p my attention on my task, on taking care of the developing life inside of me, but I couldn't help

en I heard his voice, my heart sprang into my th

I've been considering our current circums

mpting to maintain my composu

p on the specifics," he sai

t is

brace,

onstrate that I am not the father, you'll pay me $10,0

e had smacked me. "$10,000?

sure of your claim." "The papers will be

h my shaking hand gripping the phone. Inside me, hurt and anger were at o

elded a negative result? Was that not possible? It had only been few months s

my hands, I fell onto my couch. m

figure t

e. There was a pile of legal documents inside, so much legale

sign this contract." "If he's not the

eyes widening. "This is serious, Jad

" as desperation began to seep into m

l track out someone who can assist pro bono. T

contract with Imogen's assistance. The attorney, a gen

happens if he is the father is not specified. F

gotiate?"

uld attempt. Permit me to

ned firm. We finally came to a consensus. The financial stakes were reduced to a more bearable level, but the patern

r. Although I was certain of the outcome, the weight of the situati

a fast cheek swab and a vial of blood, it was fi

more freelance work as a diversion. However, my pulse would rush e

Tuesday afternoon. Maria was speaking,

the paternity test," she said.

t the co-working facility I had been utilizin

ng that: "The test confirms with 99.9% certainty that

ief overtaking me. I managed to utter, my

ia added. "We'll need to discuss next steps

couldn't see m

ia, thank you. F

d whoop when I told her the good news. She exclaimed, "I knew it!" N

rk something out. Imogen, it's actually happening, my

e money together. Here was a little life developing inside of me, a child in need of love

in less than an hour. Elan was the one. "With a tightl

wered, at a l

eak. personally. Could you visit my

ssive Morris Group headquarters. But this time,

appeared fatigued. With a gesture toward

d peered warily at him. Before he spoke,

pology." "I was wrong to have mistrusted you. or ma

spoken but not quite willing to for

work out how to accomplish this. Jade, I will not abdicate my obligations. Howeve

" I stated with a tone of sarcasm. "But t

need some time to get used to the concept

f love or a happily ever after. "We've got roughly seven months," I ans

y smile. "I guess you're correct." After a moment, he i

first time he had expressed concern for my healt

n, but the doctor says eve

oat clearing. "I will have a support agreement drafted by my team. Tell me if yo

hough I appreciated his offer of financial assistance, a part of

ding my mind. I realize this is

know that I will try my harde

own my spine at those words. That

like housing arrangements and doctor's appointments. Though clunky and unc

t the uncertainty was over, and a glimmer of hope. Our story was anything from a fairy tale, and Elan wa

the crowded New York street. "Well, my little one," I rep

m to the idea of fatherhood? Would we find a way to co-parent peacefully? Or would our child becom