Page 67 of The Fake Affair

“Logan Fraser.” Her voice is steel despite the pain. “Don’t you dare run!”

“The baby’s crowning,” the doctor announces.

Images flash through my mind: my mother’s last moments, my father’s broken face, Audrey’s newborn cries. But then Bella’s eyes find mine.

“Stay with me,” she demands.

I stay through the final pushes, through my own terror, through every memory that threatens to drown me. Bella’s stronger than I’ll ever be.

I stay until a new cry fills the room—strong, healthy, alive.

“Welcome, little girly,” the doctor smiles.

“Logan?” Bella’s voice trembles. “Is she...”

“She’s beautiful.” My voice cracks. “She’s so beautiful, love. Just like her mother.”

They place her on Bella’s chest.

“Hello, little one,” Bella whispers.

I touch our daughter’s tiny hand, and she grips my finger. At that moment, twenty-eight years of fear dissolve.

This is what healing feels like.

Hours later, Bella sleeps peacefully. I stand by the window, our daughter in my arms, watching Manhattan’s lights twinkle.

“Your mum would be proud,” my dad says softly over the phone. We told him about the baby during Bella’s last trimester.

“Think so?”

“I know so. You did it, son. Congratulations. I can’t wait to see her.”

Later that week, we bring her home. Bella’s stronger every day, already talking about returning to work. I’ve never loved her more.

“The terrace gardens are beautiful this time of year,” I mention casually one evening while she’s feeding Sienna.

“Hmm?” She’s distracted, humming something to our daughter.

“At the venue. Where Audrey had her wedding reception.”

Now, she looks up. “Logan...”

“Have dinner with me there? Tomorrow? Louis and Audrey offered to babysit.”

Her eyes narrow. “What are you planning?”

“Can’t a man take his girlfriend to dinner?”

“A normal man, yes. You? Never without a scheme.”

But she agrees.

The next night, the terrace is exactly as I remember it. The same soft lights, the same city view, the same warm breeze carrying hints of autumn.

“Feeling nostalgic?” Bella asks as we step outside.

“Do you remember that night?”

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