7
204words
Never mentioned visiting. Sent Zach instead. Hired a top-notch nanny.
The nanny eyed me differently after Zach's briefing.
Probably thought I was Ethan's kept woman.
Didn't care.
Nine months pregnant. Caught a brutal flu.
Refused meds. For the baby.
A week later. Worse.
Nanny panicked. Called Ethan.
That night, feverish. Parched.
"Water…"
Someone held a glass. Cool water soothed my throat.
Opened my eyes. Ethan's face in the dim light.
I broke. Sobbed into his chest.
He held me. "Shh. I'm here."
Fed me fever pills. Stayed until I slept.
Woke to sunlight. Ethan asleep beside me.
Profile sharp. Handsome.
Like old times. Waking up together.
Wished it could last.
His phone rang. Screen, Evelyn.
Heart sank.
Ethan woke. Saw me. Answered.
"Yeah?"
Pause. "In Seattle. Busy."
"You're sick? Call Dr. Shaw. I'm not a doctor."
I almost laughed.
He hung up. Turned. "Feeling better?"
Nodded.
"Baby's coming soon. Take care."
Agreed.
Ethan visited weekly after that.
I got used to it.
Stocked his favorite coffee.
This week? No call. No show. Bored. Craved almond croissants. Sent the nanny. Reading a parenting book.
Doorbell rang. Ethan! Smiled. Opened the door. Froze.
Evelyn stood there. Cold eyes.
