Chapter 135

Maya’s POV

Elias’s hands settled on my shoulders, his fingers tightening almost imperceptibly, and I realized he was about to shove me aside. I planted my feet firmly against the ground, bracing for the impact—but he was bigger and stronger than I could ever be. If he moved me at full force, I knew it would kill him.

“Elias, no, please. Don’t do it,” I begged, my voice trembling.

He exhaled sharply. “I love you, Maya. You and our baby son.”

Before I could respond, he yanked me to one side with enough force to knock me off balance. I stumbled, my heart pounding with fear for the baby inside me. Every step risked harm to our unborn child, so I flailed my arms, trying to stay upright.

Behind me, the sharp crack of a gunshot split the still air, immediately followed by a second, deafenin