“I know it’s a risk, but it might work. What if we hold a meeting on neutral territory? Carlisle can ensure it’s safe. Maybe we can have him call in a few favors or something… I don’t know. You’re a Payne. You must have some kind of pull.”
“London—”
“I need to figure out the specifics, but I think it could work. I need to—”
“London.” Olivia places one hand on either side of me, bringing me to a halt. Her face is pale. “Why didn’t you say something?”
I furrow my brows as I stare at her. “Huh?”
Olivia waves a hand, and it’s only then that I notice I’m cupping my stomach. A gasp falls from my lips as I drop my hand and step out of her reach. I feel Olivia’s gaze following me as I wander over to the nightstand, picking up and setting down several things on the way. My heart is a dull thud in my ears as I force myself to face Mason’s sister.
“I didn’t say anything because I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”
Olivia’s eyes widen. “You have to keep the baby.”
“What kind of life would they have in this world, with a target on their back? They’ll never be able to lead a normal life.”
Olivia glances from my stomach to my face and swallows. “Yes, but it’s your baby and Mason’s. … Oh, God. He doesn’t know, does he?”
I shake my head.
“Forget about helping me,” Olivia says. “You need to keep yourself and the baby safe, and you need to talk to him. You’ll figure it out together, I’m sure.”
“That’s assuming he wants to keep the baby.”
Olivia drops her hand. “I don’t think he’ll make you give up the baby, but I honestly don’t know…”
Olivia’s words feel like twisting the knife in my heart.
Even his sister can’t offer me the solace I so desperately need.
The kind only Mason can give me.
Coming clean to Katia and Olivia has only made me feel worse.
This is getting out of hand. Too many people know. You need to tell Mason before this gets back to him.
“I’m going to tell him,” I say. “I just haven’t figured out how or when.”
Olivia stares at me, then offers me a small, sympathetic smile. “For what it’s worth, I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“I appreciate that.”
Olivia clears her throat. “Can I ask you something?”
I shrug.
How did Olivia survive this world?
What kind of dreams did she have before reality took hold?
Did she dream of a different life?
Before I can think of anything else, Olivia sighs and turns to me, one hand still holding the curtain. “What’s the real reason you haven’t told Mason?”
I pause and study her, choosing my next words carefully.
“Honestly? I don’t know. Initially, I suppose it was because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I thought if I pretended like it wasn’t happening to me…”
