Page 59 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

"Of course," I said quietly, feeling a wave of disappointment and sadness wash over me. I had hoped he would at least try to reassure me, but instead, he seemed to be pulling away.

"Simone, I –," he started, then hesitated. "I just – I need some space right now."

"Okay," I whispered, my heart aching with the weight of his words. "Take all the time you need."

As Hugo retreated to our bedroom, I curled up on the couch, hugging a pillow to my chest as tears streamed down my face. I had known this wouldn't be easy, but the reality of his reaction hit me harder than I could have ever imagined.

"Simone, we need to talk."

Hugo's voice was heavy with emotion as he finally emerged from the bedroom. The sky matched his dark eyes, which reflecting the inner turmoil I knew he must be feeling. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the conversation that would undoubtedly change the course of our lives.

"Okay," I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Let's talk."

We sat down at opposite ends of the couch again, the distance between us feeling like an insurmountable chasm. I swallowed hard, doing my best to keep my composure despite the tears threatening to spill over once more. I hugged a pillow again. I just felt safer that way.

"Listen, Simone," he began, his voice strained. "I've thought long and hard about this, and I can’t do this. I can’t raise this baby with you."

"Hugo," I begged, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.

The bitterness in his tone cut me to the core. "You know how I feel about having kids. I never wanted to be a father, and now –."

"Things change, Hugo," I said softly, trying not to let the hurt show on my face. "People change. I know this isn't what either of us planned, but maybe it's time we started making different plans. Together."

"Damn it, Simone!" he exploded, his frustration evident. "This isn't just about me not wanting kids! There's so much more at stake here. It feels like the universe doesn't respect what I really want to do with my life. I had to fight to be normal growing up. I had to fight my parents so I could follow my dreams, and now, I can't even not have children if I don't want to. I'm done fighting. I want to get something that I actually want. I know this sounds selfish, but I'm just done not getting what I want. And now, I'm supposed to change everything because you're pregnant?"

"Is that really how you see this?" I asked, feeling the sting of rejection as his anger washed over me. "As some kind of trap? Because I promise you, Hugo, that was never my intention."

"Maybe not," he conceded, running a hand through his hair. "But that doesn't change the fact that I'm not ready for this. I can't be a father, Simone. Not now, not ever."

"Then what are you going to do? How are you going to stay here if we split up?" I whispered, fighting back tears as I realized the enormity of what he was saying.

He paused, wringing his hands a little, looking more uncomfortable than I had ever seen him.

“I don’t actually need to marry you anymore. About a month ago, my green card arrived. I’m free and clear to stay as long as I want.”

“What?” I gasped. “You’ve been lying to me?”

Hugo barked a laugh.

“I thought this was real. Itwasreal. I do love you Simone. I just can’t be a father and I don't want to compromise on that.”

“I don’t understand – why didn’t you tell me about your immigration status?”

Hugo was silent for a long moment.

“I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to see where this all headed. But now…”

I shook my head.

“It doesn’t matter. Can we please try to work this out? The seed has been planted. I am with child.”

"Simone, I'm sorry," he murmured, his eyes filled with regret. "But I have to do what's best for me right now. I will still hold up my end of the bargain and pay your tuition. You can stay here as long as it takes to find a new living situation."

And with that, he stood up and walked away, leaving me alone on the couch, my heart breaking into a million pieces.

What was I going to do now?

I found myself grappling with the reality of what lay ahead. I would be a single mother. The thought of facing the challenges ahead without Hugo by my side terrified me, but I knew I had no choice.

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