Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 5

Third Person's POV

Months later, as Charlotte's due date approached, Kayden became her constant shadow.

When labor started, he found himself trapped in the sterile hospital hallway, wearing a path in the floor with his pacing. Feeling utterly useless, he could only wait and hope everything would be okay.

He wasn't the only one anxious. Ryan, Charlotte's childhood friend, was there too. Kayden's jaw tightened - of course he'd show up now.

Usually, Ryan wasn't even on his radar. Sure, they had history, but Charlotte wasn't some small-town girl impressed by charm and good looks. Her lifestyle required serious money. She had her own empire and was attracted to power. It's why Kayden had waited to make his move until he'd built his success.

Ryan might be her bestie, but she'd never settle for some pretty face living paycheck to paycheck. Kayden was secure enough to let Ryan hover around - annoying as it was.

An hour later, the doors opened. A nurse appeared with their son - though the gender wasn't a surprise thanks to their private clinic. While Kayden maintained his cool, Ryan was actually crying.

They wheeled Charlotte out, Kayden on her left, Ryan on her right. Kayden wouldn't lower himself to compete with someone so irrelevant, but it stung when Charlotte's first look went to Ryan.

He drifted into memories until Charlotte's sharp voice yanked him back.

She glared at him, tears of rage in her eyes.

"Which slut are you daydreaming about now, Kayden? Bet it's that little bitch Gabriella, isn't it?"