He Thought I Loved Him, I Only Loved His Face Chapter 24

He Thought I Loved Him, I Only Loved His Face Chapter 24

Dawson listened. Shocked, but not entirely surprised.

Maya was someone fiercely self-possessed. After everything she’d survived, she still chose to build a life that shined.

That was her.

“Do you think my decisions were reckless?” Maya asked.

Dawson answered without hesitation. “No. You are your own person first. Then a mother. I don’t think it was reckless at all.”

His response gave her a deeper respect for him.

When she got out of the car, Dawson handed her the insulated bag.

“Soup. Take it home. Drink it.”

She accepted. Thanked him.

Watching him drive off, Maya felt the anxiety ease.

Then she turned.

Rowan stood at her door.

The smile on her face died.

Her hands went to her stomach. Shielding.

Rowan saw the gesture as he walked toward her. It stabbed through him.

He remembered the last time. Neglecting her for Piper. Putting her in the hospital.

Of course she guarded herself against him now.

“Have you been well? How’s the baby?”

His voice was wrecked. Gravel.

Only then did Maya register his appearance. Pale. Unshaven jaw dark with stubble. Deep shadows under his eyes. Thinner. Much thinner.

She felt a distant flicker of surprise.

Her expression stayed blank.

“I told you. It’s none of your business.”

She moved to step past him.

Rowan grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him.

Maya didn’t fight it hard. She was thinking of the baby. She steadied herself against his pull.

Once balanced, she pried his fingers off. One by one.

Then she brushed off the spot where he’d touched her.

The gesture landed on Rowan like a blade.

She hated him that much now?

Even his touch repulsed her?

Maya had prepared herself for this moment long before she left. She knew he’d eventually learn the truth. She never imagined he’d actually chase her all the way to Seattle.

She assumed he’d be relieved. Finally free of a failed marriage. Free to be with Piper.

She couldn’t care less about his feelings. She didn’t even have the energy for words.

She turned to go.

Rowan’s eyes reddened. His voice cracked and rose.

“Maya! Who is that man?”

Maya stopped. Turned back. Looked at him like he was exhausting.

“Mr. Cross. I’ve been very clear. I didn’t come to you out of love. My life is no longer your concern.”

“Do you have to make this ugly?”