Page 65 of Sebastian

Her eyes narrow at me, and maybe she’s right, or maybe she watches too much reality television. Either way, I don’t know this woman’s motivations.

“I didn’t really interact with her. She’s very attractive. Maybe Sebastian should move her in and raise a family with her. It’s better than being raised by a struggling single mom.”

I flashback to my childhood struggles and how it would have been so much easier on us children if there were two parents. Even if they don’t love each other, Seb’s wealth and shared doting on the kid would be better than many broken and struggling homes across this country.

“I’m not sure I agree. He looked terrified when he rushed into the room last night.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, clearly missing some information.

“Oh, I thought Seb told you. We bought the tests for her to take.”

I’m in utter shock. My best friend bought a pregnancy test for my ex-lover’s ex-girlfriend. Who sounds like a reality show now?

“Come again?”

“Oh, Chloe, I thought you knew all this.” I shake my head, still trying to understand how this happens in the unscripted world. “Okay, let me fill you in.”

She tells me everything, clearing up a few questions nagging in my mind while injecting her conspiracy theory. I tend to take things at face value more than Taylor, but knowing everything now, I can get to where she’s already been regarding Veronica’s intentions.

“Well, okay then.”

I rub my temples as this is more stress than I need on the launch week of my busy damage control campaign for the firm.

“So now, do you see? I think she’s intentionally delaying the doctor to entrap him,” she finishes, leaning back in her chair and waiting for my response.

“Um, I did offer my gynecologist to Sebastian, although he didn’t take me up on it. Or that’s when I dashed off to wash my face. Who knows at this point? I can’t even think straight.”

It’s the truth. At the start of the week, I just had to focus on work and some great sex. Then, planning the party, and now this mess. It’s too much for my normally quiet, peaceful life.

“Why don’t you text him your doctor’s number to see what he says? It doesn’t take weeks to get in and see a professional. Heck, they could go to an urgent clinic if he really wanted to know,” she presses, causing me to wonder why she’s so invested in this.

“True, but why are you so insistent on this? You’ve never been this invested in my love life other than gossiping about my dates. Is this because of Paolo? Did he say something to you?”

I bite my lip, worried that I said too much, and a sad expression overtakes her.

“Did Sebastian say something to Paolo, and now you’re saying something because of it?”

She hesitates, the seconds ticking by until it’s almost awkward.

“My ex is pregnant. I mean, the woman he cheated on me with is having his baby.”

Tears glimmer in her eyes, and I’m halfway out of my seat before she stops me.

“Not here. Too many nosy people.”

I sit back down, grab a few tissues from the box on the corner of my desk, and hand them to her. She dabs at her face while I feel terrible for attacking her.

“I’m so sorry, honey. If I would’ve known?—”

“It’s okay. I haven’t even told Paolo yet. I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about it. But I’m angry that he’s gettingsomething I’ve never gotten. He cheats, he’s having a baby. . . how’s that fair?” She blows her nose, and I hand her more tissues. “I do everything right, and I get screwed. He does everything wrong and still comes out ahead.”

She shakes her head, and my heart hurts for her. I understand the fairness aspect, as we’re both grappling with it in our separate ways.

“It’s not fair. He’s the asshole, and he doesn’t deserve the things that you want. But you have Paolo, and he adores you. You’re the happiest I’ve seen in years. And if a baby is what you really want, you could adopt. There are plenty of children needing a loving home.”

She nods, inhaling a shaky breath as she tries to compose herself.

“I’m sorry for dumping all this on you right now when you’re going through your own problems. It’s just that . . . last night, seeing her and hearing what was happening . . . it took me back to my ex and her and finding them together. I apologize for overstepping. I only want what’s best for you.”

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