Chapter 2
Three days later, I was all alone, lying on the operating table.
The cold probe pressed into me, sharp pain stabbing through my body.
I bit my lip hard, staring up at the ceiling lights, soft yet chilling, and my mind went completely numb.
Right then, my phone started ringing. It was Charles.
He said, "Faye, what are you doing? What do you want for lunch? Mom said she'd cook something and bring it over."
His voice was as gentle and caring as always, but through the phone, it felt like a blade forged in ice, cutting me to pieces with every word.
I forced my voice to sound normal. "Nothing, just resting. Tell your mom not to bother. I'll throw something together myself."
"Make sure you eat well for our baby." He chuckled gently. "I'll come home early tonight and spend time with you."
Our baby. Those words pierced right through me.
After I hung up, tears slipped down unexpectedly, tracing a wet path to my hairline.
The nurse said softly, "Just relax, it'll be over soon."
How could I possibly relax? While I waited for the results, I drifted around like a ghost.
Charles stayed gentle as ever, always coming home on time, bringing me snacks, and telling childish fairy tales to my bump before bed.
He was such a good actor.
I secretly checked his phone. His password was still my birthday, as always.
His bank records were spotless, and on WhatsApp, there was nothing but work groups and a few guy friends, not a single hint of another woman.
It was so squeaky clean that it felt totally fake.
Then, tucked away in the most hidden pocket of his old wallet, I found a photo, its edges worn soft from being touched over and over.
In the picture, Charles was hugging Sophie, the same girl from those videos, both of them smiling brightly and carefree.
The background was the beach, and the date showed it was from last year, the same time he claimed he was "on a business trip."
On the back of the photo, in delicate handwriting, it said: [SophieSafe, Charlie's favorite.]
My stomach lurched, and I bolted to the bathroom, throwing up until I thought I'd pass out.