Page 164 of Checkmate
“But?” She asked.
“But a baby wasn’t on my agenda for a while yet. I’m talking years into the future.”
“Did you plan a baby with Erica?” If she had announced her pregnancy, Alex would have been over the moon. She just knew it.
“No,” he said, meeting her gaze in the mirror. “Believe it or not, kids never came up once in our marriage.”
“But you were together for so long.”
“Which tells you how little I thought of having a baby.” He sighed and approached the tub, leaning down and resting his arms on the side. “Look, I’m sorry I haven’t reacted the way you thought I would. Or at least hoped I would. It’s been a surprise and a massive adjustment.”
“I know,” she agreed with a nod. “Believe me, I know. I thought I was only a few weeks along when I went to the doctor, only to find out we’re over halfway.”
“I believe you.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ve named her, haven’t I? I care enough to do that.”
“I suppose so.” Maybe. It would be more touching had Odette had a prettier meaning. She hadn’t expected Alex to dance for joy when he found out. She just hadn’t predicted his complete apathy, either.
“Look, I’m never going to be the type to abandon my kid,” Alex said. “So I’m sure I’ll get used to the idea. You just gotta be patient.”
“And what if you don’t, Alex?”
He stood, straightening himself out. “Not an option. I will.”
She found his confidence astounding, but as he left the room, it was clear he was ending the conversation. She sighed in frustration, submerging herself under the water for a moment.
Unable to stop herself, she couldn’t help but imagine Marcus’ reaction had she told him she was expecting his child.
Once the initial shock had subsided, he would have experienced overwhelming happiness. She just knew it. He’d take such good care of her to the point his overprotectiveness would have frustrated her. Every appointment would have its place in his diary, and he wouldn’t be thinking of all the ways his child could boost his image and earn him money.
For the first time since he kicked her out all those months ago, she felt a pang of longing for him.
She thought back to the news segment where he had stood side by side with Erica, looking at her in a way Sophie was sure he had never looked at her. At the time, she thought they’d looked good together, a truly beautiful couple. Now she wished it was her by his side instead.
She emerged from the water, clearing her eyes and taking a breath, her latest revelation weighing heavy on her heart.
“You need to get moving, Soph,” Alex called from the other room. “We need to get to the office.”
Lifting herself out of the bath, she moved on autopilot, her mind a haze of confusing thoughts. How crazy that only a few days ago she had been on top of the world, feeling like the belle of the ball.
All eyes had been on her as she cut into that beautiful cake, revealing the baby pink sponge beneath the icing. She had thrown her arms around Alex, certain that they were going to be together forever.
And now she was thinking about another man, wishing she were with him instead.
Had Alex shown any emotion towards their daughter, maybe things would have been different. But it had been long enough, and he still hadn’t come around. How long had it taken her? Ten minutes? Half an hour, max. Once she had a moment to compose herself, to think it through and accept her predicament, she warmed to the idea of a baby rather quickly.
It happened so quickly that she couldn’t help but think she was meant to be a mother, after all.
She could be a good mum if only she had the right partner. It was only now she realised that Alex might not be the right partner.
Top drawer of his desk. Underneath the black diary.
Erica’s words played through her mind for the first time in weeks, and alarm bells began to ring. Perhaps Alex was the wrong partner because he had never wanted her the way he loved Erica. Walking into their bedroom, she watched him as he scrolled through his phone, paying her no attention.
“Alex?” She said quietly. “Alex, do you love me?”
“Hm?” He glanced up at her, offering a quick smile with a nod. “Sure do, babe.”
“And Odette?” She asked, using the name he had chosen for their daughter. “Do you love her?”
