By the time Friday rolled around, Ava Collins barely recognized herself in the mirror. The dark circles under her eyes revealed the toll of sleepless nights, weighed down by secrets too heavy for her heart to bear.
Every morning, she promised herself that she would finally tell Liam Kingsley the truth. Yet each evening, that promise slipped away once more.
She convinced herself that she was protecting him — his business, his reputation, his peace of mind. But deep down, she understood the reality: she was shielding herself from his disappointment.
That afternoon, the company held an executive review meeting. Liam spoke with his trademark confidence, commanding everyone's attention in the room. Ava sat in the corner, typing notes and pretending not to notice the admiring glances from board members directed at him.
Halfway through the meeting, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. Her vision blurred, and before she could regain her composure, everything faded to black.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in Liam's office — lying on the couch with her head resting on a cushion. His jacket was draped over her, and he sat next to her with his phone pressed to his ear.
"Yes, Dr. Bennett, thank you for coming so quickly," he was saying.
Ava blinked weakly. "Liam?"
He turned immediately, relief flooding his expression. "You're awake! You fainted during the meeting."
She tried to sit up but felt him gently press down on her shoulder. "Don't move yet."
"I'm fine," she insisted, even though her voice trembled.
He frowned at her. "You've looked pale for weeks now. This isn't fine, Ava. What's happening?"
Tears began to well in her eyes; she had run out of excuses. There was no more hiding or pretending left.
"Liam," she whispered with a cracking voice, "I need to tell you something."
He leaned closer, concern shadowing his gaze. "What is it?"
Her breath came out shaky as she spoke: "I'm pregnant."
The silence that followed felt deafening. The world outside seemed to freeze — no sound or movement except for the shock on his face.
He blinked once and then twice as if trying to grasp what she'd just said. "You're… pregnant?"
She nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks now without restraint. "It's yours, Liam."
For what felt like an eternity, he said nothing at all. Then slowly he reached for her hand — his grip steady and reassuring as he spoke barely above a whisper.
"Then we'll face this together."
Ava broke into quiet sobs of relief; her heart felt torn between fear and love.
Because now they were finally confronted with the truth — and nothing would ever be the same again.