My CEO 393

393 Confrontation at the Cottage

393 Confrontation at the Cottage (Winona)

I'm tidying up the cottage, trying to distract myself from the waiting game, when I hear footsteps approaching. I turn to see Lance leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. I raise an eyebrow, surprised to see him here without Lisa. "Lance?" I say, "What's up? I thought you'd be sleeping.

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He shrugs, pushing off the door and strolling over with that half-grin of his. "Figured we could catch up... without Lisa."

His tone has an edge to it, and something in his gaze tells me this isn't just a casual visit. I feel a little spark of dread ignite in my stomach.

"Alone? Why?" I ask, folding my arms, though I already have a feeling where this might be going.

"Cut the act, Winona," he says, dropping onto the couch across from me. "I wasn't actually using the bathroom earlier. I was... listening."

My stomach flips, and I try to keep my face neutral, but I know I'm a terrible liar. I should've known Lance would catch on; he's known me too long. "Listening to what, exactly?" I say, feigning innocence.

He tilts his head, giving me that look that says he knows he's got me cornered. "Oh, I don't know. Just a few words here and there-like 'timing' and 'three months.' Then, the guilty looks between you and Lisa. Took about two seconds to put it all together. You're pregnant?"

T

groan, slumping into the armchair. "I... it's not... Lance, this is complicated."

"I get that," he says, his tone surprisingly soft. "Look, I'm not here to judge. But this could be a problem. For me and Jayden. I mean, he's my best friend."

thought of that back when you made the

stares at me. "So... there's a chance that

as I say it out loud. "Yes.a very slight chance only, and I'm

"Wow. I mean... we all knew the hall pass week was just

"was never supposed to happen. But it has. Regardless of stupid decisions adults make, it isn't the baby's fault. I have enough on my plate trying to stay pregnant without worrying about men's egos." The words come out easy and I realize I've

face shifts, his eyes narrowing. "If, by that very slight chance... it's mine... you know I'm not up for being a father. I mean it

at

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shake my head. "Jayden deserves the truth. I'm not going to lie to him about this, Lance. I won't do to him

resolve. "Look, I get the whole 'honesty is the best policy' thing,

to be blamed for this. I won't start my baby's life like that. If you can't face up to responsibility and joy of fatherhood, then

his hands. "Winona, you're killing me here. This whole

"But now there's a life involved. I have to make sure this baby knows love and truth, no matter who the father is. And if Jayden,

guys."

see a flicker of understanding-and

"

a strange surge of confidence. "The chances of losing the baby are way higher than it surviving. I'm not going

he's processing it all in real time. "Alright. I get it. But I really hope Jayden never finds

now.

father, I'm not telling him who I had sex with hall pass week. Maybe one day I will. But preserving this pregnancy as viable is the most important thing to me, right "He will never hear it from me.

with Ashlyn. You approached me. Not the other way around. Remember that. And if the

are the

In the meantime we have to not show Jayden

strong as he likes to act. And I'm not saying you should lie, but... just

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