“Rumors? Who said they were rumors if they are true?”
“Such as what, Mother?”
“That she just wants money. Sydney said that you tried to negotiate and Tachina was not willing to work with you. Victor, you should be responsible for your child, but?—”
“What Sydney didn’t tell you and never knew, because it was none of her business, was that it was me who wanted to pay Tachina a higher amount in child support and she refused.”
Again, silence.
“But what if she tries to take Kian away from us?”
“That would never happen. Again, if you truly spent time with Tachina, then you would know what type of woman she is.”
“Well, what about the news that she’s pregnant? Sydney heard her tell her client that after she caused such a mess at Château Noir yesterday. The girl even vomited in front of everyone.” Nancy sniffed.
Vic froze. This was the first time he’d heard about this. Why hadn’t Tachina told him? But he already knew. She’d overheard Sydney and his mother and had probably grouped him in with them.
“Yes, she pregnant.” He was met by his mother’s gasp. “And the baby is mine.”
“Victor—”
“And if you think for one second that I’m going to let you, Sydney, or anyone else question her integrity, you’re wrong,” he bit out through clenched teeth. “You don’t get to treat the mother of my children like she’s some opportunist, when if you think about it, you already knew the truth.”
“But, son?—”
“No more lunches with Sydney. No more phone calls. No more gossip. If you want to stay in my life, in Kian’s life, and the new baby’s, then you stay away from Sydney. Period.”
“You’re giving me an ultimatum?”
“Yes.”
He disconnected the call. How could she think so little of Tachina? He had no regrets making his mother choose. It was only fair. Sydney needed to stay far away from his family.
The ride to Vic’s house felt longer than usual. The sky was purple and hazy. The sunset faded into night, and she watched the colors blur through the windshield. Normally the neighborhood, lined with the tall old trees and carefully kept lawns, felt comforting to her. Tonight, it felt like she was arriving to the unknown.
The appointment earlier that day should have been a moment of joy. Vic had been right there by her side as he had promised he would be. He’d been protective and concern about her. The man had picked upsomething was wrong with her the moment he’d joined her in the waiting room. He’d asked, and she’d tried to deny that it was something, but eventually, she’d let it all out.
Never had she ever thought her upbringing was an issue with Vic. He’d never treated her any different. Even though they were from two different worlds, they did share a lot of the same interests.
But to think it might have been a problem was devastating.
They never did get to finish their conversation due to the physician entering the room.
Throughout the appointment he’d been attentive and even took down notes and asked questions. She should have been extremely happy.
But she wasn’t.
Not entirely.
Not when her mind kept circling back to what she’d seen online—Sydney’s interview and having to field calls and emails, denying the accusations the woman had made. Her whole career was built off her visions, hard work, client’s trust in her, and of course, her integrity. Yet one interview could splinter the foundation of what she’d worked so hard to build.
Her stomach clenched, while nausea layered on top of her nerves. Maybe it was the pregnancy. Or maybe it was the fear of the unknown.
Have I made a mistake in seeking another child with him?
Will things between us change?
Is Sydney actually trying to get Vic back by going through his mother?