“Because I was jealous.” Everly sighed, then looked at me—really looked at me. “I saw what you and Alexis had, and I wanted that for myself. For my girl. You were hard-working, reliable and honourable. I knew that in whatever scenario, you would always care for a child who was yours. You would always take responsibility. You’re a good guy, Owen.”

I had never wanted to hit a woman. Not ever in my life. But in that moment, newborn mother or not, I would have paid to see her demon soul drain from her eyes.

I shook my head, steering away from that dangerous thought process.

“And the real father?” I required all the facts to try to come to terms with whatever the fuck was happening, to learn the extent of her betrayal. I needed to know everything… And finally, she gave it to me.

“For years, I’ve had an on-and-off relationship with Barry. The main source of our issues always stems from his not wanting to commit. He is regularly deployed to different locations, which means he is always on the move. Away for long periods of time, sometimes several months.” Everly gulped, eyes regretful.

“When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked. When he left that last time, I vowed that it was over, that I was going to put a stop to our toxic relationship. Barry was gone, and I had no idea where he was or how to get in contact with him. He was unreliable. And now I had a baby to think of. That’s where you came in.”

“You used me?” Fuck, maybe I can’t handle the truth. I felt sick, almost like I was going to pass out.

Everly sighed. “Yes, I seduced you, but you went along with it, Owen. You accepted my flirting, never shut down my advances. You left yourself open.”

Crack. My heart splintered from each statement, each revelation.

“Lies,” I vowed. “So, you planned to baby-trap me… with a child who isn’t even mine?”

Everly began to tear up, which made resentment spike through my system. “I’m sorry, Owen. I was blinded by fear. But I only wanted what was best for my baby. That’s all I ever wanted. A safe space for my baby to come into this world.”

“And now what? You think everything is magically taken care of? Barry is back to claim his daughter, and you can all run away and pretend you didn’t just fuck over everyone in your path?”

Everly averted her eyes in guilt before nodding. “I will be leaving with Barry for a fresh start. He spoke with his supervisor and has received a permanent position on the other side of the country.”

God, the audacity of this woman. I was being sarcastic, but she really was a conniving witch. Full of absolute shit.

“And what of me, Everly? Where does that leave me in your grand plans?”