Sacrificial Lamb

‘Hello, Amiyah.’ Landon didn’t look surprised to see me. I couldn’t say the same. ‘Hello,’ was all I managed to squeeze out. His gaze travelled downward and landed on my hand, held in Kieran’s. His brows were knitted. ‘I’ll set these down.’ Kieran took the bouquet of white carnations from me. He pecked me on the cheek, a declarative statement meant for Landon. Then he left the two of us alone. I squared my shoulders and faced my ex-husband. ‘How have you been?’ I went with a lame opening. ‘Not good, as you can see.’ He shrugged and smiled wanly. The thick wool scarf around his neck hid part of his stubbled chin. His eyes were hooded and heavy with fatigue. It must have been months since he got a haircut. ‘My life is a hellhole of misery without you.’ He stepped forward. ‘Amiyah, I’m sorry about the baby. I didn’t know you were pregnant. You know I’d never hurt you intentionally. I was—’ ‘I know.’ I put up a hand to stop him. Any mention of the baby was another dagger through my heart.