Riley’s POV
Marcus’s words hung in the air between us, heavy and ugly.
"Now that the baby is born, I’m taking my child along."
My breath stopped.
My child.
No.
No, no, no.
This couldn’t be happening.
I forced myself to stay still, to meet his gaze even as my mind raced.
If Cynthia wasn’t Gerald’s…
If she was Marcus’s…
Then everything changed.
Everything.
Marcus’s eyes hardened. “Erica….”
“She’s our daughter.” He leaned forward. “And I’ve already waited long enough.”
I had to think fast. Had to find a way to buy time.
“Marcus.” I softened my voice, forcing tears into my eyes. “Please. I know I hurt you. I know I blocked you without explanation. But if you care about me at all, if you ever loved me, you have to understand, I’m not ready.”
“Not ready for what?”
“For any of t
