Chapter 72

• Anger flared in Susan like a spark hitting dry kindling. She stood abruptly, her voice rising. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” she shot back, her frustration and pain bubbling to the surface. “Why the hell did you even bother coming here tonight if the idea of having a baby disgusts you so much? You could’ve just left me alone! You didn’t have to come all the way here to confirm if the baby is yours.” She paused, her chest heaving. “Why did you come, Leo? Why?”
• Leo’s jaw tightened, his hands flexing at his sides. “Because I had to, dammit,” he growled, his voice rising to match hers. He stepped closer, his eyes blazing with something raw and unfiltered. “You think I’ve been able to think straight since I saw you this afternoon? You think I could concentrate on the house you were showing us or that I could process anything Francesca was saying? You think I’d be able to just walk away and pretend this doesn’t exist?” He gestured between them. “Knowing you’re pregnant—knowing there’s a chance I might have a son or daughter somewhere? Do you honestly think I could do that?”
• Susan’s throat tightened, his words cutting her deeply. “You don’t have to do anything out of some twisted sense of duty,” she said, her voice trembling but resolute. She stood taller, fighting back her tears. She could be strong. She had to be… For herself and for her baby. “I’ve gotten this far without you, and I’ll keep going. You don't have to be involved, Leo and honestly after everything you just said, I'd be happy if you just stayed away from me… and the baby too when it comes.”