Chapter 338
I never pried because I thought that once we were more serious in our relationship, I’d meet them because they were part of his circle, just like he would get to meet Lilly.
Looking back at those conversations…I should have asked more. I should have pushed. I should have at least asked for a name. Maybe then we wouldn’t be standing here now.
“How do you know Noah, Sierra?” Adrian asks gently, but it’s easy to hear the edge in his voice.
My throat goes dry because suddenly… everything feels like it’s shifting beneath my feet.
“I—” I start, but the words don’t come out right. My brain is scrambling, trying to catch up with everything that’s happening all at once.
“I’ve known him since we were kids,” I finally say, my voice quieter than I intend. “Our families are close p>
Adrian’s jaw tightens. “And?” he presses.
The single word feels like pressure. Like he’s not just asking for an answer; he’s demanding the truth.
I swallow before admitting. “And… we have history p>
The moment the words leave my mouth, the air shifts. Adrian goes completely still while Noah lets out a sharp, humorless laugh.
“History?” he repeats. “That’s what you’re calling it now p>
I flinch slightly at his tone, my irritation flaring instantly.
“Yes, history,” I snap, turning to him. “What else would you like me to call it, Noah p>
“Oh, I don’t know,” he fires back, stepping forward. “But what about the part you conveniently left out… the part where you’re carrying my child p>
Adrian stumbles back like he’s just been hit by something solid while my brows knit together, anger flaring instantly.
“Conveniently left out?” I snap. “I’m basically a single mother or have you forgotten that you wanted nothing to do with this baby p>
“The baby daddy you told me about,” Adrian breathes shakily, “It was Noah p>
I nod, “Yes p>
Silence crashes down around us and Adrian just stares at me like he doesn’t recognize me. Like everything he thought he knew has just been ripped out from under him.
His hand drops from my waist the moment that one word leaves my lips. It’s subtle, but I feel it. I feel the distance the moment it happens.
That action alone hurts, and send panic all over my body, and for a moment I almost grab his hand and bring it back to where it was, but I don’t, because I’m also still struggling with what is unfolding.
“You…” he exhales, running a hand through his hair. “You’re telling me… he’s the one p>
“Yes,” I repeat, my voice softer now, unsure.
His jaw tightens, eyes flicking from me to Noah and back again, as a muscle ticks in his cheek.
“And you didn’t think that was something I should know?” he asks.
The question isn’t loud but it cuts deeper than a shout ever could.
“I didn’t know you two knew each other,” I say quickly. “If I did, I would have told you p>
Adrian stays silent, but I can tell he’s struggling with this. Struggling to understand this. Struggling to accept this.
“So… you two are dating?” Noah asks, dragging a hand through his hair, his gaze shifting to me before flicking back to Adrian.
Neither of us answers because what’s the point? It’s pretty much obvious that we are.
Noah lets out a broken, sad laugh. “Can’t believe this is who you moved on with p>
I glare at him. “What’s that supposed to mean? I had every right to move on p>
“Right,” he mutters. “And it just happened to be him? One of my best friends p>
Before I can respond, Adrian steps forward, placing himself slightly between us.
“That’s enough,” he says, his voice low and firm.
His voice is low and firm, but there is something in his tone… It’s not just protective. It’s cold, and when he looks at me again, something in my chest twists because for the first time since I met him… There’s no warmth in his eyes. Only doubt.