Michael’s face turned pale. It wasn’t shock that crossed his features. It was fear, and he barely hid his reaction.

"How… how did you find out?" he stammered, his voice trembling. "I didn’t mean to keep it from you, but I didn’t know how to tell you. I was scared you’d leave me. Again."

"If you have a child, will you take responsibility as a father?"

Sophia’s chest tightened, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She had been holding on to the hope that this was all a mistake.

But Michael’s reaction destroyed that hope in an instant. The truth was clear. Michael had a child. A...