Chapter 420

They would get married. He would marry the girl he had cherished for so many years in a grand wedding, in front of everyone. Together, they would joyfully await the arrival of their baby. Their child only needed to be healthy and happy.

"Rowan," a voice interrupted. The bathroom door opened, and Frank emerged with a bowl of blueberries. He set it on the bedside table and then turned to Rowan with a smile. "Congratulations. You're going to be an uncle."

An uncle. Rowan felt as if he had heard the world's cruelest joke. "An uncle?"

The light in his eyes died. He forced a hollow laugh and looked at Elissa, his gaze so cold it felt like it could pierce her heart. "...It's not mine?"

Elissa's heart twisted, but she forced herself to nod. "That's right." It was the simplest way to avoid a custody battle. She wanted a family, which was why she had decided to keep the baby. She couldn't bear the thought of it being taken from her.

"Impossible." Rowan didn't believe a word of it. He forced himself to remain calm for her sake. "If you won't tell me the truth, I'll ask the doctor." The medical records would tell him if the child was his. He knew the girl he had raised. She would never sleep with him one night and then go to another man the next.

Frank quickly stepped in his way. "Rowan, there's no need to make this ugly."

"Get out of my way." Rowan's fury was barely contained. When Frank didn't move, he simply shoved past him and headed for the door.

Frank followed him out into the hallway. "Elissa's attitude makes it clear. If it were your child, why would she hide it from you?"

The next thing he knew, a fist slammed into his face. Frank staggered back, bracing himself against the wall. Rowan grabbed his collar the veins on his hand bulging. Achilling, mocking smile twisted Mis lips. "It's not mine? Then is it yours? Frank, who the hell do you think you are?"

He had given Frank his chance. For the three years they were married, Rowan had known Elissa's heart belonged to Frank, and he had stayed away. He had even cut fies with their old friends. People thought he and Elissa had had a falling out, but only he knew the truth: he was afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself. The moment he saw her, he wanted her. Even from a distance, he had felt like a thief, constantly coveting something that had once been his.

UT

Frank clenched his fists and laughed bitterly. "I'm not worthy? And you are? Rowan; neither of us is a saint. hurt her, but so did you!" He remembered the bright, vibrant Elissa of their youth. After Row had abandoned her, he had watched her fade, becoming quiet obedient, and withdrawn.

"At least Rowan never had another woman all these years," Rex said, stepping out of the room and closing the door behind him. "What were you doing during the three years you were married to her?"

It was a well-known fact. Frank's expression tightened. Rowan shoved him away and stalked toward the doctor's office.

Frank tried to follow, but Rex blocked his path. "Frank, we used to be friends. Don't take this too far."