Page 121 of The Contract Marriage

“And you didn’t see him anywhere? Not even in the lobby?” My voice cracks toward the end.

He shakes his head. “No.”

My heart shrivels. It might sound opportunistic, but I wanted him to notice what happened and come to me, like in the movies where the romantic hero rescues the girl of his dreams from danger and realizes he can’t be away from her, and they live happily ever after.

Should’ve known my life wouldn’t go like that.

Why would Liam care? He didn’t come to the OB-GYN appointment. Even though I sent him the recording, he might not have listened to it.

I close my eyes against the pain. It’s karma for the way I pulled away.

Girl, if you can dish it out, you should be able to take it too.

“I need to talk to the doctor.” I need to make sure the baby’s all right. “You can go now.”

Simon shakes his head. “Let me take care of you while you’re recovering.”

“I can’t. You broke my trust when you did what you did.”

“Olivia—”

“Having you around me is going to hurt Liam.”

“He isn’t even here.”

“So? He’s still my husband.”

Simon pales. “Is that it? You haven’t been able to hire another assistant.” His voice shakes toward the end.

Guess he talked to others at the company. But then it’s no secret. “That has nothing to do with my decision. I’ve always made sure you knew that you’re my assistant, my most trusted person at the company. I was thinking of promoting you after the new lines are established because I needed somebody I could rely on. But it’s all moot now.”

He looks at me like I just stuck a knife into his belly. “Give me another chance, Olivia.”

“You had your chances when I asked you why Liam didn’t receive the report, and when you noticed he was outside my office as you tried to get me to say something that’d undermine my marriage.”

He bites his lip. “I didn’t think he deserved you. Damn it, Olivia, I love you.”

I stiffen in shock. Liam acted slightly too possessive around Simon, but I didn’t realize… I shake my head. “My decision won’t change.”

“Don’t be cruel,” Simon manages, his eyes pleading.

“Not cruel, just careful. I can’t afford to let somebody who betrayed me multiple times stay in my orbit. I can’t trust that they won’t do it again.” I roll the pavé ring like a rosary. “I hope you honor the NDA you signed because I’d hate to have to pursue legal action. I won’t give you a bad reference, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He flinches, as though struck. “Is that how you think of me?”

“How am I supposed to think, Simon?” I wait a beat, but he doesn’t answer. “Thank you for your time today. I’ll make sure you won’t be bothered again on my behalf.”

His face crumbles, then he turns around and leaves. I ask to see the doctor. A man in his late fifties or so walks in briskly and introduces himself as Dr. Carter.

“How’s my baby?” I ask, hoping for the best but bracing for the worst.

“All good. You were lucky. Didn’t even crack a rib,” he says with a gentle smile.

I place a hand over my sore chest. “Guess whoever did CPR was either very skilled or very careful. Did he come to the hospital, too?” I ask urgently.

Dr. Carter shrugs. “I’m not sure. Why?”

“No reason.” I don’t want to explain my marital situation.