If he ever learned the truth, everything would collapse.
Not just between us, but between the three of us. The fragile balance I had been holding onto would break completely, and this child would only make the divide deeper.
Leaving was the only choice that made sense. A clean cut. No more ties pulling in different directions.
It should have been simple in theory.
But nothing about Ashton was ever simple.
When I finally parked outside the villa, I exhaled slowly. Getting him upstairs in his condition would not be easy. My body still felt weak, and the night had already drained me more than I wanted to admit.
I opened the passenger door and leaned in.
"Ashton," I called softly, tugging at his sleeve.
He woke immediately.
Too quickly.
His eyes opened sharp for a moment before softening into something unreadable as he looked at me, then the villa beyond. Like he was trying to place himself back into reality.
"You brought me here?" he asked.
