Chapter 138

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the hospital corridor as Sophia paced restlessly.

Her fingers trembled as she clutched her phone, the screen dark and silent.

Liam had been missing for hours.

Every second stretched into an eternity, her mind conjuring up the worst possible scenarios.

She stopped abruptly when the elevator doors slid open.

Ethan Blackwood stepped out, his expression grim.

Sophia’s breath hitched.

"Any news?" she demanded, her voice sharper than intended.

Ethan’s jaw tightened. "Not yet."

The words sent a fresh wave of dread through her.

She turned away, pressing a hand to her mouth to stifle a sob.

Ethan moved closer, his presence both a comfort and a torment.

"We’ll find him," he said quietly.

Sophia wanted to believe him.

But the fear was a living thing, coiled tight in her chest.

Her phone buzzed suddenly, making her jump.

An unknown number flashed on the screen.

Her pulse roared in her ears as she answered.

A distorted voice spoke, sending ice through her veins.

"Want your son back? Come alone."

The line went dead.

Sophia’s knees nearly buckled.

Ethan’s hand shot out to steady her. "What is it?"

She met his gaze, her own filled with terror.

"They have Liam."

The words hung between them, heavy with implication.

Ethan’s eyes darkened. "We’re not playing by their rules."

Sophia shook her head. "I have to go."

He grabbed her arm. "It’s a trap."

She yanked free. "I don’t care!"

The desperation in her voice silenced him.

For a long moment, they simply stared at each other.

Then Ethan exhaled sharply. "Fine. But we do this smart."

Sophia nodded, though her mind was already racing ahead.

She would get Liam back.

No matter the cost.

The hospital faded around her as a single thought consumed her.

Whoever took her son would regret it.

My fingers drum against my knees as I sit in the sterile waiting room of the clinic, my heartbeat erratic. The fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a clinical glow over everything.

I was nervous—no, that wasn’t strong enough. I was a mess.

This felt like déjà vu. My second pregnancy, and once again, I was alone for my appointment. The only difference? Last time, Ethan Blackwood chose not to come. This time, Daniel Carter couldn’t be here.

I’d been in denial for weeks, refusing to acknowledge the changes in my body until my clothes stopped fitting. Now, the evidence was undeniable—my baby bump was showing. Soon, everyone would know.

A heavy sigh escapes me. I needed to tell my parents. But how? How do you explain that their biological daughter is carrying their adopted son’s child? The whole situation was a tangled mess, but there was no undoing it. This baby was coming, whether I was ready or not.

"I can feel your anxiety from across the damn room, Sophia."

That deep, familiar voice snaps me out of my spiraling thoughts.

I whip my head around so fast my neck protests. My breath catches. There he is—Ethan Blackwood, standing in the middle of the clinic like he belongs here. His storm-gray eyes lock onto mine, intense as ever. He looks… relaxed. Smiling, even.

Since when did he smile at me?

"Ethan?" My voice comes out strained. "What are you doing here?"

He shrugs, that infuriatingly casual gesture of his. "Support. Didn’t want you sitting here alone."

I blink. Once. Twice.

Something was wrong. This had to be a trick. A fever dream.

I reach out without thinking, pressing the back of my hand to his forehead.

His brows furrow. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Checking if you’re delirious."

He swats my hand away, but there’s no real irritation in it. Just that same unsettling calm.

Before I can demand answers, my name is called.

Ethan’s fingers curl around mine, tugging me to my feet. He leads me toward the exam room, his grip firm but not unkind. I stare at his broad back, baffled.

Dr. Bennett greets us with her usual cheer. "Sophia! Ready to check on your little one?"

I nod mutely, still reeling.

Her gaze flicks to Ethan. "And I’m guessing this is the father?"

"No!" The word bursts out of me before Ethan can respond. "He’s just—here. For support."

Ethan’s jaw tightens. His fingers squeeze mine almost painfully.

Dr. Bennett arches a brow but doesn’t press. "Alright then. You know the drill—up on the table, shirt lifted."

Ethan helps me up, his touch careful. I shiver as his gaze lingers on my exposed stomach. It’s surreal—the last time he saw me like this, we were in a very different place.

Cold gel hits my skin, and the ultrasound wand glides over my belly.

Dr. Bennett hums, studying the screen.

Ethan speaks before I can. "Is something wrong?"

"Everything’s perfect. Strong heartbeat, perfect growth." She turns to me. "Want to know the gender?"

"No," I say instantly.

"Yes," Ethan counters.

Dr. Bennett smirks. "Since you’re not the father, I’ll defer to Sophia."

I shake my head. "I want it to be a surprise. Like with Liam."

"Your secret’s safe with me." She clicks off the machine. "Let me print your photos."

"Can I get two copies?" I ask, remembering my promise to Daniel.

"Of course."

I clean off the gel and adjust my shirt. When I look up, Ethan is still staring at the blank screen, his expression unreadable.

"Ethan?"

He blinks, then stands abruptly. We leave in silence, stopping only to schedule my next appointment before stepping back into the world—one that suddenly feels a lot more complicated.