“Most of the time, this has no effect on the baby. We are going to keep you here for a couple of days to monitor you and the baby, but we are hopeful that all will be fine, and we can send you home.”
Relief doesn’t hit me; it crashes into me like a tidal wave.
The doctor excuses himself, telling us that he will be back to check on her later. I keep her hand in mine. We both smile at each other, able to take a deep breath for the first time in hours.
“I’m so sorry, Roman,” she says, taking me by surprise.
“What are you sorry about?” I ask.
“All of this. I should have told you the second I found out. I was just so scared to tell you …” she cries. “What if the stress of all of it is what did this?”
“Hey.” I sit down on her bed. “None of this is your fault. It’s mine. I’m the one who made you feel like you had to hide it. I’m so sorry, Eva. I promise I’m going to be better.”
“Oh my God,” a woman I slightly recognize cries as she runs into the room. “Eva, are you okay?”
Walker follows behind her with his mom and dad right behind him.
I stand up and let go of Eva’s hand.
“Mother, you promised you wouldn’t be dramatic,” Walker says through clenched teeth.
“It’s fine,” Eva sighs.
Her mother falls on top of her like it’s a scene from a movie. I know Eva and Walker don’t have the best relationship with their parents, but her mother is acting like that isn’t the case.
Walker appears annoyed.
“Mother, please.” Eva winces.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. Eva needs space,” I cut in angrily.
She looks up at me, and her eyes open wide. “Roman. Are you the … father?”
I nod my head, ready to defend my honor.
“Oh, that’s so wonderful.” She beams. “Oh, Eva, this is such great news.”
I risk a glance at Walker, who is clutching his hands into tight fists. This is his worst nightmare. Though I must admit, I’m not sure why she is suddenly so excited that her daughter is knocked up and lying in a hospital bed.
It dawns on me that she might know exactly what my net worth is. Walker has always said money and status matter to his parents.
“Mother, enough,” Walker grits. He looks at me for the first time since he walked in. “Roman, our family would like some time alone with Eva. Leave.”
“Walker,” Eva gasps in horror.
“No. Not now, Eva,” he responds. “If you only knew him. He’s not the guy he pretends to be. He’ll hurt you and the baby. It’s what he does.”
I take a step back from Eva as I feel my cheeks heat. Shame hits me hard. Whether or not she has the best relationship with her parents, her brother speaking of me like that in front of them is a punch to the gut.
“I should go. I’ll leave you alone.”
“Roman, no,” Eva calls, but I don’t answer.
I rush to the elevator until I get outside. As I pace back and forth, panic ensues as I think about the responsibility I have to her and the baby. I feel like I’m already failing.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Eva