Chapter 42

"Congratulations! I can't believe it! 'You'! 'You' are having a child!" Tears brimmed in her eyes.

"Stop it. Stop pretending! I know you're not happy!" He stood up, unable to contain his feelings anymore.

"Why would I not be happy?" The tears fell down her supple cheeks.

"You still love me, don't you?" His voice was strained, as if in pain.

"Don't you dare do that. I don't need your pity." She rose from her seat too, ready to storm off. Thomas grabbed her shoulders tightly, voice raising.

"If you love me, just say it to my face. Right here, right now." Carina averted her eyes, now sobbing quietly.

"Carina, I need to know."

Carina exhaled loudly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"What does it matter? Even if I love you, what change does it make? It's not me you married, it's not me you kiss every morning, it's not me carrying your child..."

"Say it. Say it to my face. Say the three words", he was almost begging.

"Why are you doing this? Why?"

"Just say the words goddamn it!"

"Fine! I love you! I've loved you since you first took me in your lap when father died!"

He caressed her cheek," You know why I was asking?" He turned her around.

"Mother?"