Chapter 9

The sharp scent of disinfectant in the hospital hallway made Sophia Lowell's temples throb.

"Congratulations, we can already see the fetal heartbeat." The doctor slid the ultrasound printout toward her, pointing at the blurry speck. "In a few weeks, you'll be able to hear it."

Sophia's fingers trembled as she lightly touched the paper.

"I want an abortion."

The doctor adjusted her glasses and flipped through the medical chart. "Your endometrial lining is very thin. If you terminate this pregnancy, it might—"

"I know." Sophia cut her off. "I've done my research."

A low rumble of thunder rolled outside as rain began pelting the windows.

With a sigh, the doctor handed her the consent form. "Come back tomorrow at nine. Don't eat anything beforehand."

Rain mixed with tears blurred her vision as she stepped out of the hospital. Sophia wiped her face and slid into her car.

Her phone buzzed in her purse. Emily Laurent.

"Sis, the Clementsons refused the refund. They said to consider it an apology gift—"

Sophia tucked the phone between her ear and shoulder, turning the steering wheel with one hand. "Then donate it to the orphanage."

The elevator doors parted slowly as she fumbled for her keys.

A familiar cedarwood scent enveloped her.

Ethan Roscente leaned against her doorframe, his suit jacket draped over his arm, tie hanging loose. Seven or eight cigarette butts littered the floor at his feet.

Sophia's breath hitched.

"Finally decided to come home?" He crushed the cigarette beneath his shoe, the ember flickering in the dim hallway.

Her keys jingled as she walked past him without a word.

His hand shot out, gripping her wrist with bruising force. "Who was that man on the phone?"

Pain shot through her arm, but Sophia laughed. "Mr. Roscente... are you jealous?"

He slammed her against the wall, knee pressing between her thighs. "Have I been too lenient with you?"

The scent of leather and tobacco overwhelmed her as she turned her face away. "Does your fiancée know you're this free?"

Ethan's eyes turned icy. His thumb dragged roughly across her pale lips. "Why do you look so sick?"

The elevator dinged.

"Ethan?" A sweet feminine voice called from behind them. "There you are."