Chapter 2 - Victor Reed’s Offer
As Camila’s pregnancy progressed, Ethan accepted every additional shift he could find.
He left before sunrise and often returned after dark. His hands became rough from cables, metal panels, and construction dust, but every evening he placed those hands gently against Camila’s growing stomach.
The babies moved constantly.
Lily kicked when music played.
Rose reacted to Ethan’s voice.
Violet seemed most active after midnight.
“They already have personalities,” Ethan said.
“They already have you wrapped around their fingers,” Camila replied.
Victor continued offering assistance.
First, he offered a larger apartment.
Then he offered to pay Camila’s medical bills.
Finally, he invited Ethan to his office.
The building overlooked the city. Victor sat behind a polished desk while Ethan remained standing.
“I’ll give you two hundred thousand dollars,” Victor said.
Ethan thought he had misheard.
“For what?”
“To leave.”
Victor pushed a document across the desk.
It stated that Ethan would surrender all future parental rights and end his relationship with Camila.
Ethan did not read past the first paragraph.
He tore the document in half.
“You think everyone can be purchased.”
“Everyone has a price.”
“Then you’re going to be disappointed.”
Victor calmly gathered the torn pages.
“My stepdaughter is frightened. She mistakes dependence for love.”
“She chose me.”
“She chose a fantasy.”
Ethan leaned over the desk.
“You come near Camila with another document like this, and she’ll know exactly what kind of man you are.”
Victor did not appear threatened.
Instead, he smiled slightly.
“Young men always believe honesty protects them.”
Ethan left without taking the money.
That evening, he told Camila everything.
She immediately called her mother.
Helena admitted knowing about the offer but claimed she had tried to stop Victor.
Camila was furious.
“You stood beside him while he tried to buy the father of my children?”
“I was afraid of what would happen if I opposed him.”
“You’re always afraid.”
Camila ended the call and began packing.
“Where are you going?” Ethan asked.
“To tell him that he will never see his grandchildren.”
Ethan stopped her.
“You’re eight months pregnant. We don’t need another argument tonight.”
Camila sank onto the bed.
“I hate that he thinks he can decide our lives.”
“He can’t.”
Ethan knelt in front of her.
“We know the truth. We love each other. We love these girls. That’s stronger than anything he can sign or buy.”
Camila touched the compass on his arm.
“Promise me that no matter what happens, you’ll come back.”
“I promise.”
Three days later, Ethan was assigned to repair a malfunctioning service elevator at a downtown hotel.
Before leaving, he kissed Camila and each side of her stomach.
“I’ll be home for dinner.”
“You said that yesterday.”
“And I was only two hours late.”
“You were four hours late.”
“Then tonight I’ll be three.”
She laughed and pushed him toward the door.
It was the last time they would laugh together for seven years.
The elevator’s emergency system failed shortly after noon.
Ethan was injured when the platform jolted unexpectedly, leaving him unconscious. His injuries were serious but not life-threatening. His phone shattered in the accident, and he remained under observation overnight.
Victor learned what had happened before Camila did.
By then, Camila had gone into early labor.
Victor arrived at the hospital with a plan.
May you like
And Helena, frightened as always, allowed him to carry it out.
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