---
Josh pulled up at my place, and I got out.
He stepped out too, his presence looming quietly behind me.
I stretched my hand out for the keys, face sharp and calm, though inside my heart hammered like a wild drum.
He placed them in my palm without a word, his eyes searching mine.
"Bye," I said simply, trying to keep my voice steady, then turned away.
I climbed the first step. Then the second.
My legs suddenly wobbled, betraying me.
Something wasn't right.
Maybe it was just fatigue catching up, or maybe the weight of everything was too much to carry.
I turned to glance back, swallowing the panic rising in my throat.
Josh was still standing there, watching me silently, as if trying to memorize my every move.
I couldn't let him find out about the pregnancy.
Not like this. Not now. Not ever.
With the last of my strength, I climbed the third step.
I was almost at my door.
But just as I reached the top, my whole body gave out.
I felt myself falling—helpless and exposed.
Before I hit the ground, Josh caught me.
Held me in his arms—bridal style—steady and sure.
My heart thundered wildly in my chest, confused between fear and something else.
He gently set me on my feet, still holding my hands.
His eyes were soft. Familiar. Loving.
*Those eyes...*
No. I couldn't let myself fall again.
I yanked my hands away and dug desperately through my bag for the keys, pretending he wasn't even there.
Finally, I found them.
Unlocked the door.
Turned for one last look.
He was still standing there—waiting—like he hoped I'd invite him in.
But I knew better.
"Well, unfortunately, murderers aren't welcomed here."
With those words, I walked inside and slammed the door hard behind me.
I leaned against it, chest rising and falling in ragged breaths.
I knew he was still on the other side.
Still watching.
Still waiting.
---
After what felt like forever, I finally moved—only because my stomach growled, reminding me of the little life growing inside me.
My little pumpkin was hungry.
I walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge.
Empty.
No food. No ingredients. Nothing to even cook.
Just cold, hollow shelves staring back at me.
"Oh, great," I muttered bitterly.
---
*Josh's POV*
I held her again.
She felt heavier—maybe from the pregnancy, maybe from the weight of everything she was carrying—but still perfect.
Perfect and fragile.
But her eyes…
They weren't the same.
The love I used to see in them—it was gone.
Replaced with coldness. Pain. Distance.
And I couldn't blame her.
I could only blame myself. Again and again.
That look haunted me.
I turned from her porch and walked away, slow and heavy.
I had more urgent things to deal with now.
The black Audi.
That wasn't just a random car.
Someone was watching her.
And I needed to know who.
Or maybe… I already knew.
That thought chilled me more than the night air.
If I was right—
Then this wasn't just about me anymore.
They were targeting *her*.
And I'd be damned if I let them touch her.
---