He didn't answer. He just stared for a long moment, his eyes unreadable. In his mind, however, everything was clear. He didn't trust her. Not anymore. He couldn't.
Archer turned away, pretending to busy himself with the magazine. His voice came out quieter this time, almost detached. "Eat your fruit. You and the baby need it."
Alexa's lip trembled, but she forced a shaky smile. "Of course," she murmured, trying to sound calm. "I'll be careful. I promise."
He said nothing, but the silence between them grew heavy…so heavy that even her fake smile began to fade. She knew that silence too well. It wasn't forgiveness. It was warning.
Inside, Archer's thoughts were darker. I can't risk her around my child once it's born. He had already decided. Once the baby came, he would send Alexa away. He would find an excuse, arrange everything quietly. She didn't have a mother's heart. He could see that now. She didn't even care for her own blood; she only cared about herself.
