Celeste was delighted. “Great! I’ll put together a plan first and then go to see Will.”

The fact that Finnian was actually supportive of her painting meant she could finally pursue her own career. She was so happy she couldn’t contain it, and said, “Well, one thing’s for sure when it comes to painting, I’m actually really good. When your child grows up, I could teach her how to paint!”

Celeste was in such high spirits that she blurted the words out before she realized what she was saying.

As soon as she spoke, the room fell silent. Amara turned her head away, looking uncomfortable, her ears tinted a little red. Finnian was quietly watching Amara, lost in thought, while Grandpa and Hogan were trying hard not to burst out laughing.

Celeste instantly realized she’d said the wrong thing.

Although the child Amara was carrying really was Finnian’s, it seemed like Amara didn’t want Finnian to acknowledge the baby…

But what was said could not be unsaid. She ducked her head and said, “It’s getting late, I should head out. I need to go home and work out my plan. Grandpa, I’ll be going—”

Without waiting for a response, Celeste dashed out of the room.

Once Celeste was gone, Mr. Kevin Everly and Hogan didn’t linger either. They exchanged a few words, reminded Amara to rest and take care of herself, and then left as well.

After the three of them departed, only Finnian and Amara remained in the hospital

room.

Everything had been perfectly fine until Celeste’s slip of the tongue left a quiet, awkward tension hanging in the air.

Amara felt uncomfortably self-conscious. She wanted to say something to break the silence, but couldn’t think of where to start.

Finnian found her lowered head and shy demeanor unexpectedly adorable. On a whim, he decided to tease her. “Don’t be upset. If you’d rather the baby not learn art, that’s fine. There are plenty of other hobbies out there. You two can pick whatever you like.”

Amara was genuinely annoyed now. She pressed her lips together and replied, “This is my own child. Only he and I can decide how he’ll live his life. Mr. Everly, please don’t say things like that again.”

He’d just meant to tease Amara a little, but her serious tone made Finnian feel a twinge of hurt.

“I was only joking. I didn’t mean to interfere. Please don’t be upset,” he said softly.

Though he felt a bit wounded, he knew he had no position to argue with Amara and hastily tried to steer the conversation away.

Soon, night fell. Amara used the toiletries Finnian had brought and washed up in the hospital room’s bathroom, then got ready to rest.

Finnian had been quietly sitting on

the sofa, reviewing documents.

When she came out of the

bathroom, she wanted to ask him to

leave, but after all the help him to

had

given her today, she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. She hesitated, searching for the right way to ask.

But before she could say anything, Finnian stood up and left the room. Amara was startled-where was he going without a word? She couldn’t believe Finnian would actually leave so obediently.

Sure enough, two minutes later, Finnian returned carrying a blanket and pillow. As if it were the most normal thing in the world, he announced, “I’ll stay here with you tonight. Let’s get some rest.

Amara was taken aback and quickly protested, “Mr. Everly, that’s really not necessary. I don’t need anyone to stay with me. I’ll be fine here by myself. You should go home.”

Finnian shot her a glance. “I’d be worried if you stayed here alone. Don’t overthink it I’m just staying the night. I won’t bother you, I promise.”

“You’re pregnant, after all. Even if I were some kind of monster, I’m hardly going to take advantage of you right now.”

How infuriating!

Amara clenched her teeth, wanting to fire back at him, but she knew that whatever she said, this man would only twist her words to his advantage. Fuming, she decided to say nothing at all.