I stood at the door, watching him fuss over her, running around to take care of her. At that moment, I felt like the outsider, the one interfering in someone else’s romantic relationship.
“Zayn, let Ms. Rivers come in.” Whitney’s weak voice floated out.
Zayn glanced at me, but he avoided my gaze, unable to look me in the eye.
I took a deep breath and stepped into the ward.
“Ms. Rivers, please don’t blame Zayn.” Whitney leaned weakly against the headboard. Her face was pale. “I asked him to bring you here. There are some things we need to talk about.”
I pressed my lips together and said nothing.
Zayn sat down beside me and held my hand. His face showed a trace of guilt. His lips parted as though he wanted to speak, yet he could not say a word until a moment later.
“Yvonne, there are some things I need to make clear to you.” He paused for a moment, then continued, “Whitney and I… We ran into each other again at a business dinner. One of my business partners kept forcing her to drink. I couldn’t just stand by, so I stepped in for her.
“I didn’t expect us both to drink too much. That’s how it happened. This child was conceived that night.”
At this point, he looked at me carefully. His eyes were full of regret and remorse. His grip on my hand tightened.
“I swear, in my heart, there has only ever been you. I know this puts you in a difficult place, but the child is innocent. It’s my own flesh and blood. I can’t abandon it. But don’t worry. Once the baby is born, I’ll put it under your name. You’ll be its mother.
“I hope you can find it in your heart to understand me.”
His eyes locked on mine, full of expectation.
I lowered my head, tears welling in my eyes.
This was his choice. He was choosing Whitney and their child.
