Page 36 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

He crossed his arms,his expression thoughtful. “When did you move to the city, Summer?”

The question caught me off guard. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Just curious,” he said, his tone casual, though his eyes were sharp.

I hesitated, my fingers tightening around the mug in my hands. “About four years ago.”

He nodded slowly, his gaze not leaving mine. “Right after Ava was born?”

“More or less,” I said, keeping my voice even.

“And her father?” he asked, his tone careful.

My stomach flipped, but I forced myself to stay calm. “What about him?”

“Is he in the picture?” Enzo asked, his voice low.

I set the mug down on the counter a little harder than I meant to. “That’s none of your business.”

His brows furrowed, and he stepped closer. “I think it is, Summer.”

My chest tightened, and I crossed my arms defensively. “Why? Why do you suddenly care so much about my past?”

“Because I care about Ava,” he said firmly. “And because I’m starting to think there’s something you’re not telling me.”

I opened my mouth to respond but closed it again, my mind scrambling for the right words.

In the living room,Ava’s laughter broke the tension.

“Mommy! Look at what I made!” she called, holding up a tower of magnetic tiles.

I took the opportunity to escape, walking over to admire her creation. “That’s amazing, sweetheart.”

“Enzo helped,” she said proudly.

He followed me into the room, his expression softer as he crouched beside Ava. “You’re a natural builder.”

“Can we make another one?” Ava asked, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.

“Of course,” he said, smiling.

I stood back, watching as they worked together. Enzo’s patience with her was unmatched, and Ava’s joy was contagious. It was a beautiful sight—one that made my chest ache with guilt.

As the afternoon wore on,Enzo eventually stood, brushing his hands off. “I should get going.”

Ava pouted, clutching Bunny. “Do you have to?”

“I’ll see you soon,” he promised, ruffling her hair.

She smiled, hugging him tightly before running back to her tower.

At the door, he turned to me, his expression serious. “Summer, we need to have a real conversation soon.”

The weight of his words settled over me like a storm cloud. “About what?”

“You know what,” he said quietly.

Before I could respond, he walked out, leaving me standing there, shaken and unsure of what to do next.

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