Chapter 66

Olivia Martins

For a long, unbearable moment, the room was silent, except for the thunderous pounding of my heart. I stared blankly at the space he had occupied, trying to breathe around the ache clawing at my chest.

Then Ryker was beside me.

He didn’t speak at first, just crouched low beside the bed, close enough that I could feel his warmth, and held my hand. I didn’t turn to look at him. Still frozen in shock and despair.

My vision blurred too quickly. “He hates me, Ryker,” I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice.

“No,” Ryker said softly, gently. “He doesn’t hate you, Liv. He’s hurt. And angry. But he doesn’t hate you.”

I let out a hollow laugh that sounded more like a sob. “You saw the way he looked at me. Like I was filth. Like I disgusted him.”

Ryker exhaled slowly, steadying himself. “Olivia.”

Tears spilled faster now, and I couldn’t stop them. My body trembled. “It’s his baby, Ryker. I swear to you, I’ve never… I’ve