The insistent knocking on the door causes your exhausted eyes to flicker over at Pansy. “I’ll get it.”

When she opens it, Theo’s eyes immediately find you, laying silently on your bed.

“How’s she doing?” he asks quietly.

Pansy folds her arms. “Her own father is literally hunting down the father of her baby, Theo. Obviously, she feels like absolute shïte. What did you expect?”

Theo sighs in frustration. “Let’s be fücking real, Pansy,” he mutters. “He got himself into this mess. He better deal with it.”

Pansy scoffs. “Sure, just throw him to the wolves and call it a day, right? Great friend you are, Theodore.”

He grabs her arm, pulling her further into the corner of the room. “That’s the problem, Pansy. I am his friend. But he should’ve stayed. He should’ve faced it instead of running off like a damn coward.”

Your soft sniffles echo through the room. Both Theo and Pansy glance at you as you sit there, lost in your pain.

“She deserves better than—” Theo starts, but Pansy cuts him off sharply. “Stop it, Theo. Mattheo will be fine. He’ll come back.”

Theo’s gaze remains fixed on you. “I won’t leave her alone. No matter what happens.” There’s a subtlety in his tone that Pansy doesn’t miss. “If he doesn’t come back, I’ll make sure I’m here for her and the child.”

You stand abruptly. “I need some fresh air,” you say softly.

“I’ll come with you,” Theo takes your hand without hesitation.

As the two of you step out into the hallway, you take a deep breath, but before you can collect your thoughts, a familiar voice stops you in your tracks.

“Hey, princess.”

Your heart drops as you turn around. Standing at the end of the hallway is Mattheo. Tears blur your vision as they spill down your cheeks.

“I’m here,” he says softly. “I’m so sorry.”

As Mattheo steps forward, pulling you into his arms, Theo releases your hand and takes a step back, his movements quick and slightly stiff. His jaw tightens briefly, enough to betray the pang of jealousy he feels at Mattheo’s return.