Chapter 21 - Spilling the Beans

                                    

                                          
Hazel's POV
I fidgeted with the straps of my bag, nerves fluttering in my stomach as I waited for Kayden at the park. How would I break the news about my pregnancy to him?
Minutes later, I spotted him strolling toward me, his smile radiant as ever.
"Hi, Haze. How are you?" he greeted me cheerfully, planting a soft kiss on my cheek, taking me by surprise.
"I'm okay, thanks," I murmured, running a hand through my hair anxiously.
"Thank you for giving me a chance. I promise you won't regret it," Kayden said happily, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"I didn't invite you here for that," I clarified. His expression shifted, a hint of sadness clouding his features. "There's something I need to tell you," I confessed, running my hand through my hair anxiously.
"Is everything alright?" he inquired, his tone tinged with concern.
"Yes," I replied, my lower lip caught between my teeth in nervous anticipation, my heart racing in my chest. "I... I'm pregnant... Three months along," I confessed.
His jaw dropped in surprise. "What?" Kayden exclaimed, his eyes widening with excitement.
"I am pregnant," I repeated.
Without warning, Kayden swept me off my feet, twirling me around in exuberant joy.
"Kayden!" I cried out, clutching his shoulders tightly.
"I'm going to be a father!" he exclaimed with pure joy. Gently, he lowered me to the ground, his hands then cradling my cheeks. "I'll take care of you and our little one. I promise to do whatever it takes to ensure your happiness."
I drew back, swallowing hard before speaking. "I told you about the pregnancy because I believe you have a right to know you're going to be a father. But that doesn't mean there'll be anything between us," I declared, my tone resolute. His demeanor shifted in an instant.
"And I don't want you to feel obligated to take responsibility for the baby. If you're not truly interested in being involved, I'll take care of him or her on my own. Abortion isn't something I'm considering," I added resolutely
"What?!" His brows knit in confusion. "Wait a second! I'd never suggest that you get an abortion. How could you even think I'd propose such a thing? I... I want us to build a family together," Kayden's voice softened with love and sincerity, his eyes pleading as he reached for my hand, but I withdrew it. His expression shifted to one of sadness. "I love you, Hazel. Why can't you see that?" he asked, his tone heavy with gloom.
"You're fully aware of why I can't trust you," I retorted, my voice laced with sarcasm.
He let out a heartfelt sigh. "Haze, I love you more than words can express. I'm truly sorry for keeping my identity from you, but my feelings for you have always been genuine. You mean everything to me, my doll. And I won't give up on you or our baby," Kayden declared with unwavering determination, resting his hand tenderly on my belly. His gentle caress and affectionate smile brought tears to his eyes.
I bit my lip, observing him tenderly as he gently caressed my barely noticeable baby bump. Taking a deep breath, I broke the moment. "I have to leave. There's a meeting."
"I'll drop you off," he offered softly, withdrawing his hand from my belly.
"No, it's fine. I drove here myself," I insisted.
Kayden nodded, flashing me a charming smile. "Catch you later."
"Goodbye," I murmured, making my way to my car.