Chapter 57: Chapter 57

- What do you think Missy? Missy...? Missy! - Megan's voice suddenly stopped being a distant hum and became a loud exclamation - Can you hear me?

- Oh... I'm sorry, Megan. - Jumping a little in the armchair she was sitting in, Missy shook her head vehemently, forcing herself to concentrate - I got distracted.

- You're more than just distracted today... - Megan commented slowly, raising an eyebrow suggestively - Did something happen?

For a moment, Missy wondered if she should tell Megan about the suspicions that had been bothering her since the day before, when she'd found Suzan leaving Logan's office and he'd started acting so strangely. Even though he continued to insist that he hadn't planned on saying anything important to her the moment he was interrupted by Devon and Megan's arrival, still the turmoil was clear in his face when they returned home later that day: the way he stared at her with desolation when he thought she wasn't looking; the worry that distorted her features; the way they had made love with total abandon that night, while he stood over her, with Missy's legs on his broad shoulders, as if he were trying all the time to hide her beneath him, as her personal wall...

But in a second of thought, she knew that would only make Megan suspicious, too. Which would certainly lead to her asking Devon pointed questions and probably even creating an entirely unnecessary conflict between the two. In fact, it looked like she should silence that nagging feeling of suspicion, not just when talking directly to Megan, but inside herself as well. After all, when had Logan lied to her? And, on the other hand, how many and how many cunning things had Suzan been capable of doing? There was no point in considering her words to be true while she was discrediting the word of the man she loved. If Logan told her it was okay, then she would believe him.

Even if it took her a lot of effort to silence that restlessness inside her.

- Is nothing. - Missy was justified shyly, shrugging her shoulders - It's just the nervousness about the wedding. You were right. There are many things to think about...

- You weren't that nervous yesterday… – her sister narrowed her eyes shrewdly, perfectly able, as always, to see past Missy's pretense – You're still thinking about the nonsense Foster said to Logan yesterday, aren't you? – she sighed, worried – What did she say that was so terrible, after all?

- Lies... And unimportant things. – Missy shook her head, trying in vain to dispel that memory – Nothing really important, I swear.

- I think that something that left you so upset can be considered important. – Megan disagreed, wrinkling her nose – Come on, Missy. You know you can talk to me about anything…' Leaning over the couch, Megan gave Missy's hand a gentle, encouraging squeeze, making her bite her lip for a few seconds, before finally sighing in regret.

"The point is... It wasn't just what Suzan said... I... I ran into Liam, before I found her inside Logan's office..." Missy admitted hesitantly, but Megan quickly cut her off. , with an offended gasp.

- That idiot was hanging around the agency too?! – Her sister exclaimed, indignant – Devon said that Foster had an affair with one of the security guards and that's why he let her in, but what about this son of a bitch? How the hell did he manage to get close there?! Megan roared, furious.

- Don't worry, he didn't come even remotely close to getting in. I found him outside on the sidewalk. Very different from what happened to Suzan... - Missy sighed - I can hardly imagine how many people Logan fired for that. But... The thing is... Liam tried to get back with me. – Missy rolled her eyes, earning a shocked and disgusted gasp from Megan – Yes, I know. And he doesn't know how irritated I got with him for thinking I'd be so easily duped by just a few outright lies. But... When I made him realize that his and his mother's plans to get money and status through me weren't going to work... He obviously got very angry and... Said some things about Suzan and Logan... - Missy bit her lip fearfully.

- Things? – Megan repeated, confused – Missy… You know that Logan would never be able to get involved with another woman… – Megan defended, frowning with concern – He can be a stubborn blockhead, but I can assure you that neither he nor any of the Knights would ever be able to...

- I know, sis. – Missy calmed her down, squeezing her hand lightly – Although Liam suggested it, I never really believed it. But…he implied that Suzan knew something about Logan…something bad. – she let out, with that feeling that something was wrong - “And… when I ran into Suzan leaving his office yesterday… She said something about propositioning Logan.

- Proposal? – Megan narrowed her eyes, suspicious – What kind of proposal?

- That's the thing. – Missy sighed sadly – When I asked him… Logan admitted that Suzan was trying to blackmail him. He tried to convince me that she was threatening to sue him over his dismissal, but... I know him. – Missy exhaled, exasperated – I know it might not make sense, but… I felt like that wasn't it. I could see in his eyes that she was blackmailing him with something else… something he didn't want to tell me. – She dropped her head on the back of the sofa, sighing heavily – And, since yesterday, I started to feel like he was hiding something from me, because of that. As if… As if, perhaps, Suzan really knows something about him that Logan doesn't want me to know. – Missy finally admitted, hugging herself while waiting for her sister's reaction.

- That... I mean... - Megan stammered, surprising Missy: after all, she could count on the fingers of just one hand the number of times she had already seen her sister without knowing what to say - It's perfectly understandable that you are feeling insecure because of it... After all, it was a very long succession of coincidences and, if anyone knows Logan's reactions, it's you, but... - Missy could almost see inside her sister's mind working, still trying to defend Logan's character even when the circumstances were puzzling her as well- But in all honesty, I can't see any scenario where Logan could have had a thing for that snake Foster. And I'm not just talking about something physical. He already disliked her personality even before all that happened. – Megan shook her head determinedly – Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you're wrong, I just…

- I know, Megan. – Missy reassured her with a tired smile – Don't worry. I myself am trying not to continue harboring these suspicions. Logan has never done anything to earn my distrust, and I don't want him to think Suzan's word is worth more to me than his. So let's not talk about it anymore, okay? – she asked, picking up one of the bridal magazines that was on the coffee table again – Let's focus on what really matters.

Megan looked at her for a few seconds, clearly worried, before starting to speak, fearful - Missy, I think if this is bothering you so much, we should...

That's when the doorbell sounded outside, a little scattered due to the considerable distance between the entrance and the living room. It was almost funny how, all her life, Missy had felt a little out of place in very large, opulent homes designed to be impressive rather than inviting, like the ones her mother had enjoyed living in after Jonathan's death. But in this house, Logan's house, she had never felt anything but welcome. Perhaps because of the fact that there was nothing cold or frighteningly imposing around. Every detail was warm and cozy, just like the memories she and Logan had already created there.

And, of course, there was always the fact that this house was no longer his house or her house.

It was their home.

And every inch of her was filled with proof that he loved her. Why, after all, couldn't that be enough to clear that nagging doubt that was hammering her head?

- It should be our lunch. - Missy gave a crooked smile - I should...

- I'll get it, don't worry. – Megan shook her head, still looking uneasy – But don't think that this conversation is over! – she pointed her finger at Missy, as she got up – We still have a lot to talk about while we're eating that spaghetti! she warned mercilessly, causing Missy to giggle, before walking out of the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts once more.

Fighting a sudden urge to sleep, Missy just lay back on the sofa, wondering if it was the stress of the previous day that had made her so tired. It was unlikely, it was true, as she had been feeling a little fatigued since just before Christmas, with twinges of dizziness that came and went with almost astonishing speed. Maybe Logan, who'd been keeping his watchful eye on her all week, had been right to make a doctor's appointment for her on the first working day of the following week, after New Year's Eve. Although high emotions could be responsible for all of this, finding out really wasn't going to do any harm.

- God, I didn't realize how hungry I was! – Megan's satisfied voice took her out of her thoughts, making her sit down again – And the smell is simply divine...

But she didn't have time to hear the rest of the sentence, for as soon as the warm, distinctive smell of pasta and spice-laden tomato sauce hit her, Missy felt her stomach immediately lurch, sending a rush of bile so sudden that she could only jump off the sofa, stumbling wildly to the nearest bathroom, until finally she was able to kneel by the toilet and rid herself of the vomit that was burning her throat.

With her hands resting on the china, Missy was still coughing when Megan walked into the bathroom, pale with worry.

- Missy?! What happened?! – Her sister gasped, moving towards her so she could support her shoulders, as, luckily, her hair was already tied back in a ponytail.

- I think the nervousness made my stomach sensitive... - Missy theorized, still with a hoarse voice as she stood up to the sink, quickly starting to brush her teeth - I just smelled a little of that pasta and, suddenly, my stomach knotted. she said, disgusted just by remembering the sensation of the scent in her nose.

- I've seen you nervous several times in my life and, in none of them, have you ever vomited like that... - Megan reflected, narrowing her eyes and assessing Missy judiciously from the moment she started brushing her teeth until she finished, now more composed – Missy! – Megan suddenly exclaimed, but instead of simply being stunned, she also looked angry, especially when she put her hands on her hips, looking like a mother about to scold her – You're using your birth control… Aren't you?

Still standing at the sink, freshly washed toothbrush in her hands, Missy's mind went blank for a moment, unable to even process what Megan had just said. For a second, her first instinct was to confirm… But the truth was, she wasn't. Not since that first month, when she and Logan had just gotten involved and she still believed that everything between them was nothing more than a simple friendship and a lot of casual sex... But then came the complicity, the closeness, the feeling... It was almost laughable how obvious it was now that she had started to fall in love already at the end of that first month, becoming so needy just being next to him and feeling him inside her...

That she hadn't even bothered to remember to do something to not get pregnant.

Heavens... How had she not noticed before? She was tired, nauseous, feeling dizzy and...

- Oh my God...! – Missy gasped, in shock – I can't even remember the last time I had my period! - she panted, hyperventilating - Could it be that I'm... That I'm...

- Missy, calm down...! – Now looking worried, Megan placed herself in front of her, stroking both her shoulders reassuringly – It might not be, okay? Do not panic. Listen, I'm going to order a pregnancy test through one of those delivery apps right now, okay? I'm sure it will arrive in five minutes. Just... Don't panic! Megan half-begged and half-screamed, though she was definitely more desperate than Missy, who was now feeling limp from the shock, allowing her shaky legs to buckle until she leaned against the sink counter, watching, not really see, while her sister ran into the living room to get her cell phone, excited.

Struggling to calm her breathing, Missy just stood there quietly, trying to collect her thoughts and her emotions. Objectively thinking, with the number of times she'd asked Logan to come inside her with the promise that she'd take the pill the next day and then completely forgotten about it, there was a huge chance that she really was pregnant. And heavens, what would she do now? They might have been engaged, but they'd never really talked about kids... Though she'd thought about broaching the subject, so much had happened that, once again, she'd completely forgotten to talk to him about the future. Perhaps because the future had suddenly become incredibly palpable in front of the two of them as they lived together and were on the verge of becoming husband and wife...

And now they would be parents too. All of this at once.

And, without a doubt, that was a little frightening, but still... When she lowered her gaze to his still flat stomach and tentatively touched it... The panic of surprise was gradually replaced by an unparalleled wonder. . Maybe there was a little life growing inside her. A life she and Logan had created that they would love and protect forever. She knew the man she loved. Maybe Logan was even a little shocked at first by the sudden news, as she had been, but Missy knew he would soon be ecstatic, as she felt at that moment. It might be soon, it was true, but he would love their child as much as she did already loved her. Missy was sure.

Why was she so scared anyway?

- It's okay, Missy... - Megan said anxiously, walking back into the bathroom with a bag in her hands. That's when Missy realized that she had spent more time contemplating the little miracle that could be inside her than she realized - I ordered three tests, so there's no doubt and... - Her sister stopped suddenly, her eyes widening when she saw her face. expression – Why are you smiling? And... Why are you crying?! she asked, confused.

Giggling shyly, Missy hurriedly wiped away the tears of joy that she, too, hadn't noticed were streaming down her cheeks.

- It's nothing, I just… – she sniffed, trying to calm that intense feeling of devotion growing in her heart – I can't believe I'm going to become a mother…! Missy smiled through a sob.

- Oh, Missy… - Megan's expression melted until it became sweet, but also fearful – I'm relieved that you're so happy with that possibility, but… Let's take it easy, okay? – her sister asked kindly, while placing the three packages of the tests on the sink next to her, starting to open them right after – Before anything else, we have to be sure if you are really going to be a mommy and I am an auntie .

It was, without a doubt, the longest three minutes of Missy's life as she and Megan watched the bats on the bench, whose displays blinked in anticipation, increasing their tension by the second. But finally, one by one, the displays stopped flickering, finally displaying some tiny letters that Missy literally threw herself over the sink to read. And her eyes were already filled with tears when Megan slowly walked up behind her, hesitantly craning her neck to read what was written.

- It says "pregnant". - Missy sobbed, smiling, touched - More than three weeks.

- Weeks? Are these things not measured in months? – Megan joked, although her brown eyes were bright with her own tears as well – Well, I'll let the mother-to-be clear this up for me later… – she sniffed, with a wobbly laugh – Congratulations, sis… Dad would be so happy and so proud…' They wrapped their arms around each other in a loving embrace.

- You talk like he's not going to try to strangle Logan for getting me pregnant before the wedding. Missy laughed between sobs, feeling the love for the baby that was growing inside her wash over her so intensely that she felt almost like she was floating.

- But he would have stopped, when he realized that this was going to make his grandson be born an orphan. – Megan laughed, wiping away a tear of joy that had trickled down her cheek – The important thing is that he would have been on cloud nine. And he would have loved that baby more than life itself. Did you hear, baby? – she lowered her head towards Missy's still flat stomach, smiling brightly – Your Grandpa Jonathan must be jumping in the sky with joy, knowing that you are coming. And so am I. – Megan hummed happily, before looking up at Missy – But wait until the future daddy knows that. I don't think there are going to be enough fireworks in this town for his celebration.

- I think so too… – Missy admitted, wiping her own tears – I want to tell him so much… But shouldn't I wait? I know he has a lot of work to do before the new year and I don't want to bother him with news as big as this... Maybe I should do something special while I wait, like put the test inside a gift box, like in those videos Internet cuties? – she asked, both to her sister and to herself, restless – But, heavens, I wanted so much to hug him and tell him that we are going to be parents… Should I…?

- Missy! – Megan interrupted her, with an amused laugh, while holding her by the shoulders, making Missy face her – Just go to him, okay? – Her sister encouraged her, making her realize that that situation was really quite simple.

She needed to wrap her arms around Logan, kiss him and tell him about the little miracle that was growing in her womb.

And she needed to do it right now.

- I'll take you to the agency. – Megan offered, looking pleased to see the euphoric smile that was spreading across Missy's face – You tell your Knight he's going to be a daddy and I'll tell mine that we're going to be uncles soon.

- Thanks, sis. – Missy hugged her, so happy that she felt almost like she could explode and, touching her belly with affection and reverence, she murmured, delighted – Come on, my sweetheart. Let's introduce you to Daddy.

(***)

- I can't believe I'm going to have to plan a baby shower now, too... - Megan reflected, while the two went up in the elevator to Logan's office - Fortunately, I think we'll be able to do the wedding first, before your belly starts to show... Not that this is a problem. I'm sure a maternity wedding dress would look lovely on you. – she praised, with a happy sigh – But I think the more advanced the pregnancy, the more uncomfortable it will be for you to endure a party as long as a wedding… Wow, you really need to go to the obstetrician as soon as possible! I can't wait to find out if I'm getting a niece or nephew! – Megan bounced – I always knew I didn't want to have children, but I could never imagine that I would be so excited about yours! Maybe because I know it's going to be you and Logan who's going to spend all those sleepless nights. she teased, making Missy giggle.

- I promise I'll make an appointment with the doctor as soon as Logan gets the news. – she assured, with her hands crossed over her stomach, almost as if she could already feel the sensation of rocking her baby – I just hope he's not too busy, since we'll meet Simon downstairs… – she bit down. the lip – Usually he only sends him to solve something outside the agency when it is really a very important matter...

- I can hardly think of anything that is more important than the news you have for him, Missy. – Megan calmed her down, making a careless gesture with her hand – So just relax, okay? Everything will be fine...

Megan was still in the middle of that sentence when the elevator doors opened in front of them and they both saw a tense and clearly angry figure walking towards the elevator, surrounded by two huge men who she recognized as being from the agency's security team: Suzan.

Feeling her stomach tighten, Missy pressed her lips together as Suzan's eyes found the two of them but focused on her specifically, making her previously frustrated expression light up with a Machiavellian glow.

- Hello, Isa, honey. It seems like we haven't stopped seeing each other again, have we? She greeted her excitedly, with a wickedly sweet smile, as Missy felt Megan grab her arm, giving her a supportive squeeze as the two of them stepped out of the elevator, unfortunately inching even closer to Suzan.

- For the last time, Ms. Foster...! – one of the security guards roared, looking irritated and at the same time exhausted – We and Mr. Knight, we've already made it clear that you must leave the building in complete silence if you don't want us to call the police for breaking in... Again.

- You are so dramatic! – Suzan rolled her eyes – I'm just saying hello to my old friend. You know, honey, you really need to talk to your man a little... He has a serious stubbornness problem. And also out of ingratitude, if I may say so... - She stopped walking when she got close to the two, giving her an annoyed smile.

- Move, Ms. Foster! – the other security guard growled, looking much more impatient than his colleague.

- I'm going! I just want to open my dear friend's eyes a little to the kind of man she has by her side. – Suzan shrugged, before opening a venomously friendly smile in Missy’s direction – I mean, I know some women think controlling types are sexy of course, but I honestly wouldn’t feel very comfortable knowing that the man who proposed to break promises and get rid of people at his pleasure, even after they just did what he wanted...

- Shut the fuck up, Foster! – Megan finally exploded, furious – Or I'll shut her up for you!

"Now, Sutton, don't you want to know the kind of man your beloved little sister is involved with?" – Suzan seemed deeply satisfied with Megan's reaction – After the depressing way our dear Isa was after seeing that wonderful video in which me and that idiot Liam were the stars, I think you should protect her better and...

- You are so depressing, Suzan. – Missy finally let out an annoyed sigh, shutting her up immediately, who seemed angrily stunned by the offense – Why are you so interested in disturbing my relationship with Logan? Was it the fact that you realized that you did me a favor by taking Liam away from me? Or was it the fact that he found out he didn't own half the things he used to brag about, like my car? – she questioned her, disturbed – Don't you think that's enough? If your intention was to find a rich man, then go for it. Just leave us all alone and go do what you want so badly! Missy encouraged her, exhausted.

To her surprise, Suzan just laughed, sounding not only mocking, but with a strong undertone of bitterness that it was impossible for Missy not to notice.

- You really started to find yourself, after having come back from the bottom of the well, didn't you? – Suzan laughed bitterly, however, her expression immediately distorted when one of the security guards started pushing her, letting out an angry scream – Get the fuck out of my hands! Do you really think I'm going to come out as the most damaged in this shit, you whore? – She shouted at Missy, furious – Do you really think that a ridiculous little thing like you, who didn't even lift a finger to get all this, deserves a man like Logan Knight? You didn't put any effort into it! I did everything! Plastic surgery, clothes, makeup, seduction... And even so, you're the one who's going to get along? Go fuck yourself! – she exploded, enraged – And, yes! You should thank me for that night! I was the one who had to put up with that stupid Newton for four whole months, trying to convince him to be man enough to come out to me! And for what? To be left with empty hands because he's nothing but a gigolo! All this while you get it all?! The man, the money, the parties...? - Suzan roared, possessed - As if a horrible idiot like you was up to all that!

- A pity that you have dedicated so much time to trying to get something through other people, instead of focusing on yourself, Suzan. – Missy sighed, with a part of her actually feeling bad to realize that Suzan expected to be rewarded for her “efforts”, even if those efforts meant trying to seduce rich men, even the committed ones – But, if you ask me, the humiliation that you got me through that night no longer means anything to me. Just like you and Liam mean nothing to me anymore. So if I were you, I would just stop dwelling on all of this. You won't be able to separate me from Logan, no matter how much you think everything you've done over these months makes you deserving of something. If you want advice, spend energy trying to get the fortune you want so much, instead of wasting time trying to damage my relationship. – Missy sighed, regretfully – But that's a decision that's up to you alone. As for me, you can't hurt me anymore.

- Do you really think? – Suzan laughed, maliciously delighted – You really don't think about that night anymore? Wouldn't you like to have avoided all that? Wouldn't you like to wrap your hands around the neck of whoever was responsible for all this besides me?

- Shut up! – Megan grunted – We all know that you and that idiot Newton were the only ones responsible for all that!

- Oh, you're wrong, darling... - Suzan laughed, maliciously - And Logan knows that very well... - She threw a mean look towards Missy, before completing - Who do you think recorded that video?