Page 17 of This I Promise

“No, dear. You’re not. You’re not even the first one he’s gotten pregnant.”

The blood drains from my face. “He’s gotten other women pregnant? As in, multiple?”

She nods, looking unbothered by the subject of our conversation. “Unfortunately, yes. Just two.” She twirls the massive diamond ring on her left finger with her thumb. “Did he give you the ol’I’m allergic to latexruse too?” Her laugh is resentful, and I see the flash of pain in her eyes before it disappears.

I feel sick that I had anything to do with this man, and stupid for falling for his lies. “I’m so sorry. I honestly had no idea he was married.”

“I know you didn’t. They never do. He always chooses the pretty ones who are the least suspecting and most trusting.”

I feel like such an idiot. “What is it that I can do for you, Mrs. Klein? Why did you come find me?”

“Because you’re different, Abby.”

“What does that mean?”

“The other two were quick to give up their babies, and it didn’t take a lot of money to buy their silence.” Just the idea of it makes my stomach churn. “This is the game he plays. He convinces you that he’s left me and that he loves you and wants to be with you. Then he paints a vivid picture of how fabulous your lives could be if it were just the two of you, and you didn’t have a child around to keep you both from enjoying a lavish lifestyle.”

I’m horrified at the suggestion. “He wants me to give up my baby and run away with him?”

“Oh, no. He won’t be running away with you. He does want you to give the baby up for adoption, though. Once you both sign your rights away, he’ll drop you like a bad habit, pretending he never knew you and blocking you completely from his life.” She conveys all of this to me as if we’re sharing recipes and not talking about what a monster her husband is.

“No one is taking my baby from me. Not ever.”

“And that’s what makes you different and why I came to see you. And from the looks of it, I got here just in time. I saw him leaving the jewelry store earlier.”

“He only made it to the part where he lies about getting a divorce. He was interrupted by my best friend.” I pick at my thumbnail, remembering how I left things with Evan and hating that we argued. We never fight about anything, and we’re not going to start now.

“Ah, yes. I saw him too. Best friend, huh?” She raises a manicured eyebrow, but I don’t care to elaborate. My head is swimming already with information overload.

Exhaustion is setting in and I just want to crawl into bed and forget this day ever happened. “So what is it that you want from me?”

“I just wanted you to know the truth, and I want to make sure your baby is well taken care of.”

“Why do you care about my baby? That seems… odd.” My face twists with confusion.

“Let’s just say I’m financially invested in the birth of your child and your decision to keep it.” She seems rather pleased with herself, and I have no idea why.

“This baby is mine, and I’m gonna raise her with or without Davis. Preferably without.”

Lucy’s lips turn up into a wistful smile. “You’re having a girl.”

My hands cradle my round belly. “I’m sorry for everything, and I promise I never meant for any of this to happen. I have no idea what’s going on in your marriage—and the whole thing seems a little twisted to me—but I want no part of the games you and Davis play.” I gather my things and scooch out of the booth. “I wish you all the best, but I hope I never see you or your husband again.”

9

EVAN

It’s been almost two hours. When is she coming home?

I’m wearing a hole into the floor as I pace back and forth in the living room, waiting for Abby to arrive. I’ve typed out a thousand messages in the last hour, only to delete them and start pacing again. Being patient is not my strong suit, and I’m trying to give her space like she asked, but this is fucking killing me and I’m going out of my mind.

She has every right to be mad at me, and I’m pissed at myself for being such an asshole. I was so jealous, seeing that jerk there, holding her hand, touching what doesn’t belong to him. She doesn’t belong to me either and I can’t stand it.

She’s mine. Her daughter is mine.Mygirls. And it’s time I made sure she knows that.

I run my hand through my hair, then start typing out another text. Before I can finish, the front door opens and in walks my whole world. I rush forward, taking Abby’s hands in mine before she barely has a chance to step inside. I nudge the door closed with my hip and stare into her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Sunshine. I know that arguing with you isn’t good for the baby. And I was a jerk, and?—”

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