Raven McCoy is a driven, no-nonsense senior at Columbia University, determined to carve out a future on her own terms. With her sharp mind, relentless ambition, and a confidence that turns heads, she's always believed that love-and distractions-have...
The waiting room smelled like antiseptic and lavender air freshener—an odd combination that did nothing to settle my nerves. I decided to wear this
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I adjusted my shirt over my growing belly, staring at the clock as it ticked away each agonizing second.
I was alone.
Again.
It wasn't that I expected anything else. Roman had made himself perfectly clear when he dismissed me like I was just another scandal to avoid.
But for some reason, the emptiness of the chair beside me still stung.
I had gone back and forth about telling him again, but every time I thought about that cold, blank stare, my resolve crumbled.
I let out a slow breath, rubbing my temples.
"Ms. McCoy?" The nurse called my name.
I nodded, pushing myself up from the chair.
But before I could take a step, someone else said my name.
"Raven!"
I froze.
That voice wasn't Roman's.
I turned around and Ezra was standing there, hands in his pockets, hazel eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place.
Shock washed over me. "Ezra? What are you doing here?"
He walked toward me, his signature cocky smirk missing. Instead, his expression was serious—gentle in a way I wasn't used to seeing from a Riles man.
"You really thought I was gonna let you do this alone?" he asked, tilting his head. "Nah. Not happening."
I blinked. "But—"
"No 'buts,'" he said, his voice firm but warm. "Let's go."
I hesitated. This wasn't his responsibility.
But when I looked at Ezra—saw the honest, unwavering support in his face—I swallowed my pride and nodded.
Because for the first time since this pregnancy started, I wasn't walking into that room alone.
The Ultrasound Appointment
The doctor's office was bright and sterile, but Ezra didn't look the least bit uncomfortable. He sat beside me, arms crossed, eyes scanning the room like he was analyzing a business deal.
When the doctor came in, Ezra nodded at him like they were about to negotiate a hostile takeover.
"Nice to meet you, Doc," he said. "I'm Uncle Ezra."
