The Love That Grew

Ch. 29 Just Us ♥

A few weeks later....

The Ring camera alert broke the silence in the quiet home. Xavier had been laying low for weeks, keeping his return home a secret. Between late-night studio sessions and endless meetings, he was hardly ever there.

The time read 11:00 p.m. He frowned, wondering who could be at his door at this hour. Normally, one of the butlers would handle any late-night disruptions, but he'd given them all paid leave for a few weeks. He didn't want to be surrounded by anyone. Shuffling to his feet, he slipped on a pair of house shoes and sighed as the security camera finally captured a clear image of his unexpected guest.

With one swift motion, he swung the door open, startling Jashae. She jumped, clutching her chest. "You scared the hell out of me," she panted, out of breath. Even the short walk to the door seemed to have worn her out. Her eyes scanned his disheveled appearance—bags under his eyes, overgrown facial hair, and unkempt hair.

Even though she forced a smile, there was no hiding the worry in her gaze or the hurt in his. Xavier stepped aside, silently inviting her in. The air inside felt heavy, thick with sorrow and stillness. The home was nothing like the vibrant space she remembered. Everything seemed dull, lifeless.

"Where is everyone?" she asked, her voice echoing through the semi-empty house.

Xavier didn't look at her as he shut the door behind her. "I sent them on leave... paid leave, of course," he replied flatly. He turned to face her. "Shae, what are you doing here? And how did you get here so late? I didn't see another car out front."

"I was worried about you, and—"

"I don't need your pity," he cut her off sharply. His icy tone made her flinch. "I got played. It happens."

Hearing the edge in his voice almost made her regret showing up. She fought the urge to reach out and pull him into a hug. Instead, she nodded, keeping her distance. He led her to the kitchen, watching as she struggled to sit down on one of the barstools.

He handed her a cold water bottle and couldn't help but chuckle softly as she chugged it down. "We can sit in the liv—"

"You missed another one," she blurted out, cutting him off.

Xavier paused, confused, before pulling out his phone to check his calendar app. "I don't have you seeing Dr. Carlisle today," he said, scrolling through his schedule. "There's something for next Thursday at 10 a.m."

"I texted you last week, remember?" she said irritation lacing her words. "I told you she moved my appointment up because of my back pain."

He could see the disappointment etched in her face, and it made him curse under his breath. He'd forgotten another appointment.

"Shit, Shae, I'm sorry," he murmured, running a hand through his messy hair. "How are you feeling now?"

The question made her eyes prickle Jashae couldn't stop the tears from falling. This was the second time he'd forgotten about the baby, about her. Her silent tears soon turned into full blown sobs Xavier swiftly embraced her in a tight hug, massaging her back for comfort.

Resting his chin on top of her head he continued rubbing her back until she calmed down. He was slipping so much that his 7month pregnant baby mama had to come down and confront him about it. He chuckled at the thought of her waddling out of bed but quickly frowned realizing she had to inconvenience herself for his mistake.

He hadn't meant to neglect her, but lately, everything felt like it was spiraling out of control. Between the fallout with Tahiri and the pressures of his career, he had lost sight of what was most important—being there for Jashae and their unborn child.