chapter 17

Catherine pov.

I put my head down, feeling scared to look up at Lux. He seemed overwhelmed with remorse, shame, and betrayal, and I sensed that he was preparing to release his pent-up emotions in a fit of rage.

After a moment, I summoned the courage to meet his gaze. His eyes were filled with thoughts and emotions that he couldn't seem to express. I noticed that my stomach had dropped slightly, and I wondered if our unborn child had survived.

I couldn't bring myself to ask him directly, so I just kept looking at him, hoping he would say something. We remained locked in silence, with only the sound of our shallow breathing filling the room.

Suddenly, Doctor Mick walked over to us, breaking the tension. He took a seat beside me, and I shifted my attention away from Lux and toward the doctor.

"Catherine," he said, calling my name as he tossed a piece of paper onto the desk in front of me. I hesitated, unsure if I should respond, but I felt too unsettled to stay silent.

"Why did you