Two weeks later.“What are you doing?” I jump startled, look back, and see Josh standing behind me as I watch Shayla smiling at a basket of some sort and flowers she just received. “Are you spying on Shayla?”I rub the back of my neck and shake my head. “What? No.” I utter, glancing at her again, and Josh chuckles.“Right, so you’re hiding behind the wall looking into her office why?” I sigh, relenting.“Fine, I was spying…a little,” I say, looking at him before I look over at her opening a book and skimming through it. “Who sent her those, and what the hell is that basket?”“Uh, it’s a nappy basket. It’s filled with blankets and booties and clothes for the baby.” He explains, looking over at her with a smile. “She said it’s a gift from Blake Bryant.”I grate my teeth; every hair on my body goes up when I hear that man’s name. “Why? Why is he sending my wife gifts?”Josh’s brows furrow, and he looks at me surprised. “Your wife? Weren’

I set the compress on the side and lay down beside her. “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere,” I assure her while I comb my fingers through her hair. Shayla shifts closer and lays her head on my chest, nestling herself into me. I wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer against me, and I press my lips to her forehead.“I love you, baby.” She whispers with a breathy sigh. I close my eyes and bite my lip.“I love you, too, sweetheart,” I tell her, and her lips quirk ever so slightly.“Say it again, baby.” She moans, nuzzling my neck. I smile, shaking my head.“I love you, baby,” I whisper, kissing her nose, and she smiles content before she falls asleep. I don’t know what made me say those words to her, but it felt—right. It didn’t feel forced or false, which left me somewhat bewildered. I thought I was just telling her what she needed to hear in an attempt to comfort her, but what if, deep down, I actually meant it?I feel the baby’s movements

"She said she was going to erase what little memories you have of me while she fucks your brains out and gets pregnant while I'm at home taking care of my brat!" I reply stormily, and Cole looks at me, stunned."What? I can't believe she would ever say such a thing." Cole shakes his head, and I roll my eyes in annoyance."Of course, you wouldn't believe it," I state dryly. "I know you want to believe she's this great girl Cole, but she's not. You know what, I'm going to let you figure this one out for yourself because sooner or later, her true colours will come out." I inform him while searching around the room for my bra. "She's ready and willing to give you a baby if you're so eager to be a Dad. By all means, go right ahead and knock yourself out. Just leave my baby and me alone," I state further, picking up my bra off the back of the chair while Cole watches me, a deep scowl on his face."I don't want a fucking baby with her!" Cole retorts, and I look back at

“Cole, for the love of God, man, slow down,” I hear Josh groan as he holds the punching bag while I put my fist through it furiously. “You’re going to hurt yourself.”I ignore him and continue to plough my fist into the bag as hard as I could. My arms were aching, and my lungs burned, but I didn’t stop. “She’s in a relationship with him,” I mutter sourly, even saying those words left a bad taste in my mouth. “She can’t be in a relationship with him!” I growl, driving my fist into the bag hard. I feel the skin on my knuckles split in the gloves, but it didn’t phase me.Josh frowns, watching me, wincing every time I hit the bag, and it hit his chest, “Why can’t she be?”I stop and glare at him, “Because she can’t!” I gripe irately, and Josh sighs with a roll of his eyes.“Well, it seems she is, bro.” He states calmly. “What did you think was going to happen? You think she was going to wait around for you to get your head out of your arse forever?”“O

The following day, I made sure to look my best. If I was going to win Shayla back, she needs to know I’ve got my shit together. I wore my royal blue Hugo Boss suit with a crisp white shirt and blue tie. Hair styled, aftershave on, I felt better already. Shayla Hoult— prepare your heart because I’m coming for you. I slide my shades on and leave for the office.“Good morning, Mr Hoult.” Jenny, the receptionist, greets me as I walk through the lobby toward the elevators.I smile charmingly and nod, “Good morning Jenny.” I greet back and push the button to the elevator as I check my emails—invitations to various New Year’s Eve galas. I’ll pass. I’ve still got Christmas to get through, and the baby will be here by then. That reminds me, what am I going to get Shayla and the baby? Christmas is in six weeks. I make a mental note to plan something special for them.“Good Morning, Mr Hoult.” Jess greets me waiting by the elevators as she does every morning with my schedu