Page 95 of Clear Shot

My real brother would probably just set me on fire to keep me warm so it means a lot to hear those words.

And now I need to get traded.

Fuck. Me.

Chapter 33

Hana

My grandmother is old fashioned,with ideals from another century and a penchant for being nosier than most of us would like.

But she also has a heart of gold and fierce loyalty to her family.

There is no universe where she doesn’t take my side, but she’ll give me shit about the situation if warranted. So I have to tell her everything.

“You’re going to have a baby.” Despite the circumstances, she sounds pleased as punch.

“Did you hear a word I said?” I demand, a little frustrated.

Of course, she’s excited about the baby. She doesn’t care about my heart or what I’m going through, just the fact that there will be a great grandchild for her to love on.

“Yes, of course. But there’s ababy.”

“A baby my husband doesn’t believe is his.”

“He’s going to have to give you money once you do the DNA, yes?”

“Money isn’t the point,” I whisper, tears welling up in my eyes.

“Ah, my love. Your heart is broken.”

“So broken.”

Her voice softens. “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see.”

“I don’t know how. He thinks I’m capable of cheating on him.” My voice breaks.

“Maybe it’s time for you to come home.” She sounds tentative, as if she knows this suggestion will upset me.

“To Slovakia?” My heart tightens with sadness and fear—I’ve worked so hard to not have to go back.

“Yes, of course. How will you stay in America? You will lose your visa if you leave your husband, and if he doesn’t believe the child is his, how can you stay together? Will you tell everyone the truth? I think this will be difficult and cause trouble for Johan.”

Ugh.

This is truly a mess, and the last thing I ever wanted to do was cause trouble for my brother. And once the truth gets out, things will absolutely get ugly between them because no matter what Aiden believes, I’m carrying his baby and my brother will take my word for it.

How have things come to this? It was supposed to be a simple arrangement, and somehow, it’s become a nightmare. If it were just me, I’d be okay. I’ve had broken hearts before, and I’ll survive no matter how much it hurts.

But what will I tell our child? That his father didn’t believe me? Didn’t want him? Didn’t care enough to have a heartfelt conversation with me? It feels surreal because he didn’t even suggest getting a paternity test. That’s what I don’t understand, and I tell my grandmother that.

“Sometimes men are…difficult. And when a man doesn’t tell you he loves you, well, it adds a level of complication.”

“He said he wanted to try!” I whisper through tears I can’t fight anymore. This hurts so much, it’s hard to wrap my head around it.

“Men lie.”

“That’s not helpful.”