Page 10 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

Turning, I saw Enzo approaching, his expression warm but tinged with concern. “How’s Ava doing today?”

“She’s fine,” I said quickly, glancing over at her. “She’s been excited about the surgery, actually. She keeps calling it her ‘super fix.’”

He smiled, his gaze softening. “She’s a brave kid.”

“She is,” I said, my throat tightening.

Enzo motioned for me to step aside, away from the busy reception area. “I wanted to go over a few things with you,” he said. “Nothing major, just some details about the surgery and what to expect afterward.”

“Of course,” I said, following him into a small consultation room.

As he pulled up Ava’s file on his tablet, I found myself studying him—the way his dark hair curled slightly at the ends, the way his brow furrowed in concentration. He’d always had this way of commanding attention without trying, and it annoyed me that it still worked on me.

“Here we go,” he said, turning the tablet toward me. “This is a breakdown of what the surgery will entail, including the recovery timeline and follow-up care.”

I nodded, trying to focus on his words instead of the way my heart was racing.

“And this,” he continued, scrolling to another page, “is the estimate for the surgery costs. I know it’s a lot, but there are payment plans and financial aid options available.”

My stomach dropped as he said the words. He knew. He could see it in my face—the panic, the helplessness.

“Summer,” he said gently, leaning forward, “are you okay? You seem… distracted.”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, though my voice wavered.

“You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” he said, his tone soft but firm.

I looked down at my hands, twisting my fingers together. “I’m her mom. It’s my responsibility.”

“Her dad would say the same thing,” he said quietly.

My head snapped up, and our eyes met. For a moment, neither of us spoke.

“What are you trying to say?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m saying that if Ava’s dad knew what was going on, he’d want to help,” Enzo said, his gaze steady. “And if there’s a reason he’s not in the picture, then maybe it’s time to reevaluate that.”

My chest tightened, and I shook my head. “You don’t understand.”

“Then help me understand,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. How could I explain everything—why I’d kept Ava a secret, why I’d never told him?

“I just… I need time,” I said finally, standing up abruptly.

“Summer—”

“I appreciate everything you’re doing for Ava,” I said, cutting him off. “But I can handle this.”

He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

I nodded, then left the room before he could say anything else.

Back at home,I sat on the couch with my laptop again, staring at the invoice. My mind was a storm of emotions—guilt, fear, frustration.

I’d always told myself I was doing the right thing by keeping Enzo out of Ava’s life. But now, as the weight of everything pressed down on me, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made the wrong choice.

“Mommy?”

---