Chapter Thirty Two

With trembling hand, Lucas retrieved an ultrasound scan that Ivanka had previously shared, before disclosing that the baby was not his. A pang of grief tore through his heart as he ripped the image into shreds, struggling to stem the tears that threatened to escape his eyes.

After a brief hesitation, Lucas obtained a third picture from his album - a snapshot of himself, his best friend, and Ivanka, all adorned with smiles. The treachery he had endured at the hands of his confidant and former lover burdened him heavily as he tore apart the photograph, each tear serving as a painful reminder of past hurts and also an absolute healing process he should have started years ago.

Compiling the fragmented remains of the photos, Lucas disposed of them in the waste bin adjacent to his desk. Picked one of the shredded papers, lit a fire on it and threw it Into the metal bin, watching the papers burn.

He then took a full bottle of whiskey and a glass from the mini bar, pouring himself a generous