Page 106 of What Comes Around

Marla leaned forward, eyes bright. “Oh? So there is someone special in your life? Or is that the reason you’re so happy lately?”

Apple smiled coyly. “You could say that.”

Marla laughed. “Come on, don’t keep the suspense. Tell us.”

Apple placed a hand on her stomach. “In a little more than four months, I will become a mother.”

I sat up straight. “What?”

Marla’s jaw dropped. “I’m sorry, what?!”

Apple lifted her shirt just enough to show a slight curve. “I am five months pregnant.”

My mouth fell open. “You have got to be kidding me.”

Marla squealed. “Congratulations! Who is the baby’s father, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Apple’s expression softened into something tragic. “He is a businessman. We met four years ago and connected instantly. Life pulled us apart, but we reconnected recently, and the result is this little miracle.”

I stared at the screen, stunned.

Marla tilted her head. “I feel like there’s a story there. You don’t seem fully happy. Is the father not excited about the baby?”

Apple sighed. “He doesn’t know. I’ve tried to contact him for months, but nothing.”

Marla blinked. “How is that possible? What happened?”

Apple looked down. “I don’t know what I did wrong. I thought we had something beautiful. I thought it was mutual. But a few months after my sister started working for him…” She stopped abruptly, like she had said too much.

Marla leaned in. “Go on.”

Apple shook her head. “I’d rather not. I don’t want to speak badly about anyone. I love my baby, and I trust that what is meant to happen will happen. God is protecting me.”

Marla didn’t let it go. “Do you think your sister said something to him? Or stole your man?”

Apple folded her hands. “I’d rather not comment.”

The interview ended shortly after, with Marla thanking her and Apple giving one last sad, brave smile.

I sat there for a moment, staring at the blank screen.

Then the anger hit me like a punch.

My hands shook as I marched out of the bedroom, down the hall, and into the living room just as Knox and Titan came back from their walk. Knox was unclipping Titan’s leash when I shoved the phone toward him like it was evidence in a murder trial.

He looked at the screen, then at me.

I glared at him, fury boiling over.

“Did you get my bitch of a sister pregnant!”

Chapter 34: Run

Knox blinked at me, clearly confused.

“What are you talking about?” he said. “Ashley, slow down.”

I shoved the phone toward him again. “The podcast. The one with Apple. It came out tonight.”