OUR LITTLE SECRET

Part 16

You glanced at Cillian who was staring at his phone incredulously, his face crinkling in disbelief, seeing that someone had snapped a photo of you, together, holding hands, before posting it on Twitter.

The tweet went viral in the span of minutes and sparked rumors about your relationship and Cillian knew that this would make things worse again for him when it came to gaining custody rights for Max.

His eyes scanned the screen feverishly, desperation welling up inside him. How could this happen? Who could have taken such a compromising photograph? The questions swirled in his mind, fueling his frustration and anger.

"What's wrong?" you asked anxiously, your eyes darting between Cillian and his phone. "Is everything ok?"

Cillian took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I've just received a message with a photo of us," he revealed haltingly, his voice strained.

"Someone took a picture of us, holding hands, and posted it online. It's gone viral," he uttered disbelievingly, a sense of dread creeping over him.

You peered at the screen, astonishment clouding your features. Your heart pounded against your chest in a frenzied rhythm, panic surging through your veins.

"This looks bad," you managed to utter, struggling to maintain composure. Cillian swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing visibly.

"Danielle knows me too well," he rasped throatily, his voice betraying an edge of bitterness. "She will use this against me," he groaned miserably, his hands balling into tight fists.

"I can only imagine what kind of twisted spin she could put on this. She will twist the narrative to fit her own agenda," he lamented, his voice quivering with fear.

"Cillian, listen to me," you interjected, grasping his trembling hands. "I will give evidence about the assault and whoever overseas the case will be able to see that she has anger issues, which is something that is not good for a child to be around," you reasoned calmly, attempting to ease his mounting anxiety.

"I know," Cillian sighed, lifting his head. "But she will use this photo, and twist it around to prove that, clearly, I am lacking some morals. She will argue that I'm irresponsible and unreliable," he feared, his voice trailing off.

"Cillian," you began, squeezing his hands reassuringly. "Look at me," you commanded gently, and he did, his gaze locking onto yours. You inhaled deeply, steadying yourself.

"You are none of those things, not when it comes to Max anyway and that is all that matters," you assured him soothingly, your voice softening.

"Now, you should probably take me home. I have to work tomorrow," you proposed cheerfully, reaching for your purse.

"I don't like you staying in this area by yourself. It makes me nervous," Cillian confessed hesitantly, his blue eyes twinkling with concern.

"I will be fine," you reassured him, brushing aside his worries. "I am a big girl, remember?" you teased playfully, flashing him a bright smile.

"I know, but I...," he began softly, his voice cracking slightly. "Maybe you could stay with me tonight and then, tomorrow, we will find you a place to move into right away. Somewhere quiet and safe," Cillian proposed tentatively, his gaze never leaving yours.

"I don't know, Cillian," you replied apprehensively, shifting uncomfortably in your seat. "It doesn't seem right, considering the circumstances," you added, voicing your concerns.

"I am not hitting on you, Y/N. I have a few spare rooms, and I would feel much better knowing that you are safe," Cillian persisted, his voice betraying a hint of vulnerability and you paused, weighing his request carefully.