Chapter 12
Abigail
The house was quiet when I heard the soft creak of the doof to the game room opening.
#25 BONUS
Conrad stepped into the room, his He loosened and his jacket draped over one arm. His face was shadowed with exhaustion, but there was something else there—maybe remorse? He hovered near the doorway, looking at me as though he wasn’t sure if he was welcome.
“You’re up,” he said softly, his voice carrying a note of surprise. I don’t know why he would be so surprised. It was almost ten at night and he hadn’t been home. How could I sleep?
I shrugged, placing another card down on the table. “How come you’re back? Don’t you need to stay with Susanna?”
He hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, his movements uncertain. “After all this, you must need me. I just want to make sure you’re okay. Abigail… earlier today, at the station–were you hurt?”
The question caught me off guard. “No,” I said simply, “I’m fine.”
Conrad exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly, “Good. Harry’s behavior was… unacceptable. He’s not well–trained, I know that.”
It was the understatement of the century but I didn’t even have the energy to laugh. “Susanna?” I asked instead, my voice even. “Is she okay?”
“She’s fine,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “Just stressed. Everything that happened today… it was too much for her.”
Too much for her. Of course. I pressed my lips together to keep from saying anything I’d regret.
Conrad’s gaze softened as he looked at me again. “Someone took pictures of us leaving the station and tried to make up some stories. I handled it. I’m guessing that’s what you’re most worried about, right?”
I blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. For a moment, the bitterness I’d been holding onto all evening wavered. “Oh, yes, you know 1..?”
He stepped closer, pulling a chair out and sitting across from me. “Of course, I recognize the “Don’t do it” look on my wife’s face. You’re planning to get back to work, aren’t you? But are you sure it’ll be soon?”
I looked at his wrinkled clothes and messy hair. “Better than you. You look like you’ve been through a war.”
He chuckled softly, the sound warm and familiar. “Well, maybe I have. But at least I came back in one piece.”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. The tension that had lingered between us all day began to dissolve, replaced by the easy familiarity we once shared.
“My whole body feels different. Want to check for yourself, huh?” He asked.
Before I could say another word, Conrad reached across the table and brushed a strand of hair out of my face. The gesture was so tender, so intimate, that it made my breath catch. His hand lingered for a moment, his fingers tracing the edge of my cheek.
“You’re still as beautiful as ever.” he murmured.
My cheeks flushed, and I looked away, suddenly shy under His gaze. “Stop it,” I said, though there was no real heat in my voice.
1/3
Chapter 12
+25 BONUS
“I’m serious,” he said, his voice low. He leaned in closer, and I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin. “I’ve missed this. Missed you.”
His words sent a jolt through me, and before I could overthink it, he closed the gap between us, his Hps capturing,
mine in a kiss,
When he pulled back, grinning like a schoolboy, I couldn’t Help but laugh softly. “What are you so happy about?” “Because you kissed me back,” he said, his voice filled with wonder.
I rolled my eyes, but my heart was pounding in my chest. Hot,” I muttered before pulling him back to me, our lips meeting once again.
This time, the kiss deepened, growing more passionate with each passing second. His hands found their way to my waist, and I felt his fingers slide under the hem of my blouse, the heat of his touch igniting a fire within me.
But as his hand began to drift higher, reality crashed back down on me like a cold wave. The baby! I couldn’t let us. go further than this. I placed my hands on his chest, pushing him back gently. “Conrad, wait,” I said, my voice shaky.
He looked at me, his eyes filled with concern. “What’s wrong?”
I forced a smile, trying to steady my breathing. “It’s too late tonight, and you haven’t even showered yet.” He nuzzled his head against my shoulder, making half my body feel ticklish. “How about we shower together?” I pushed him away. “No way, I know what you’re up to.”
He studied me for a moment, then without warning, he scooped me up in his arms, and I let out a startled laugh.” Conrad, what are you doing?”
“Didn’t you say you knew?” he said with a mischievous grip.
I laughed despite myself, letting him carry me to the bedroom. He laid me down gently, his gaze soft and filled with affection. “Nothing’s going to stop me from having you tonight,” he whispered, his voice husky. Already, he’d unbuttoned his shirt, tossing the fabric to the side.
But just as he leaned down to kiss me again, his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket. He let out a groan, fishing it out and glancing at the screen. “It’s Liliana,” he said with a sigh.
“Of course it is,” I muttered under my breath.
Conrad answered the call, his tone clipped. “Liliana, what is it?”
Her voice was faint, but I could hear the urgency in her tone “Susanna isn’t doing well,” she said. “She’s been asking for you. She needs someone by her side.”
At the mention of Susanna, all traces of irritation vanished from Conrad’s face. “I’ll be right there,” he said, already getting up and grabbing his shirt.
“Conrad,” I said, sitting up. “Don’t you think having a nurse present would be far more effective for Susanna’s health?”
He didn’t even look at me as he pulled on his shirt. “She’s fragile right now, Abigail. She needs me.”
“She needs professional help,” I countered, my voice firm.
He finally turned to me, his expression one of exasperation “This isn’t up for debate, Abigail. I have to go.” And just like that, he was gone. The door clicked shut behind him, and Lwas left alone in the silence.
Chapter 12
I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, Roxy’s question echoing in my mind like a haunting song.
Is Conrad your husband, or is he Susanna’s? I didn’t have an answer. And that scared me more than anything else.
I tried to stay awake. Truly, I did. For hours, I sat in the dim light of the bedroom, legs curled beneath me on the armchair by the window. The clock on the wall ticked on relentlessly, each passing second reminding me of what I already knew deep down: Conrad wasn’t coming home. Not tonight.
or calls. I shifted in my seat, glancing at my phone for the hundred time, though I hadn’t received any messages He could have at least texted. Told me he was staying at the hospital with Susanna. Assured me she was fine, but that he wouldn’t be back until morning. Anything to let me know I wasn’t just sitting here, waiting like a fool.
The thought stung. I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to breathe through the bitterness bubbling in my chest. The sound of the clock’s chime broke through my thoughts, signaling midnight. Another hour gone. Another hour wasted on hope.
