Chapter 90

Selena's POV

As I passed my phone to Jake, his gaze was glued to the video of the children playing. A genuine smile bloomed on his face, making a pang of disappointment shoot through me. All this time, I'd held onto this secret, and for what?

The sheer joy on his face was unbelievable. Jake Marino, here in New York, sitting across from me? It still felt surreal. Hillary and Mom didn't know about him yet, and I desperately wanted to keep it that way, especially from the media. That's why I'd been so cautious about arranging these meetings.

"It must have been tough being pregnant alone," he said suddenly.

My jaw hit the floor. Did he just say that? His voice was thick with emotion. My expression must have been a picture, because he tilted his head curiously.

"I'm sorry," he continued, further fueling my shock. "I wasn't there... to help you through it." Why now? Why did he suddenly regret not being there? It was far too late.

Talking to Jake about my pregnancy was agonizing. I shifted u