Moments later,his expression shifted sharply.His expression drained of color and his hands began to shake violently.
“Verification complete…the liquid assets exceed one billion dollars.”
The room gasped as one.Stunned silence engulfed them.
I did not spare Lennon a single glance.I just picked up my bag,turned to the bodyguards and said calmly,“Handle the rest.I’m tired.I’m going home to rest.”
I took a cab straight to the hospital.Today was the day of my abortion.
When I woke up after the procedure,I instinctively placed a hand over my flat stomach and my eyes stung with tears.
Two months ago,when I first found out I was pregnant,I was overjoyed.I thought this child was a blessing from heaven—meant for me and Lennon.
Yet,everything changed when I learned the child was not even his.And he…had never even touched me.
Lying on the hospital bed,I stared blankly at the night sky through the window.The anesthesia was wearing off,leaving a dull ache in my lower belly.Yet,it was not nearly as hollow as the ache in my heart.
The door creaked open.I turned my head slowly.Lucan Shepherd,Lennon’s older brother,stood there.
That was the same man I had called earlier at the auction.
He held a lunch box,still cool from the breeze outside.
“I’m sorry,”he said gently.“I had someone track your location.You didn’t sound right on the phone.I was worried.”
He placed the lunch box on the table beside me.“I had them make chicken soup with red dates.It’s good for your recovery.Drink it while it’s hot.”
I managed a faint smile.“It’s fine.Thank you…really.”
He sat at the edge of the bed,poured the warm soup into the lunch box with practiced ease,then brought a spoonful to my lips after gently blowing on it to cool.
Instinctively,I reached for the spoon,wanting to feed myself,but he pulled it slightly back.
“Don’t.Let me.”
His tone left no room for argument,but his eyes were incredibly gentle.
No one had ever treated me like this before—not even Lennon.
The soup was just the right temperature,so warm and comforting.I sipped it slowly,but soon,without warning,tears welled up in my eyes and fell silently into the bowl.
Lucan set the spoon down and reached out,wiping the tears from my cheeks with soft fingers.
“Why are you crying?”he asked gently.
“Because this isn’t fair for you,”I whispered hoarsely.“You being this kind to me…I don’t deserve it.”