"You used to be a top student. You're a doctor, for God's sake. Did you really have to go through with having this baby?"
"I never wanted it. If you thought a child would secure your position, that's honestly laughable."
"I've been busy lately. I don't have time for your melodrama—"
His phone rang before he could finish.
He answered without hesitation, not bothering to step away. "Sophie..."
A voice cut through from the other end. "Rhys, is my birthday surprise ready yet?"
"You said you were just checking on that frumpy wife at the hospital. It's been half an hour—why aren't you back?"
"I heard she was bleeding everywhere? Gross. Hurry back before you get your shoes dirty."
Rhys chuckled softly. "My Sophie, always looking out for me. I'm on my way."
"Your gift is ready. I promise you'll be so surprised you won't be able to get out of bed..."
He walked out while still talking, never glancing back at me.
It didn't occur to him to look at our baby either.
But honestly? I wasn't heartbroken.
Once I confirmed my daughter was safe and healthy, I felt only relief.
Relief that I could finally hold the Abbott family patriarch to his promise.