"What way?" I didn't ask it out loud. The question stayed trapped in my chest.
Everyone moved through life with their own instincts, their own understanding of things. I didn't know what Jared meant by "his way." All I knew was simple—this child was mine. Mine alone.
Ashton had never truly claimed me in the way a bonded pair should be. If Grandpa were still here, things might have been different. I could have stayed at Ashton's side a little longer, held in place by old authority and family ties. But that anchor was gone now, and without it, I didn't have the strength to keep holding on.
Not when it meant risking my child.
Silence settled heavily between us before I finally spoke.
"Since I'm pregnant now, I'll need your help for a while. As for the rest… I have my own plans. Thank you, Dr. Crest."
A crease formed between Jared's brows, like he wanted to say more, like he didn't fully agree with what I understood. But in the end, he stayed quiet.
