Chapter 41

Natalie

I open the door late afternoon. Someone banged hard on it, and outside, I find Noah peering down at me. At first, I smile, but my happiness fades to grey when I see the waging war inside his eyes.

Something is wrong.

"Why did you lie to me, Natalie?" Noah asks. He sounds hurt and confused enough to make unease fill my chest.

I take a step back from the door. Noah is tall and intimidating. Usually, I wouldn't fear him, but we aren't together, and his expression is shrouded in inner rage.

I should keep my distance. "W-what are you talking about?"

"The paternity test came back negative." Noah glares at me. There are tears in the corner of his eyes. "Emma is not my daughter."

I stare right back at him. "Are you joking?"

For the first time in my life, Noah appears pissed off. I've never seen him lose his temper, but he clenches his fists now and takes a deep breath as if holding himself back.

"Joking?" Noah laughs, but it isn't pleasant. "Why would I joke about something like this?