My ex husband's baby

The hospital bill in Ava’s hands trembled. “$80,000 for Leo’s surgery. Due in 7 days.” She looked at her 4-year-old son sleeping in the hospital bed. Tubes in his tiny arms. Pale face. Dark circles under his eyes. But those eyes... those stormy grey eyes when he opened them. Same as his father’s. 5 years ago she ran from Damian Knight with nothing but $200 and a positive pregnancy test. She told herself she was protecting Leo. Protecting herself. Damian was cold. Ruthless. During their divorce he looked her in the eye and said, “If you’re pregnant, get rid of it. I don’t do kids.” She did the opposite. She ran. For 4 years she worked double shifts as a nurse. She built a small life. Just her and Leo. Until 3 months ago when Leo started getting sick. Fevers. Bruises. Tired all the time. Leukemia. The doctor cleared his throat. “Mrs. Carter, without the surgery and treatment...” “I know,” Ava whispered. Her voice broke. She had $2,400 in savings. She needed $80,000. That night she booked the cheapest red-eye flight to New York. Back to the city she swore she’d never return to. Back to Knight Enterprises. Back to Damian. She practiced what she’d say in the mirror of the tiny bathroom. “I need money for our son.” Our son. God, what if he didn’t believe her? What if he took Leo away? What if he laughed in her face? The next morning, she stood in front of the 80-floor glass building. KNIGHT ENTERPRISES in silver letters. Her heart pounded. Her palms were sweaty. Leo was at her mother’s house in Brooklyn. She couldn’t bring him. Not yet. Not until she knew if Damian would even help. “Name?” the receptionist asked without looking up. “Ava... Carter. I need to see Damian Knight.” The woman laughed. “Mr. Knight doesn’t see walk-ins. Do you have an appointment?” “Please. It’s about... family. It’s urgent.” And that’s when the elevator dinged. And he walked out. Damian Knight. 6'3. Black suit. Hair still messy like he just rolled out of bed. But older. Colder. And 10x more handsome. There were new lines by his eyes. His eyes scanned the lobby... and landed on her. Ava’s breath caught. For 2 seconds, nothing. Then his jaw tightened. “Ava.” His voice was ice. “What the hell are you doing here?” The receptionist gasped. Everyone was staring. Ava lifted her chin. She wasn’t that scared 22-year-old anymore. “I need to talk to you. It’s about us.” Damian’s eyes flickered. “We don’t have an ‘us’ anymore.” “Please. 5 minutes. That’s all I’m asking.” He looked her up and down. Then sighed. “Fine. My office. 5 minutes.” He turned and walked to the elevator without waiting. Ava’s heart was pounding so hard it hurt. 5 minutes to tell the billionaire CEO he had a son. 5 minutes to beg for $80,000. 5 minutes to ruin both their lives. She followed him in. The doors closed. And the last 5 years came crashing down between them.