Ex-Husband's Regret (Ava and Rowan) novel Chapter 558

“I don’t need him, and the baby doesn’t either,” I say, the words building strength. “I could ask for a transfer. Start fresh. You can come visit… but Noah doesn’t need to be in our lives.”

Lilly stares at me like I’ve lost my mind, and maybe to some extent I have, but this seems like the best course of action.

“This way, there won’t be any awkwardness. No pressure on him. No pain. It’s cleaner. Quieter.”

If I leave, then there won’t be any tension. Noah won’t be forced to be in our lives. We’ll all be much happier that way. I think peace of mind is better than the chaos this will bring.

“Sierra,” she murmurs, voice low. “Have you really thought this through?”

“No. But it feels like the best option.”

“What was the other option?” she asks softly.

I swallow hard. “Abortion.”

Her eyes flash. “That’s not going to happen.”

“We agree on that. That’s why this is the only one left.”

She scoots closer and takes my hand in hers. “I usually support you in everything, but not this. I can’t. I won’t.”

I blink at her, hurt flickering in my chest. I push it down.

I know she’s always supported me, but I’m also aware that Noah is her cousin, which makes her my baby’s auntie, not just by the ties and bonds we share, but also by blood.

“But…”

“I want you to listen to me,” she says, tightening her grip. “We grew up together. You know my story. You know how hard it was when I found out my mom lied to me about who my dad really was.”

That question lands heavy on my chest.

I get her point, but still…

“What if he doesn’t want anything to do with the baby?” I ask, my voice barely a breath.

“Then that’s his choice,” she answers. “This baby will have all the love in the world, and a big family that adores him or her, whether Noah wants to be in their live or not.”

I close my eyes and take a shaky breath. “Okay.”

I’m not sure what I’m agreeing to exactly, just that she’s right. I can’t keep this hidden forever. Noah deserves to know… even if he walks away afterward.

But deep down, I know this won’t end well. And when it all comes out, I have a feeling he’s going to go nuclear.