Chapter 8

Nolan finally tore open the seal on the package with trembling fingers. The moment it was unwrapped, a chill seeped out, cutting straight to the bone. Inside was a clear medical container with a fully developed embryo suspended in a cold preservation fluid. Beside it lay a hospital document. "Ms. Cheyenne Brooks, 12 weeks pregnant. Elective termination of pregnancy." The date printed there was just three days after their last argument. Nolan's pupils constricted. It felt like every drop of blood in his body froze solid. All he could hear was the violent pounding of his own heartbeat. His vision blurred, and the paper in his hand nearly crumpled under his grip. "What… What is this…" The next second, a letter slipped out of the package. "I once thought love was forever. But people change. I'm giving you back our child. Don't look for me. We're done. —Cheyenne" Their child was gone, just like that. And he hadn't even known it existed. "What's that?" Georgia leaned in, reaching