Chapter 2
In a flash, a shiver raced from my feet to my head, making my eyes water from the cold.
I clenched my hands tightly to suppress the urge to cry.
Rising to my feet, I spoke with a slightly raspy voice.
Since you’re still busy, I’ll leave now. I’m worried about leaving the baby
alone at home.”
Marques looked hurt and sighed.
“Since the baby arrived, I feel like I’ve lost my place in your heart.
“Alright then, go home, honey. Make sure to be careful on your way, and send me a message when you reach home.”
His words made my eyes sting again. I quickly lowered my head to hide my emotions.
Before turning away, I glanced once more at the floor–to–ceiling window.
Beneath the desk, a woman’s head was moving up and down.
As soon as I left the office, the tears I had been holding back streamed down my face.
I had never imagined Marques would betray me like this, but the shocking truth had been clear.
The reality, stained with betrayal, had been grotesque.
My eyes had filled with tears. Recalling something, I had shakily pulled.
Chapter 2
out my phone.
I switched on the speaker of the backup phone I’d hidden beneath the couch earlier.
“Mr. Cruz, does this bring you any satisfaction?”
Marques’s tone was somewhat icy.
“We almost got caught by Maddie. I’ve warned you, she can’t find out about this.”
The woman murmured soothingly.
“Don’t be upset. Your wife didn’t notice, did she? I just thought it would add a thrill, make you feel better…
“I’m sorry. Can I make it up to you?”
After a moment, Marques’s voice became gentler.
“Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
The woman chuckled.
“I knew you’d be the kindest.
“You didn’t finish earlier, right? Let me assist you once more.”
Next, unclear sounds intermittently came through the receiver.
I bit my lip so hard that I tasted blood.
As usual, Marques arrived home before seven, holding a cake.
He leaned in and kissed my cheek, speaking in a gentle voice.
“Do you want a snack? You can have a bite to hold you over, and I’ll start
cooking.”
I watched him standing there in the soft yellow glow, a deep ache in my chest making it hard to breathe.
I struggled to reconcile the man from earlier today with the one before met
now.
Earlier, he was cozying up to another woman. Now, he’s acting like he cares about me.
A wave of nausea swept over me, unsettling my stomach.
Soon, dinner was prepared.
It was a banquet featuring all my favorite foods.
Even the shrimp had been meticulously peeled post–cooking and arranged before me.
Even the maid who was taking care of the baby couldn’t help but exclaim, “Mr. Cruz is really good to you, Mrs. Cruz.”
Was he really?
Yet he still cheated.
At that moment, Marques’s phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at it, then calmly hung up. After a while, he spoke in a casual
tone.
“Honey, there’s a little problem with the branch office in the southern district. I need to fly over to handle it later.
“I might be back tomorrow, or the day after.
Chapter 2
“Take good care of yourself at home and make sure you eat your three meals on time. If the baby bothers you too much, let Maria take care of him.”
I nodded.
“Okay, go ahead.”
Marques gently kissed my forehead, then gave a peck to the baby before heading out.
I set my fork aside, passed the baby to the maid, and stood to follow him.
I had noticed it–the caller ID showed Ms. Meade
Meade, like Kelly Meade’s last name.
I tailed Marques’s car all the way to the hospital, observing as he sped through several red lights.
His urgency was evident.
I suppressed the pain in my chest and moved nearer. The hospital room door was slightly ajar.
www
Marques frowned, speaking in a hushed tone.
“I told you not to reach out at night.
Then, glancing at Kelly, who stood unharmed before him, his voice became gentler.
“What happened to you? Your text wasn’t clear. I thought you were badly hurt. I was worried sick.”
Kelly gazed at Marques with her eyes glistening, her voice tinged with distress.
Chapter 2
“I was so anxious earlier, I forgot to explain.
Marques felt his heart melt.
“What happened? Please don’t keep me in suspense.”
Kelly’s cheeks flushed a bit, and she bashfully lowered her gaze.
“I… we’re going to have a baby.”
