Page 184 of Triplet Trouble For My Billionaire Boss

I know that.

I knew it the second my phone vibrated in my hand fifteen minutes ago.

Cole: I can’t make it. Something came up. I’m sorry.

That’s all it said.

No explanation. No promise to make it up to me. Just those ten words and nothing else.

I hadn’t responded. I didn’t trust myself to. If I had, I might’ve said something I couldn’t take back.

Instead, I shoved my phone into my purse and walked into the office alone.

Ishould’ve known this would happen.

I did know, deep down.

For the past few weeks, Cole has been trying. Really trying. I’ve seen it in the way he’s paid more attention, in the way he’s checked in with me, in the way he’s let himself care.

But people don’t change overnight.

And Cole Wagner? He has spent years making his work his priority.

Why would things be any different now?

A knot tightens in my chest, and I clench my jaw, blinking rapidly to fight the sting behind my eyes. I am not going to cry in a doctor’s office waiting room. Even if I am pregnant.

I inhale sharply and glance around, forcing myself to focus on something else.

The receptionist is typing at her desk. A woman way further along than I am is sitting across from me, rubbing her belly while flipping through a magazine. Her husband is on his phone. But at least he’s there. Another couple sits a few seats down from me, whispering quietly to each other, their hands linked.

And me?

I’m alone.

My stomach twists.

I don’t know why I let myself get my hopes up. I should be used to doing things on my own. It’s not like I ever planned for someone to be here with me.

But Cole promised.

He said he’d be here.

And he isn’t.

The thought burns, and suddenly, I don’t want to be sitting here anymore, staring at the door like an idiot, waiting for something that isn’t going to happen.

I push to my feet, adjusting my purse over my shoulder just as a nurse steps into the waiting room.

“Annie Fox?”

I force a smile and nod. “That’s me.”

She smiles warmly, gesturing for me to follow. “Come on back. We’re going to start with a quick check-in, and then we’ll do your ultrasound.”

I nod again, my throat tight, and follow her through the door.

Without Cole.

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