Chapter 24

When I left without listening to him, Ryder stormed back into the breakfast room. Freya and Astrid greeted him with smiles as he returned to his seat, his mind grappling with what to do next. While he agonized over his decision, they appeared relaxed in their seats.

After finishing his meal, he requested coffee from the servants. Turning to Freya, he asked, “Can I speak with Astrid in private?”

“Of course,” Astrid swiftly replied before her mother could interject.

“Good,” he said, leading Astrid to a quieter area where they could talk.

“Are you angry with me?” she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“No, I’m not angry, Astrid. When did you find out about your pregnancy?” he inquired.

“Just recently,” she replied.

“And I am the father, correct?”

“Mmm, yeah,” she affirmed.

“How is that possible? I recall using protection,” he queried.

He hadn't intended for Astrid to become pregnant; their encounter was onl