My Childhood Crush Wasn’t the Father of My Baby

At my birthday party, I had an accidental one-night stand with Ethan, the boy next door I’d chased for ten years.

When I woke up, he was already getting dressed, looking down at me with cold disgust.

"This is a really cheap trick, Chloe."

I looked at the glass of non-alcoholic juice on the nightstand. I didn't explain. I didn't argue.

I just ignored the aching soreness in my body, went straight home, and completely cut off contact with him for three whole months.

The next time I heard from him, his mother had dragged him to my house to ask for a favor.