“It was meant to be for you. I only ever wanted it to be for you.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, blinking away the burning in my eyes that was beginning to build. I wanted more than anything to get away from the table, to snatch my hand away from his firm grip as he whispered those hushed words into my ear.

“Stop acting like such a brat and smile, Lily.”

How could I not be happy, right? How could I not be smiling when I was sitting in one of the most elite restaurants in the city, surrounded by my friends and family? When I was wearing a dress that cost more than most people’s monthly rent?

Except it’s impossible to smile when all I can think about is the secret that I’m carrying. The secret that I fear is going to keep me tethered to this man for the rest of my life.

I wince as his grip on my hand tightens once more.

Turning to face him, it’s almost scary to see how normal he looks. How he can look so unbothered when I’m sure my hand is beginning to turn purple underneath the table.

I force a sweet smile on my face, gazing up at him. Cold, dark eyes meeting mine which causes my stomach to stir.

“I know,” I tell him, placing my other hand on top of his where he’s still squeezing me. “You do so much for me.”

Yes. He does do so much for me.

So much to ensure that there’s nothing I’ll ever be able to do to get away.

To never escape.

Especially when he finds out about the secret that is going to continue to grow inside of me for the next few months.