The Moment I Realized I Can't Lose You novel Chapter 32

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When Audrey woke up the next morning, the man beside her was still sound asleep. She blinked against the morning light, only then realizing she was securely tucked into Joaquin's arms.

Didn't he leave last night?

Frowning, she tried to pull away, but realized his large hand was still resting flat against her lower stomach. Her breath hitched.

She stopped moving, her heart a tangled mess of emotions. Right now, his hand was so close to their baby. If they were a normal married couple, this moment would have filled her with pure joy. She would have been able to smile and excitedly tell Joaquin that they were having a baby, that he was going to be a father.

But reality was cruel. Rainey, needing a marrow transplant, stood solidly between them. Audrey was forced to keep her own child a secret.

Squeezing her eyes shut, a single tear slipped down her cheek.

“Awake?” Sensing her emotional shift, Joaquin tightened his hold on her, his voice rough with morning sleepiness.

“Still hurting?” He began rubbing her stomach again, his brows knitting together. “Is it your time of the month? It must be late, is that why it hurts so much?”

Audrey stiffened, finally realizing what he had assumed. She didn't correct him. She just offered a quiet nod. “Mhm.”

Because she had just been silently crying, her voice was thick and raspy. Joaquin's frown deepened. He gently turned her face toward him.

Seeing her red, swollen eyes, a fond, teasing smile tugged at his lips. “The fierce woman who got into a hotel brawl yesterday is crying over some cramps?”

Audrey let out a watery, self-deprecating laugh. She sniffled and wiped the tear from her eye. “It's not the same.”

Seeing her looking so thoroughly miserable, Joaquin sighed and went back to gently massaging her stomach. “Feeling any better?”

Audrey looked down. “Yeah.”

For a fleeting second, she was hit with the intoxicating illusion of happiness. But she knew better. It was all a mirage. She couldn't allow herself to get attached.

“If you're feeling better, get up. I'm taking you to the hospital.” Joaquin smiled, his voice softening. “It's not good for your body to be in this much pain.”