Chapter 18
Lily’s POV
“Pregnant?” Jade’s eyes widened, her expression hard to read, but overall better than I expected.
I nervously nodded, unconsciously placing my bands on my belly. I had just told my two best friends that I was carrying Nathan’s child. The fact still felt unreal when spoken out loud.
To my surprise, Jade squealed and lunged towards me, pulling me into a tight hug. “Oh my goodness! You just casually secured the heir to the Sullivan family?” she joked, excitement shining in her eyes.
Olivia, on the other hand, remained much quieter, leaning against the kitchen counter in my apartment, her expression serious. She was still digesting this sudden news.
“I didn’t know you two were that close,” Jade released me, a teasing glint in her eyes. “When did this happen? Details! I want all the details!”
I rolled my eyes slightly but couldn’t help a small smile. “We’re not that close, at least not
yet,” I admitted, my thoughts drifting back to that night in the office, how Nathan’s hands had gripped my hips tightly. I shook my head to push the memory away. “While I’ve started to come to terms with the idea of co–parenting, there’s still a long way to go
between us.”
“They clearly aren’t that close,” Olivia suddenly interjected, her tone sharp. “This child is
a mistake.”
Her words created an awkward silence in my small living room. I felt a pang, as if a knife had been plunged into my heart. Yes, it was an accident, but hearing it labeled as a
“mistake” was hurtful.
“Don’t be such a jerk, Liv,” Jade frowned, protectively wrapping her arm around my shoulder. “Don’t listen to her, Chipmunk. I think you’ll be a great mom, and I’ll be the best godmother in the world.”
Jade’s words calmed me and gave me more confidence. I also knew that with Nathan’s or my friends‘ support, I could do this.
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“I’m just being honest,” Olivia shrugged, her eyes holding an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher. “We all know what kind of person Nathan is. Him saying he’ll take responsibility doesn’t sound like him at all. Once reality hits him, he’ll discard you and the child like
trash.”
My stomach dropped.
“The Sullivan family won’t accept a stripper’s grand-
Olivia’s words, though hurtful, were logical. I was a stripper, Nathan wouldn’t fall in love with me, self–doubt filled my heart. What about my child, my precious baby.
“I think you’ve said enough! Olivia, why do you keep saying these hurtful things to Lily!” Jade shouted, cutting her off, anger in her tone. I was grateful she stood up for me
because I didn’t dare to argue back. I had always been afraid of offending my few friends.
Olivia raised her hands in surrender. “I’m just looking out for her! I don’t want to say ‘I
told you so‘ in a few months.” She turned to me, genuine concern shimmering in her eyes. “He’s a mobster! Working at Skyline is one thing, but actually living with him, putting
yourself and the child in danger…”
“You can handle this on your own, Lily,” she continued, softening her tone. “We’ll help
you.”
I suddenly felt a surge of anger. “Helping isn’t your job, it’s Nathan’s,” I said, my voice stronger than I had expected. “He’s the father of this child.”
I didn’t like being treated like a child, as if I hadn’t considered these issues. Of course,
Nathan’s family background and the child’s safety were my top concerns. But he was still
alive, and so were his family. There was no reason to worry, right?
“It’s not just about you anymore, Chipmunk,” Olivia said, her eyes fixed on my belly.
“So you’re basically saying I’m irresponsible?” I questioned, my voice trembling with
sudden anger. The little happiness I had felt had vanished without a trace.
What if I was wrong? What if this was truly the worst decision I had ever made?
‘I’m just saying, you should run while you still can,” Olivia continued, ignoring Jade’s warning glare. “You should consider him suddenly deciding to be with another woman to
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Chapter 18
raise the child after you’ve given birth, kicking you to the curb.”
With a loud slap, Jade’s hand landed on Olivia’s face. I gasped in shock, but Olivia merely touched her cheek, her gaze unwavering.
