Chapter 23 : The Father Larry's pov " Maya " I yelled , my heart screaming in pain as I watched every step she took I didn't want to believe I had finally broken the last straw of hope in her The flicker of hope meant to restore our failed marriage was dashed into pieces by me . The pain in my chest was unbearable . So was the guilt I was a cheat . A filthy one . " Maya " I whispered , weak and desperate . " Please , come back " " Larry " A soft voice called , snapping me out of my dazed state . I lowered my gaze , my eyes settling on Brandy who kept holding on to my collar I badly wanted to vent my anger and frustration on her , but the meekness in her eyes made me reconsider . Was it really her fault ? She only wanted someone reliable to lean on . process . Instead of being that person , I ended up taking advantage of her vulnerability , ruining my marriage in the pr +25 BONUS Can't believe I had an affair with Darey's widow . Wherever he was , he wouldn't forgive me . Slowly and gently , I pulled away from her grasp . " I'm sorry . I should have let go " Brandy broke down in tears , her voice cracked . " Now , I ended up causing a fight between the two of you . " " It's not your fault I countered hurriedly , grabbing her fragile hands , my throat soar . "I was drunk . I'm sorry I took advantage of you . " Brandy shook her head vigorously . " No , you didn't . I should have stopped you , but I didn't because She choked violently " It's okay " I muttered , torn between pulling her into a hug and leaving . Maybe Maya was right Maybe keeping Brandy close to me led to this But I was only trying to help . What could have gone wrong ? " Larry , I don't feel too good " Brandy winced , massaging her forehead with her fingers . " I feel like I'm going to pass out any moment from now . My heart skipped a beat . " What ? " I spat in disbelief , tightening my grip " I think we should . Her words trailed off , and just like that , she fell into my arms , her eyelids shut . My heart races with fear as I shook her body gently " Brandy ... Brandy ! I called No response . Immediately , I carried her in princess style and rushed out of the bathroom . I almost stumbled on the wet slippery floor , but I was quick to cling to the door 1/2 I trotted downstairs , fear gripping every part of me . I couldn't lose her . Not her child The driver was smart enough to understand the situation the moment he saw me rush out of the house . He opened the backseat . Soon , we hit the road " Drive faster ! " I snarled impatiently , resisting the urge o take the wheels from him . +25 BONUS Within five minutes , we arrived at the hospital . The nurse who was used to attending to us was right at the entrance . y ward . I had to remain in the waiting room , hoping for She got a stretcher for us and Brandy was wheeled into the emergency her recovery . I paced back and forth , irking the nurses around . " Sir , you have to sit down . The patients on this floor are sensitive to to little noise " One of them scolded With much reluctance , I took a seat . Suddenly , a fragile face flashed before my eyes Maya Where was she ? What if she the was in in danger ? ' She didn't look quite okay when she left . Now , I was torn between staying with Brandy and going to find her. Few hours passed . " Mr. Jonathan " A male voice called , jolting me out of my thoughts . I looked up to see the doctor staring down at me with a solemn gaze . 1 stood up abruptly . " How is she ? " He smiled " She's fine at the moment . She'll be alright , Please , come with me to my office I willingly obliged . The moment we settled down in his office , I went straight to the point " How's the baby ? I questioned , my my voice shaky " The mother and the baby are both fine " He responded convincingly . " The mother is awake but she needs to rest well . She mentioned something about a paternity test . " I was taken aback . " She did ? " " Yes . If you've both consented to it , I would need you to let a nurse take your blood sample " He revealed , pressing a red button on the left hand side of his desk . Few seconds later , the door creaked open . A nurse walked in and bowed politely " Take Mr. Jonathan to the lab and get his blood sample for the paternity test " The Doctor ordered . I hadn't even uttered a word , but he was already taking action . found it all strange . Nevertheless , I played along . Maybe the test would help clear my conscience a bit and help make a decision The nurse led me to the lab , drew my blood , and escorted me back to the waiting room . I would face Brandy after the result was out . Thirty minutes later , I saw a nurse walk into Brandy's room with a file in her grasp It was quite weird . I tried calling out to her when she came out , but she ignored me and scurried away 15 BONUS What exactly was going on here ? Few minutes later , the same nurse came back , refusing to meet my gaze . " The doctor needs you in his office , Sir She stated , her voice low and shaky . With a deep breath , I stood up , gave her a long stare , and made my way to the Doctor's office . The middle aged man had a warm smile on his face . " Have your seat , Mr. Jonathan " He urged , gesturing to the visitor's seat . I watched him fiddle with the file in his arms as I took my seat . I had a bad feeling about what he was going to say . Still , I wanted to be positive . The child was definitely not mine . " What does the test result say ? " I asked , frowning A soft chuckle escaped his lips . " Congratulations , Mr. Jonathan . You're going to be a father . " Itroze , struggling to comprehend the devastating news " What what did you say ? " I stuttered , grasping doubt . I had heard wrong , right ? Or maybe he made a mistake . " You're the father of your wife's unborn child " He clarified , his voice stem and serious . The test showed 99.9 % match " " That's I impossible " I muttered under my breath , recalling Brandy's words She had indeed taken advantage of me " Mr. Jonathan , your wife needs a lot of rest and care " The doctor's voice became distant . " She mustn't be subjected to any form of stress during her first trimester . You Initially , I had thoughts of winning Maya back . But with this , I wasn't sure anymore . Our marriage was over I clenched my fist in anger . Who was I angry with ? " I guessed I was angry with myself Disappointment was another word , getting Darey's widow pregnant I was such an asshole . " Mr. Jonathan .. Mr. Jonathan " A slight tap on my shoulder broke my train of thought It was the same nurse " Your wife wants to see you , sir " She reported My wife , huh ? Now that I thought of it , I had never thought of correcting them I muster all the strength left in my bones and stood up . I couldn't face Brandy yet , but did I have a choice ? I had to take responsibility for my actions The Hurt