Chapter 2
"Cut the crap," Thomas chuckled dryly, flipping his phone over on the nightstand.
He kicked off the covers, got out of bed, and walked over to me, reaching out to hug me.
"Come on, we're getting married. What dog are you talking about?
"I'll be your faithful dog for life," Thomas said.
The scent of the body wash I picked out for him lingered on his skin.
It used to smell fresh and clean, but now all I could sense was the stink of his lies mixed in.
I turned away from his arms.
"I'm going to get some water," I said.
Thomas's hand froze in midair, a glint of coldness flickering in his eyes before it vanished.
"I'll get it for you," he said.
He hurried downstairs, his back unusually frantic.
Seizing the moment, I picked up his phone.
The passcode was my birthday. He'd set it like that to prove he was devoted to me.
I unlocked it and opened WhatsApp.
All the chat history had been wiped clean.
Even Stella's message from earlier had vanished.
All that remained was an empty chat screen, silently mocking me.
By the time Thomas came back upstairs with the water, I was already lying back in bed.
"Penelope, here's your water," he said, settling beside me, his gaze soft and gentle.
I took the glass and sipped. The warm water slid down my throat, but it did nothing to thaw the chill in my heart.
"Thomas, I want to change the venue for our wedding," I blurted out.
Thomas looked stunned. "Isn't everything set for Sundara Isle? We already paid the deposit."
"I want it in Sunderport." I met his gaze.
"At your family's hotel. I want to invite the whole city," I said.
Thomas's brows drew together.
"Penelope, isn't that a bit too flashy?
"You know the company's been struggling lately. I was hoping we could keep it low-key," he explained.
I interrupted him, "I'll pay for it.
"My dad said as long as I'm happy, money's no object."
Thomas's hesitation flickered for a split second before greed took over his eyes.
But he hid it well, putting on an act and pretending to be conflicted.
"I just don't want you to spend so much. But if you really want to, we'll do it your way.
"But could you lend me 15 thousand, just to tide me over?" he said.
He switched gears, sounding extra careful.
"There's a project at the company that needs urgent funds. The money should come in a couple of days, and I'll pay you back right away," he said.
My fingers tightened around the glass.
15 thousand was exactly the nutritional support for Stella.
So he was just robbing Peter to pay Paul, using my cash to plug that endless hole.
"Sure," I replied with a smile. "I'll send it to you tomorrow."
Thomas let out a sigh of relief and finally wrapped his arms around me.
"Penelope, you're amazing.
"Once we're married, I'll hand over all my shares to you. I'll make you the happiest Mrs. Guzman out there," he promised.
He was whispering sweet promises in my ear, selling me dreams he'd never deliver.
I leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. Steady, powerful, but filled with calculation.
Early the next morning, I received a WhatsApp message from Stella.
It was an ultrasound scan.
Stella texted: [Penelope, the doctor says it's twins.
[Mr. Guzman is absolutely thrilled. He just sent me another 30 thousand and said he's going to buy me a house.]
I stared at the black-and-white ultrasound image, my stomach twisting all over again.
With the 15 thousand from last night, Thomas was cleaning out my money, bit by bit.
I texted: [Oh, really?
[Mr. Guzman is so generous with you. My guy has to pay for a ring in installments.]
Stella sent back a smug emoji.
Stella: [Men are simple. Hit their soft spot, and they'll hand over the cash without a fuss.
[Penelope, don't be so clueless. Thomas's pathetic paycheck won't get you far. Why not find yourself a backup guy?]
I scoffed under my breath.
I was not the type.
All I needed was a hammer to send those two lowlifes straight to hell.