Page 64 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

“Simone,” he said, his voice softening. “Hugo doesn’t do commitment. He doesn’t do love at all. His parents really fucked him up in that department, honestly.”

“I know,” I muttered.

“Now I wish you hadn’t gotten involved with him. This is what I was afraid of from the start with this whole thing. I knew you’d always had a little crush on him, but I thought you would know his reputation was well-earned and you’d stay away.”

“I’m sorry I disappointed you, Seth.” A tear streamed down my cheek.

“What? No, I’m not disappointed, Simone. You’ll get through this. I know you will. And I’ll help however I can. I can recommend a good family attorney who will work with you and help you get the best outcome if you decide to go that route. And I know a woman in Quincy who will be over the moon hearing about her grandbaby. I’m sure she has a reasonable babysitting rate.” It was so good to see him smile again.

“Maybe I’ll go spend a few days with her. Get out of the city for a bit.”

“That sounds like a good idea. Do you want me to tell Hugo where you are?”

I shook my head.

“Even if he does try to find me, don't tell him. I think I need a minute to figure this out. I need to assume I’m doing this on my own and make a plan,” I said, determination in my voice.

Wordlessly, he sat down beside me and enveloped me in a tight embrace. He didn't say a word, but I could feel his strength and his unwavering support radiating from him. In that moment, I remembered that he has always stepped in when Ineeded him most, picking up the pieces when I felt too broken to do it myself. And I was so thankful.

"Thank you," I choked out, burying my face in his chest. His arms around me were the best things I could have wanted at that moment. I knew that I had all the support I needed.

Suddenly, I felt like I could take on the world, with or without Hugo. What really hurt me was knowing that Seth wouldn’t look at him the same. I loved them both, and I wanted nothing more than all of us to be close and happy.

I wondered if Hugo even thought of me wherever he was. How could he go for so long without even finding out how I was doing when he knew I was in a vulnerable position? I just wished he would reach out.

Even though I had Seth, I needed Hugo more.

Chapter 26

Hugo

My heart raced as I unlocked the door to our house, the bolt turning with a familiar click. Stepping inside, I was met with an eerie silence. The air felt heavy with absence, and I knew at that moment that Simone wasn't there.

"Simone?" I called out cautiously, hoping against hope that she'd appear from another room. But there was no response.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath, dropping my bag on the floor and making my way through the once-shared space. Her belongings were gone – her clothes, her books, even her toothbrush. It was as if she had never been there at all.

"Dammit, Simone," I whispered, running a hand through my hair in frustration. What had I expected? That she would be waiting for me with open arms, ready to forgive and forget? I couldn't blame her for leaving, but the thought of not knowing where she was ate away at me like a cancer.

"Fuck." I looked on the kitchen island and there it was.

The ring.

She had given the ring back and the message couldn't be more loud and clear. It might as well have yelled, "You stupid idiot imbecile" at me because that's what I was. I picked it up, turning it over, watching it sparkle in the light.

Right. I had to fix this.

Determined, I grabbed my phone and called Simone. Dammit. She didn't pick up and again, I couldn't blame her. What a dick, what an asshole I was. I can't even believe I did what I did. I decided to call Seth. He picked up after a few rings, his voice strained.

"Hugo? What do you want?" I'd never heard that tone from him before, but I understood it. I fucked up and fucked up his sister. I would feel the same way, too.

"Is Simone there with you?" I asked urgently, my heart pounding in my chest.

There was a pause before he replied, "No, she's not here."

"Shit," I cursed, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Do you know where she is?" I asked, attempting to sound calm, though my voice wavered.

"Look, Hugo, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be looking for her right now," Seth said firmly, and I could hear the anger simmering beneath the surface of his words. “She needs time to cool down.”

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