The Runaway Astrophysicist And Her Secret

e Pres

Perkins, disappeared into the digital ether. I unconsciously touched my belly, a small,

ed to secure the dedicated long-range observation module you requested, and the living quarters are ready. My assistant, Liam, will meet you a

l-being. It was a foreign, almost shocking sensation after years of Arlo's indifference.

d around my neck, trying to appear inconspicuous. My heart pounded a frantic rhythm against my ribs, a mixture

ssistant. "Dr. Perkins sends his warmest regards. He's arranged for a priority boarding pass and a quiet seat for you. He knows you'll want to review your n

This was a level of care

rfume. When I stepped around it, I froze. There, at the opposite end of the terminal, stood Arlo. And Brielle. Her arm w

terrifying second, his eyes seemed to lock onto mine. His body stiffen

n't tell me you thought you saw your ex-wife again. You're imagining things. Come on

e crowd, my heart hammering ag

systems for cosmic microwave background studies, cutting-edge data analysis suites, and a fully stocked library. Dr. Perkins has alread

balm to my soul. No dismissal. No casual suggestion of building my "own

o specifically asked me to give you this. It's a Hatfield Tech prototype-the n

company. The symbol of everything I was desperately trying to escape. The pen

sharper than I intend

. "Oh? Are you sure?

rlo, still distracted by Brielle' s fake pregnancy, still oblivious to my real one, still blind to the wrecka

making it clear. "Completely. A

ny of freedom. Liam, seated beside me, smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry,

odbye, cold mansion. Goodbye, empty promises. Goodbye, Arlo Hatfield, his indifference,

victim, no longer a shadow. I was a woman on her own, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by intellect and a fierce maternal instinct.

n expanse of the sky. A profound sense of peace, a tranquility I hadn't felt in years, settled over me. Liam, sen

on, astrophysicist. And soon, I would be a mother. The past was a distant memory, a f

the dizzying blanket of stars, the camaraderie of brilliant minds who spoke my language, intellectually and emotionally. Dr. Pe

discovery-it all consumed me in the most satisfying way. My pregnancy progressed smoothly, carefully monitore

it was fleeting, quickly dismissed. He was a ghost, a faded memory from a life that

atfiel

dant, unfinished melody. He noticed it in the silence of the mansion, the sterile perfection of the rooms that used to hold her quiet presence. His personal assistant, M

erved, narrowly avoiding a collision. Brielle, beside him, shrieked,