~~~

Chase stared into her eyes, cupping her cheeks. “I’m not happy,"

"Why?” Her throat worked on its own. “You don't like the birthday gift?” When he said nothing, she continued. “This child is ours, Chase. It’s a symbol of our love,"

He rasped out. "Love?" He took her silence as a go- ahead. “We were never in love, Sophia. The child you're carrying is not a symbol of love. It can't be brought to this world,"

Her knees buckled and tears streamed down her cheeks. She passed him a pained smile. “You’re joking, right?” She shook her head. “You’ve got to be joking, Chase. This- this child was made...