Because the handwriting isn’t his.
It’s Sienna’s.
A diary page, torn from something private. A few lines, rushed and uneven, as if written by someone trying to make sense of fear before it swallowed her.
How do I tell Viktor he’s the father of my baby?
The words stop the room around me.
I read them once. Then again.
Ethan is still on the floor, silent now.
“Where did you find this?” I demand.
He doesn’t say anything.
“Tell me,” I say, louder this time.
He flinches. “I didn’t. I stole it. I just wanted to know what she was writing about.”
It all makes sense to me now. “So that’s why you made a scene today,” I say coldly. “It was never about her.”
He hiccups. “No, no it’s not about that. I love her.”
“You don’t love Sienna.”
“How can you say that?”
“You don’t love her,” I say again. “And you know how I know it? Because I love her. I love her God damn it.”
His eyes widen. “You’re insane. I fucked that girl.”
“She’s not your property, and I will not hear of it if you imply otherwise. I’ll bury you myself if I have to.” I lean over him.“Your mother has spent your whole life softening the truth for you.”
His jaw tightens. “Don’t bring her into this.”
“She hid your mistakes. Explained away your cruelty. Called your selfishness confusion, your cowardice pressure, your lies pain.” My voice stays calm. “And I let her. That’s on me.”
Ethan looks away.
“No,” I say. “Look at me. I let it happen because it was easier than fighting both of you. But that ends now. You don’t get protection from the consequences anymore.”
“You’re fucked up,” he says weakly.
“Maybe,” I say truthfully. “But I meant every word I said. Sienna is the most important person to me. And if you don’t agree, you’re free to walk out of my protection.”
I look down at him, the paper clenched in my hand with only one thought in my head.
I have to get to her.
26
VIKTOR
I reachthe hospital with the torn diary page still in my pocket.
I’ve read it so many times on the drive that the words feel burned into my hand.