into his chair with a huff.

“Fine,” Liam spits out, crossing his arms over his chest. “Say what you have to say, Rowena. But make it quick.”

The sounds of the busy street fade to a muffled hum as we sit opposite Liam and I blurt out, “I’m pregnant.” Feeling like the world is slowly being drained of oxygen, I add, “And the baby is yours, Liam.”

My ex just stares at me, his ice-blue eyes wide with shock. Then, a harsh laugh erupts from his throat, cutting through the air like a knife.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Liam shakes his head in disbelief. “You expect me to believe that? For all I know, you’vebeen spreading your legs for every guy in town, including this joker right here.”

I flinch at his crude words, my eyes glassing over with tears I don’t want to give him the satisfaction to see. Under the table, Adrian’s hands curl into fists. He looks about ready to pummel my ex into the ground for every venomous word Liam spat my way. But I find his hand with mine and subtly shake my head. Adrian’s fists unclench, and his fingers intertwine with my own in a quiet show of solidarity.

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