Moving On

Twenty-Two

June 23rd, 2028

Malibu, USA

Miley's POV

"Remember nine years ago? Back in 2019 when you and I kinda...slept together?"

"I thought we'd never talk about it again."

"Well we need to talk about it again because there was a huge consequence from that day."

"And that was...?" Nick replies, looking confused. 

"Well he's eight years old, has curly brown hair and brown eyes, and his name is Bentley." Nick just sat there in shock. 

"So- when you and I slept together back then...that...so Ben...um...and I'm...I'm his..."

"Yeah Nick, you're Bentley's father."

"I'm his- I'm his father?"

"Yeah."

"Have- have you known this whole time?" Nick asks.

"No."

"When did you find out? And how? Did you do a test or...shit does Liam know?"

"Hell no, Liam doesn't know a thing. Back when we were still together and I told him I cheated I said he didn't have to tell me anyone he slept with as long as I didn't have to say who I slept with. And I didn't have a test done. Nick now that you know, look at Ben. Do you really think I needed a test to know you're his dad?" I explain.

"No I guess not. How did I not know? How could I not know? I should've figured it out. I mean, Ben and I spend so much time together, and...he's my son, I should've been able to tell."

"Don't be upset with yourself that you couldn't figure it out."

"I'm not upset with myself. Well I am a little, but I'm not gonna lie...I'm a little upset with you."

"And you have every right to be. I kept this secret from you for years when you deserve to know. I'm mad at myself too Nick."

"How long? How long have you known?" He asks.

"Well back when Ben was a baby I was confused as to why he had brown eyes, but Liam's got family with brown eyes so I figured it came from there. And I figured he got the curly hair from me. When he was about three I figured there was something off. Remember when I had you send me pictures of you when you were little? Well I compared them to Ben and that's when I knew. That's when I knew he was yours."

"And you kept the secret from everyone?"

"Back then I thought it was the best thing. Liam and I were still married back then, I didn't wanna ruin our marriage. I didn't wanna ruin your marriage with Priyanka either. And Ben would've been so confused. Also could you imagine how much drama it would stir up in the media?"

"Did you think you were gonna keep it from me for forever?"

"No of course not, I wanted to tell you so many times. But then I just kept thinking about you and Priyanka. She hates me now, she'll never ever get over her hate once she finds out. And you have kids, I didn't wanna ruin your family." I answer.

"I'm still in shock..."

"I'm really sorry Nick."

"Wait- is this why you let me be in the room when Ben was born? I thought you said you didn't know yet then."

"I didn't. I had you with me because Liam wasn't able to be there and I didn't wanna be alone. And you and I were hanging out when I went into labor. I really am glad you were there though..."