OUR LITTLE SECRET

Part 24

Hours later, Cillian arrived at your house and you opened the door for him slowly, trying not to move around too much just as the doctor had ordered.

"Hey," he greeted you softly, his voice laced with concern. "How are you feeling?" he asked, glancing briefly at your belly.

"I've got the worst cramps imaginable," you replied, your voice quivering slightly. "But I'm trying to stay positive," you added, forcing a weak smile. "Only four more weeks, right?" you told him as you gestured for him to come inside.

"You should probably lie down," Cillian suggested, his voice laced with concern. "I'll bring you some water and toast," he added, heading towards the kitchen.

As Cillian busied himself preparing your meal, you sank deeper into the fluffy pillows, attempting to find a comfortable position. The relentless contractions were growing stronger, leaving you feeling increasingly vulnerable and exposed.

Cillian returned moments later, carrying a tray laden with food and drink. You thanked him gratefully, your voice trembling slightly. He settled down beside you, his hand hovering above your thigh nervously.

"So, how did Amanda take it?" you asked hesitantly, your voice quivering slightly. You shifted uncomfortably, aware of the awkwardness of the topic.

"Not well," Cillian responded matter-of-factly, his voice steady yet distant. "She was upset, angry, and resentful," he admitted, his gaze flickering between the window and the table.

"I am sorry. I really do not want to cause trouble between you two," you apologized, your gaze flickering between Cillian's eyes and the floor.

"Y/N, none of this is your fault," Cillian

comforted you, his voice soothing as he reached out to grasp your hand. "Amanda has been jealous and possessive since the start," he revealed, his gaze piercing into your soul. "And it was about time that I broke up with her," Cillian admitted, causing your chin to drop.

"You broke up with her?"

you echoed, your voice trembling slightly. "Because of me?" you added, unable to contain your surprise.

"Well," Cillian responded, his voice steady yet distant. "I guess I realised that it would be better for everyone concerned if I wasn't with her," he added, his gaze flickering between the window and the table. "And I think that, the only reason I got involved with her in the first place was because I needed some distraction from all the shit Danielle has put me through with Max,"

he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "I just wanted someone else to distract me from how wrong everything has turned out, and she was convenient," he added, shaking his head sadly.

"So, you used her?" you asked hesitantly, your voice trembling slightly.

"Maybe," Cillian replied swiftly, his voice firm yet compassionate before pausing briefly. "I am an asshole, right?" he then asked rhetorically, his voice cracking slightly.

"Yes, you are," you agreed reluctantly, your tone softening perceptibly. "Sometimes you are real dick when it comes to women, me included," you whispered, swallowing hard as the admission weighed heavily on your conscience. "But, at the same time, you are also one of the most empathetic and caring people I know in general, so don't be too hard on yourself," you added, glancing up at Cillian with admiration.

"You are still a good person," you whispered reassuringly before pausing briefly. "And if I had thought that otherwise, I wouldn't have kept the baby," you confessed, averting your gaze as Cillian caressed your face.

"I don't deserve you," Cillian mumbled, stroking your cheek tenderly. His fingers lingered on your skin, tracing gentle patterns as he gazed intently into your eyes before pulling his hand away from your face. "As a mother to my child I mean," he then explained, his voice cracking slightly. "You're going to be such a wonderful mom," he whispered, the corners of his mouth quirking upwards faintly.