Chapter 6: Mother by Chance
Chapter 6: The Truth Revealed
As the days turned into weeks, Alex and Ethan's relationship blossomed. They spent every spare moment together, preparing for the arrival of their baby. Ethan proved to be a devoted partner, attending prenatal appointments and baby classes with Alex. He even started reading up on parenting books and websites, determined to be the best father he could be.
Alex was touched by Ethan's efforts, and she found herself falling for him more and more each day. But despite their growing closeness, Alex couldn't shake off the feeling that Ethan was still hiding something from her.
One evening, as they were cooking dinner together, Alex decided to confront Ethan about her suspicions.
"Ethan, can I ask you something?" Alex said, her voice casual.
"Of course, what is it?" Ethan replied, looking up from the stove.
"I feel like there's something you're not telling me," Alex said, her eyes locked on his. "Something important."
Ethan's expression faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ethan said, his voice neutral.
But Alex wasn't convinced. She knew Ethan well enough by now to recognize when he was hiding something.
"I think you do," Alex said, her voice firm. "And I think it's time you told me the truth."
Ethan sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Okay, fine," Ethan said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll tell you. But you have to promise not to freak out."
Alex's heart was racing with anticipation. What could Ethan possibly reveal that would make her freak out?
"I promise," Alex said, her voice steady.
Ethan took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers.
"I'm not who you think I am," Ethan said, his voice low and serious. "My name isn't even Ethan."
Alex's eyes widened in shock. What did Ethan mean? Who was he, really?
And why had he been lying to her all this time?
Alex felt like her whole world had been turned upside down. She didn't know what to believe or who to trust.
"Ethan, what's going on?" Alex asked, her voice shaking with emotion. "Who are you, really?"
Ethan hesitated, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape.
"My real name is Julian," Ethan said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I've been in witness protection for the past five years."
Alex's eyes widened in shock. Witness protection? What had Ethan done to require witness protection?
"Why?" Alex asked, her voice firm. "What happened?"
Ethan took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers.
"I testified against my father's business partner," Ethan said, his voice low and serious. "He was involved in some shady dealings, and I had to testify against him to bring him down."
Alex's eyes widened in shock. Ethan's father's business partner? What kind of shady dealings had he been involved in?
And why had Ethan's father not protected him?
As Alex's mind reeled with questions, Ethan continued to explain.
"After I testified, my life was in danger," Ethan said, his voice serious. "I had to go into witness protection to stay safe."
Alex felt a chill run down her spine. Ethan's life had been in danger? What kind of danger?
And why had he not told her about this before?
As Alex's mind reeled with questions, Ethan reached out and took her hand.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth sooner," Ethan said, his voice sincere. "But I was afraid of putting you in danger."
Alex looked at Ethan, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She was angry that he had lied to her, but she was also scared for his safety.
As she looked into Ethan's eyes, Alex knew that she had to make a decision. She could either walk away from Ethan and the danger that came with him, or she could stay and face the danger head-on.
What would Alex decide?
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