Chapter 4

Lane's eyes flickered with panic, but he quickly regained his composure.

"It's Eric's," he said. "Yvonne found out she was pregnant after they broke up. She's in a delicate situation and can't take any emotional shocks. So for now, she's keeping it quiet."

I looked at him. "If it's Eric's, then why are you listed as her emergency contact?"

"I'm a doctor and also her senior," Lane replied. "She has no relatives here. Is there a problem with listing me?"

He sounded so reasonable, as if I was the one making a fuss for no reason.

Yvonne bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "Zoe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep this from you.

"Eric doesn't want the baby, but the doctor said my body can't take another trauma. Lane is simply being kind to me."

Maria immediately pulled Yvonne into a comforting hug. "That deadbeat guy isn't worth a second of your time. The baby is innocent. Since it's here, you have to keep it."

Her words felt like a dull knife slicing through my heart.

No one had told me my baby was innocent two years ago.

Lane had only told me to get rid of it, that we could try later. He hadn't even walked me into the hospital.

Lane seemed to pick up on what I was thinking, his brows drawing together. "Zoe, this is different."

"How exactly is it different?" I pressed.

He paused for a couple of seconds. "We weren't ready. But now, Yvonne's body can't take another operation."

My body was strong, so my baby could be discarded.

Yvonne's body was fragile, so everyone had to rally around to protect her child.

Maria suddenly made a decision. "It's not safe for Yvonne to live alone right now. Zoe, your place with Lane is big enough, so let her move in for now."

I thought I must have misheard. "Let her move into our home?"

Maria spoke like it was common sense. "It's only temporary. She's carrying a baby. Can't you show some compassion?"

Lane looked at me too. "Her ex has been bothering her lately. It's safer for her to stay with us. Once the baby's born, she'll move out."

I asked softly, "You agree with this too?"

Lane avoided my eyes. "Zoe, now's not the time to argue. She needs care."

Though he didn't give me a clear answer, his meaning was plain to see.

Yvonne needed care, and her baby needed protection. Only I was supposed to be mature and understanding.

I nodded. "Okay."

Lane visibly relaxed, thinking I'd caved once more.

When we got home, I didn't argue with him anymore. I simply kept packing my things.

*****

The next day, Yvonne moved in.

Lane had her stay in the guest room next to our master bedroom.

Maria brought over a ton of baby stuff, and the hallway was packed with it.

Yvonne stood in front of the nursery that'd always been locked and asked quietly, "Is it okay if I use this room?"

My steps froze.

Two years ago, after I found out I was pregnant, I'd secretly decorated that room. Pale yellow moon decals covered the walls, and by the window sat a crib I had picked out myself.

After my abortion, Lane had locked the room up.

He'd said, "Looking at all this baby stuff will only make you spiral into sadness. Lock it away."

But now he unlocked that door for Yvonne.

Yvonne ran her hand over the crib, her eyes lighting up. "It's so beautiful."

Lane frowned, "It's been sitting here for two years, so it's probably not safe anymore. I'll get a new crib."

Yvonne smiled, "Isn't that a bit wasteful?"

"You can't cut corners when it comes to a baby," Lane said.

I stood in the doorway, my mind fuzzy.

It turned out not every baby had to be treated like an afterthought. Only mine did.

*****

That night, Lane put a design sketch in front of me. "You have a good eye for design. Can you help Yvonne pick out a new look for the nursery?"

I looked at the sketch. "I don't have time."

His brows knitted together. "It's merely tweaking a few colors. How much time could that take?"

Yvonne hurriedly jumped in, "It's fine, Lane. Zoe probably resents me moving in."

Lane gave me a reproachful look. "Yvonne's pregnant. Don't take everything out on her."

I didn't bother explaining myself. Instead, I picked up my plane ticket.

My flight was at nine tomorrow morning. Less than twenty-four hours remained.