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“Yes.”
“Ari, are you sure you’re not pregnant?”
I laugh. “What? No. There’s no way. I’m on the pill.”
“I just thought I’d ask because I got super emotional during my first and second trimester.” She snorts. “Okay, and during my third, but it was definitely worse in the beginning.”
“It’s absolutely not that.” I pause, wondering how much I should tell her. “Ellie, I think I’m in love with him and it’s eating me alive because he’s made it clear that he’ll never feel the same way about me.”
“Sex can do that, or so I’ve heard.” At my look, she says, “Jafar is the only man I’ve been with by choice, so I don’t have a lot to offer in the relationship department. But I did know with all of my heart that I loved him. Sometimes, that was theonlything I knew for certain.”
“It’s not just the sex, not for me, at least. I hang on to every word he says, wanting to know more. I’ve tried new things in the bedroom because I know he likes them. I try to be someone he could be proud of, but it doesn’t matter because I can never compare toher.”
Ellie frowns. “Ouch. Who is she?”
“They’ve known each other forever. Her mother was his mentor, and her dying wish was for them to get married.”
“That’s a lot to compete with.”
I sigh. “Tell me about it.”
“Well, not that my advice is worth much, but I think you should tell him how you feel. At least you’ll know that you did everything you could.”
Her words send hope soaring through me.
“You know what? I think you’re right. Thank you.”
A baby cries somewhere in the penthouse and Ellie says, “Want to meet my little man?”
“I’d love to.”
I follow her, feeling happier than I have in months. I have a friend and confidant. What more could I ask for?
Love, a voice in the back of my mind taunts.
15
Ari
I wake up feeling decent for once. The stress of keeping this secret from Kieran is eating me alive. The sooner I tell him, the better. Maybe then I’ll stop being so nauseous all the time.
I find him in his office on the phone. He motions for me to wait. I take the time to look him over. He’s so handsome that it hurts to look at him. I move across the room, climbing onto his lap. He snakes his arm around my waist, holding me close.
“Noted. I’ll be there. Goodbye.” Ending the call, he asks, “Did your dress arrive?”
Tonight is Ellie’s fundraiser, and we’re going so I can support her.
“It did.” I play with a button on his shirt. “Did you find out if Winter is going to be there?”
“All the Families from Chicago will be in attendance.”
I groan. “Great.”
“Ari, you don’t have to speak to her if you don’t want to.”
I look up at him and nod. “Thank you for saying that.”
“Always here to help. Now, what else is on your mind?”
