Page 83 of The Wedding Hoax

Were Harry and I even together anymore?

And if we weren’t ever really together, could we even have a real breakup?

“So, everything looks okay?” I asked, trying to take my focus off the thoughts running through my mind.

Dr. Carlson hummed. “I’m a little worried about the adhesions I’m seeing in your womb, but we always knew those might be a problem. The baby’s implanted well, but the adhesions could affect its ability to grow throughout the rest of your pregnancy.”

“Is there anything I can do about it?” I was hopeful, despite the fact that part of me feared the worst.

“The best thing you can do in this scenario is take it easy,” she answered. “In fact, I’m going to recommend you go on bed rest for part of your pregnancy.”

“Bed rest?”

“Yes, the sooner the better, really. I just don’t think we should take any chances here. You already know the odds aren’t exactly with us on this one. We’re quite literally trying to deliver a miracle.”

“Right. A miracle.” I nodded, then turned to look over at Harry, who was still stewing in the corner.

A miracle that only one of us wants or believes in.

I fought the urge to cry as I finished up my appointment with Dr. Carlson. And when it was time to check out of her office, I headed out to the lobby on my own.

Not knowing or caring if Harry was behind me.

* * *

“Simone? Are you seriously trying to ignore me?” Harry caught up with me as I walked outside of the doctor’s office.

“I’m not ignoring you. I just don’t feel like talking to you right now.”

“I don’t think you get to pull that card. Not after what you just told me back there.” Harry was suddenly in front of me, blocking my path. “I just don’t understand. If you were pregnant with my baby, why wouldn’t you just tell me? Why’d you keep it a secret from me?”

“I already told you, Harry. I didn’t know how you were going to react—” I threw up my hands in pure exasperation. “And you know what? I was right not to tell you!”

“How could you say something like that?”

“Uh, maybe because you called me a gold digger?” I let out a frustrated laugh. “Or did you forget that you just accused me of planning this whole thing to scheme my way into your family and wealth?”

“You know I didn’t mean that, Simone. I was just pissed—”

“It sounded like you meant it to me, Harry.”

“Fine. Maybe I meant some of it,” he admitted. “But could you blame me? You’re being so shady about this whole thing—”

“I’m moving out.”

“What?”

“I’m moving out, Harry. I’m gone.” I held up my hands as I spoke. “I don’t need this energy right now, okay? You heard the doctor. I can’t take any chances and that includes living with someone who’s going to stress me out all the time.”

“Simone—”

“Don’t. Don’t try to convince me to stay after you just called me a gold digger.” I shook my head. “Trust me. If I’m as bad of a person as you think I am, then you should be happy to have me gone. Right?”

“Simone, don’t—”

“I’ve got to go. I’ve got a cab to catch.” I stepped around Harry as I continued walking down the street. I secretly hoped that he wouldn’t try to chase after me, that he wouldn’t try to block my path again.

Because if he did, he would’ve seen how hard I was crying.

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