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My Love My Life 47 My i
42 My Love My Life
(Ashlyn)
Lance has arrived just before Judy and I are going to head downtown. She's all smiles and hugs. I'm not sure I trust her, but I'm not ruining the day I've dreamed of. Ever since I laid eyes on Jayden Brennan, I've loved him.
Watching his infatuation and obsession with Winona was hard, but it worked out in the end. For me. I
answer the door when the chime rings.
"Ashlyn."
"Lance, come in." I'm trying to avoid his direct stare.
His presence makes my stomach twist with unease.
He pu
pulls me out the door by the arm, his grip firm and unyielding. "You're pregnant?"
"That's right. Jayden and I are having a baby." I try to keep my voice steady, but there's a tremor I can't quite hide. My hands tremble slightly, and I clench them into fists to steady myself.
"Are you sure?" Lance's eyes narrow, scrutinizing me with an intensity that makes my stomach churn.
"Of course I'm sure I'm pregnant." I meet his gaze, willing myself to remain calm, but my pulse quickens under his penetrating stare.
"Stop playing games. You know what I mean. That night I woke up with you. We'd... well. Damn it, Ashlyn. Is that baby mine?" His words hit me like a slap.
'I feel the anger inside me rise like a tidal wave.
"Keep your mouth shut." My lowered voice shakes with fury, and I step closer to him. "You'll ruin everything. We did it once in a drunken stupor. Jayden and I have had sex a lot more. The baby is his."
"He never has unprotected sex. I know that." Lance's voice is low, but his tone is sharp.
"Well, Winona got pregnant twice and I'm on contraceptives, so clearly things still happen," I snapped back, my heart pounding. The heat rises to my cheeks as I struggle to maintain control.
"This isn't right. You know it isn't." Lance is angry, his eyes blazing with a mix of betrayal and frustration. His fists clench at his sides, and I can see the muscles in his jaw working.
me.
"Go tell him then, go break his heart again. I doubt his fragile mind can take another hit like his best friend and his fiancée. Unless you've suddenly developed a desire to be a parent, just shut up and go along with it." My voice is cold, and I glare at him, daring him to defy "You're a real piece of work, you know that? You better look after him, or I swear I'll tell him what happened," Lance's face flushes with anger.
"No, you won't. What do you think club,"
"We're just friends."
Will have to say about it? You seemed very close last night at the
"Bullshit. She's been mooning over you for years and now you've finally realized she's the only woman in
42 My Love My Life
the world who can love your dysfunctional ass." I throw the words at him like daggers.
He frowns, and his eyes burn into mine. "I swear, I should have known you were up to your tricks that night. I've never trusted you." His voice is filled with contempt, and I can see the hatred in his eyes. "Didn't stop you getting off with me though, did it?"
"You're certifiable. Judy sure has made a carbon copy of herself."
"You took advantage of my weak emotional state. You told me you loved me," I say in a fake voice.
"Like hell I did," Lance fumes. His fists unclench, and he runs a hand through his hair. "That's a lie. You waited until I was drunk and took advantage of that."
"Everyone will believe my story. You're a known player. I'm just doing what's best for my baby. So, if you want to not ruin your life and lose everything, just let it go." I'm not having him ruin this day for me.
I will marry Jayden. Once I do, I'll never divorce him. No matter what. I did what I needed to and got pregnant. I love Jayden and I did this for us. This baby is his. I know it is.
"Here you two are!" Judy pulls the door open and eyes me suspiciously. "Well, Jayden says you have something to ask me, Ashlyn?"
Lance goes inside, shaking his head. "I'm going to take up my best man duties."
"Judy, I'm as surprised as you over this. Jayden has gone and arranged everything. But I need a witness and I'd be honored if that was you."
"Of course, dear. Are you sure you're happy with this tiny wedding?"
"Yes. I love Jayden and how we get married doesn't matter. We can throw a big party later." My smile feels strained, but I hope she doesn't notice.
"You seemed to be in deep conversation with Lance," Judy observes, her eyes sharp.
"We've all been friends forever. He was just checking that it's what Jayden and I really want."
"He's a good friend. I'm sure he'd never do anything to hurt Jayden." I know she's fishing. "I've heard about some of the little tricks you've been pulling. You better be very careful."
I need to end this conversation. "I'll go get my purse and we'll head to the shops. I hope we can find. something off the rack in my size."
I walk back inside, Judy following closely behind, her presence a constant reminder of the stakes.
"Jayden, we're about to go. I'll see you at four this aftemoon." I can't help but feel a surge of anxiety at the thought of what could go wrong.
Jayden takes me into his arms, his touch reassuring. "We'll be husband and wife. I can't wait. I feel like a whole new life is waiting. Being a dad and being a family. It's what I want."
I hug him back and kiss him on the cheek, my heart's racing. "I'm so happy. Nothing is going to ruin this day for us. Nothing is going to ruin this life for us." The words are more for me than for him. A desperate attempt to convince myself that everything will be okay.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
43 When in Rome