The timescale matched.

Brendan’s handsome features remained apathetic throughout the process. As they entered the car, Charlene asked sheepishly, “You… don’t want this kid, do you?”

Her eyes turned misty. “If you don’t want them, just say it. I’m not going to force you into taking care of a child you don’t want. The last thing I want is to bring a fatherless kid to the world.”

Brendan snapped out of his trance. “What are you saying? I said I was going to marry you, didn’t I?”

As he turned the car engine on, Charlene laughed self-deprecatingly. “Yes, you did, but only because you needed news about Ophelia McKinnon’s whereabouts. It wasn’t out of real love. If it wasn’t for Ophelia, you wouldn’t even spare me a glance, would you?”

Mentioning Ophelia brought a mocking sneer to Brendan’s face. “You really think I’d marry a woman I don’t love for Ophelia’s sake?”

Charlene froze. Then, her eyes gleamed in anticipation. “What did you say, Bren?”

Brendan was reluctant to repeat himsel