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He’s still, his gaze holding me in place.

I continue.

“It scared me. That’s all. I thought… if I didn’t say it first, if I didn't call it a mistake, you would. I couldn't bear the thought.”

He steps closer, his hand grazing my face.

“It was never a mistake. I’ve been waiting for the best time to say this,” he says, his blue depths holding mine. “To confess my feelings. I’m in love with you, Wren. I love you and I don't wantto keep it to myself anymore. I want something real with you. I don't care for the cameras. I don't care for whatever people on the internet have to say. I don't care about the conspiracies or whatever. I know what's real. I just want…you.”

Joy swells inside me. And then?—

Oh God.

A wave of nausea crashes through me. I stagger.

His hand catches my elbow. “Wren?”

“You okay?”

“I... I think I need to sit down?—”

But it’s too late. I turn and bolt, making it to a nearby restroom just as I crash to my knees, the floor cold beneath me. I empty my stomach.

Humiliation burns hot through my veins. Of all the possible reactions to a love confession, this has to be the worst.

A soft knock. “Wren? Do you want me to get Jen?”

I rinse my mouth, my reflection pale and wide-eyed.

“I’m okay,” I lie. “Just... stress.”

“You’re not.” He presses the back of his hand to my forehead. “This isn’t the first time this week you’ve looked pale. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“I can’t?—”

“Yes, you can.” His tone is final. “I’m taking you to the hospital. No arguing.”

I don’t. I’m too dizzy.

We slip out through the service corridor. Talia catches my eye, her worry obvious, but I give her a small nod. She’ll handle the rest of the event. Jen is sitting with Raj and Ava, laughing at something Raj said. She walks over, offering to come with us but I know Raj is enjoying his conversation with her far too much. I insist she enjoy the rest of the event.

At the hospital, everything moves fast. Blood is drawn. Blood pressure taken. Questions and more questions. Sean waitsoutside while I sit, feeling fragile in a way I haven’t since Eric was born.

The doctor returns with a kind smile and a clipboard.

“Ms. Sinclair,” she says. “You’re pregnant. About six weeks.”

The words flatten me.I blink.

“Pregnant?”

She nods. “Would you like me to send in your partner?”

Partner. The word makes my throat tighten. I nod.

The second she leaves, I feel the walls close in. Six weeks. The gala. The night everything changed.

Sean comes in, worry etched into every line of his face. I can’t even speak. I just look at him.