AVA'S POV
She emerged from the kitchen almost immediately, her expression folding into worry as soon as she saw me.
"Oh, my sweet girl…" she murmured, placing a hand over her heart. "Yes, of course. Something fresh and cooling. I'll be right back."
I leaned back into the cushions, every inch of my body screaming for rest, but my mind still reeling like a train that had lost its track.
Ethan knelt before me, taking both my hands in his. "Look at me, Ava."
I did. Slowly. My eyes stung, but I met his gaze.
"I know it hurts that even for a second, doubt crept in. But please don't carry that guilt," he said. "What you saw… it was designed to shake you."
"I know," I whispered. "I know, but I still"
"You reacted like any human would." His thumb brushed a tear I hadn't noticed falling. "You're carrying our child.
