Chapter 126: Haven’t forgotten
The clinic smelled like lavender and antiseptic, an oddly calming mix that helped soothe Mara’s nerves as she sat in the waiting room. The gentle hum of conversation and the soft jazz playing overhead made the atmosphere feel less clinical, but she still couldn’t stop tapping her foot.
Steve sat beside her, thumbing through a parenting magazine with mock interest. "Do you want a car seat that can double as a stroller or one that turns into a spaceship?" he teased.
Mara chuckled despite herself. "Anything that can teleport me out of here when I’m too tired to move."
"I’ll put that on your registry."
Stefan waved them over from the reception area, a warm smile on his face. He’d made it just in time for the appointment, having ducked out between surgeries to be here. The sight of him in his white coat made Mara feel instantly safer, like everything was going to be okay. She stood up, smoothing down the dress Steve had picked out, the fabric flowing easily over her bump.
But just as they were heading down the corridor toward the ultrasound room, a voice cut through the air like a rusty blade.
"Well, if it isn’t the glowing single mother. Tell me, Mara, do maternity gowns come with a ’lonely and abandoned’ label now?"
Her heart sank as she turned and saw him leaning against the wall near the entrance. Jason.
Jason Ingried. Her adopted brother. The one who’d spent years gaslighting her, rewriting her past, burying the truth about her real family—and then laughing in her face.
Mara squared her shoulders, refusing to flinch. "What are you doing here?" She hasn’t forgotten whatever he did to her.
Jason smirked. "Oh, I’m on business. But imagine my surprise when I saw you, waddling in like you’re starring in some tragic soap opera. No Ethan, no husband, just... you. Should I send him a postcard from your pity party?"