Halsey took a deep breath to steady herself. “Come in.”


    The door opened, and Shaun stepped inside.


    The atmosphere was awkward, tense. Even if neither of them mentioned it, no one could forget what had just happened.


    Shaun walked up to her. “Sorry, I didn’t knock earlier.”


    Halsey replied, “It’s okay. Do you need something?”


    Shaun asked, “Have you forgotten our agreement? I’m supposed toe by every day to check on the baby.”


    Halsey hadn’t forgotten. She just thought he might forget, especially now that Elise was with him. He had left with Elise earlier, so she didn’t expect him toe back.


    She nodded. “Okay, go ahead and check.”


    She moved her hand away, revealing her belly. Shaun slowly crouched in front of her, his fingers resting lightly on her stomach.


    His voice was low and smooth. “Is the baby behaving today?”


    Halsey nodded. “Yup.”


    “Then why is your appetite so bad? They said you barely ate anything.”


    He had already asked the maid about her meals when he got back.


    Halsey exined, “My appetite’s fine. I ate today. Wendy and I had dinner out.”


    Shaun didn’t show much reaction. He asked casually, “You went out?”


    Halsey looked at him honestly. “Yeah, I went to a bar. Funny enough, I saw you there.”


    She watched for any response from him, but Shaun gave none.


    He gently rubbed her belly. “I didn’t see you.”


    “That’s normal. You were busy at the bar. But I did see you hired a female secretary,” Halsey said, mentioning Elise.


    Shaun was silent for a few seconds before saying softly, “Yeah.”


    Halsey felt a bit disappointed. He said nothing more, and she could feel the cold distance growing between them.


    She understood, though. At his age, it was impossible to stay single forever. This was the prime time for wantingpanionship. Hiring a young female secretary didn’t seem weird.


    Shaun moved closer, resting his handsome face against her belly. The sudden touch startled Halsey.


    Shaun noticed her tense up and smiled a little. “Don’t be nervous. I’m not touching you—I just want to be close to the baby.”


    Halsey nodded slowly. “Oh, okay.”


    Shaun pressed his cheek to her stomach and said softly to the baby, “Be good, okay? Don’t fuss. I’m leaving now, but I’lle to see you again tomorrow.”


    He kissed her belly gently and started to stand.


    Just then, a soft ringtone sounded-his phone was ringing. Halsey nced down to see the caller ID: Elise.


    Elise was calling.


    Halsey remembered Elise asking Shaun for his number. She must have seeded-and now, she was calling him.


    Shaun pressed the answer button. “Hello?”


    Because the room was quiet, and it was just the two of them, Halsey could hear Elise’s sweet voice clearly. “Mr. Lane, I’m


    waiting outside. How much longer until youe out?”


    Halsey shivered. Elise was right outside the vi.


    “I’m heading out now,” Shaun said.


    He hung up, stood up, and looked at Halsey. “Get some rest.”


    Then, he turned and walked out.