Her voice wasn’t loud, but it hit like a bomb in my chest.
I snapped my head up and shoved him off me.
Stared him down, hoping—begging—for something. Anything.
But he just looked away, eyes on the floor. Guilty as hell.
I pointed at Rainee, my voice shaking. “So it’s true? You married her? Then what about me? What about our baby? You’re ditching your own kid to play dad to one that doesn’t even know who their real father is?”
Before I could even finish, Rainee started sobbing. “My baby’s not a bastard! He has a dad!”
Quentin freaked out.
Then—he slapped me.
The crack echoed. My cheek lit up like fire.
He looked at me like I was nothing. Pulled his hand back like it didn’t just hit me.
His eyes were cold, disgusted. “Vivienne Watson, have you completely lost it? Do you even realize how much damage your words could do to Rainee?”
I didn’t know how much it could hurt her. All I knew was Quentin wasn’t the guy I used to love.
I wiped the blood off my lip, the metallic taste thick in my mouth.
Every time it came to Rainee, he lost it.
My voice cracked. “What do you want me to say? My fiancé ditched me and our baby. He’s playing house with someone else and raising her kid. You want me to throw confetti or something?”
I couldn’t hold back anymore. My voice rose, raw and sharp.
Quentin paused—just for a second. Guilt flickered in his eyes.
Then he said, calm like this was some logical deal, “Rainee’s not like you. I’m all she’s got. She can’t handle the gossip. Just wait, Vivienne. After she has the baby, I’ll marry you.”
He pulled me in like that was a promise. “Trust me. A year from now, I’ll give you the wedding you deserve.”
I didn’t say a word.
Then Rainee cut in, annoyed. “Quentin, the baby’s hungry. Let’s go home.”
His body stiffened. But he didn’t hesitate.
