?Chapter 345:


    “But don’t expect me to marry you. I need you to understand that.”


    Doreen stayed quiet, her expression unreadable. Marc went on, “I’ll take care of the baby. I’ll send money every month for support—whatever you need. But this isn’t going to turn into a rtionship. And one more thing—stay away from my mom. Don’t bring this up with her again.”


    Doreen looked up at him, eyes brimming with quiet hurt. After a long pause, she gave a small nod. “Alright. I won’t say anything to your mother,” she murmured. “But… could you give me some money? The doctor said I’m malnourished. I need supplements. It’s not for me—it’s for the baby.”


    She paused, then continued, “Rest assured, as long as child support is provided, I won’t bother your mother. If you don’t want to see me, I will keep my distance.” Her voice was soft, not maniptive—just tired. Honest.


    Marc actually appreciated that.


    At least she wasn’t pulling a full-blown emotional stunt, the kind Haley used to pull—demanding love,mitment, and God knows what else. That stuff made his skin crawl.


    He pulled out his wallet and handed over all the cash he had. “It’s about ten grand. Take it for now. I’ll transfer moreter.”


    Doreen took the money, nodded without another word, and gged down a taxi. True to her promise, she left without lingering, not even ncing back once.


    Marc stood there, staring at the back of the cab until it disappeared into traffic. His mind was a storm.


    A baby. He was going to be a father, and it still didn’t feel real. It felt like a bad dream that hadn’t finished unraveling yet.


    His thoughts shifted back to Ste. She knew. Somehow, she’d already found out. And from the way she’d looked at him, she probably thought he was garbage. He wanted to exin. To tell her the truth.


    But even if he tried, she’d never believe him.


    He sighed deeply, rubbing his temple, already weighed down by the mess. Just then, footsteps sounded behind him. He turned to see Johnny and Tommy walking up.


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    “Marc?” Johnny blinked, surprised. “Didn’t expect to see you here!” He gave Marc a friendly p on the shoulder, but the gloom on Marc’s face didn’t go unnoticed. Tommy stepped in, concerned. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at thepany?”


    Marc shook his head, rubbing his nose. “It’s not work. It’s… Doreen.” They both looked confused. “Who’s Doreen?”


    Marc let out a heavy sigh. “That college girl. From the lounge bar. She’s pregnant.”


    It took a second for the words to register.


    Johnny’s eyes went wide. “Wait—your baby?”


    Marc clenched his jaw. “I was pissed at Ste that night. Wanted to make her jealous. I didn’t think this would happen.” Johnny’s mouth hung open, stunned.


    Tommy frowned. “Marc… if you’re still trying to win Ste back, how could you let something like this happen? If she finds out, won’t you lose your chance forever?”


    Even Johnny—normally the loyal wingman—couldn’t defend him this time. Marc, already in his lowest mood, snapped. “It’s just one rtionship. What, you two never had one-night stands before?”


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