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“You sometimes forget?” He sounded outraged.
“Look, Ethan, you don’t have to be involved at all.”
His face contorted. “What? If I’m the fucking father, I think I do have to be involved. That’s unless…”
“I’m having the child, Ethan, regardless.”
He frowned. “I wasn’t suggesting you terminate it.” He rubbed his face.
How could I have made such a mess of this?Tears pricked my eyes. Here was a gorgeous man who, while pursuing me, I’d stupidly pushed away out of insecurity. Then just to add to my stupidity, I went and fucked someone I didn’t even like. The more I thought about it, the more I hated myself. But then, I actuallywantedto be a mother.
He remained on the sofa, elbows on his knees, cupping his cheeks like he had a sore tooth. His bewildered face rose to meet mine, as though what I’d said had finally hit him. “I might not be the father.”
Our eyes locked, and I froze. My legs trembled. A welling of emotion banked up in my throat, making it hard to breathe, let alone talk.
Looking lost, he rose slowly from the couch. “I can’t do this right now.”
Before I could respond, he left, and I collapsed onto the couch and gripped my arms, sobbing.
Chapter 20
Ethan
THREEMONTHSLATER…
A gift bag to mark the spa’s opening swung off Savanah’s arm. “This is such a great place. It will be difficult to stay away.”
Her sunny, contagious smile lifted my spirits. I’d worked tirelessly those three months to get that venue in good shape while running the hotel and the social warehouse project. Distraction was welcomed because while I remained busy, my mind didn’t have time to wander off and be consumed by a ton of issues infiltrating my inner world.
Apart from Mirabel, whom I couldn’t stop thinking about, I was barely dealing with the knowledge that my father’s murderer or accidental murderer may never be found. The PI had delivered very little. Not even the name ofthatmysterious visitor.
The reception area was filled with satisfied faces. They were there for a day and night of pampering. Ambient ocean and whale sounds swished about in the perfumed air, adding to the relaxed, pleasant vibe.
Media had been invited to sample the services: from warm rocks strategically placed on spines to massages and body wraps—treatments designed to uplift and exorcise stress. Going on the sea of smiles, that promise had been delivered. Much to my business partner’s delight, media and guests snapped photos of cheery A-listers.
Quality champagne always helped, and there were enough ladies and lords to keep my mother smiling. I’d made sure to invite celebrities and influencers. After receiving expensive gift bags filled with products that had them swooning, they got into the swing of things by posing for selfies—a treasure trove of happy snaps for their followers.
“This is a roaring success.” Andrew accepted a glass of champagne from one of the roaming waiters. “Let’s sit back and let social media weave its magic. We’ve already booked it out for three months.”
I chuckled at his infectious exuberance.
Joining me, Savanah tipped her head towards Manon, who’d been employed to assist in the makeup department. “She’s popular.”
I looked over at the pretty young brunette who had Reynard Crisp frothing at the mouth. “I’m surprised he’s here. He doesn’t strike me as the type of man who’d go for a facial.”
“He’s sewn at Mummy’s hip. You know that.”
I watched how his eyes followed Manon around. “I hope he doesn’t take advantage of her.”
“He will. She’s poor, beautiful, and young. She may even be a virgin. Going by Theadora’s story, he’s prepared to pay a fair sum for that.”
I grimaced at how creepy that made him, skulking about with the calculating cunning of a vampire. “Why is Mother with such a man?”
“That’s the million-dollar question.” She pulled a grim smirk. “She just says he possesses valuable business contacts and insights.” Savanah wiggled her fingers, showing off fingernails painted like works of modern art. “You’ve got an artist in the nail department. Aren’t these amazing?”
“They are.” I smiled.
Having joined us, Theadora also flashed her fingernails, which were just as loud and eye-catching. “This is such a gorgeous room, Ethan.” She pointed at the windows that looked out onto the duck pond. “I love the colour of the walls.”
