Chapter 3
Just a few days had passed, but it felt like an eternity. He stood at the doorstep, suitcase dragging behind him, his face marked by weariness and worry. Recently, the news of renowned violinist Katelyn Hernandez's accident during her international tour had been all over the headlines. Kobe flew out to see her without delay.
Meanwhile, I lay alone on the cold operating table, grappling with the agony of losing my child.
“Nothing out of the ordinary happened,” he said nonchalantly. “Didn't you mention wanting to find a home with good schools for the baby? I've found one. Once you sign this document, it’ll officially be yours in twenty-eight days.”
When I handed him the document, I discreetly covered the crucial text, leaving visible only the signature lines. Although doubt flickered in his eyes for a moment, he signed his name without hesitation.
“Aren’t you worried I might be hiding something? Signing without reading?” I asked.
“Honey.” Kobe cupped my face gently, his voice as soothing as a warm breeze in spring. “Everything I have is for you and the baby. The house is in your name; it can be the baby's first investment in the future.”
I forced a small smile. There would be no future.
Kobe, in less than a month, you can drop the act of a devoted lover.
“Grow strong inside Mommy’s tummy, okay?” He tenderly touched my belly, his eyes full of hope and affection. But sadly, there was nothing left inside.
“Oh, by the way, Katelyn is coming back at the end of the month. We should have dinner together at our place,” he said as he set his suitcase down and walked to the bathroom.
I quickly texted the lawyer, letting him know the contract was signed and ready to be mailed the next day.
Suddenly, Kobe’s phone rang with a distinctive ringtone, which he claimed was meant for key business contacts. No matter how late or busy he was, he’d always make time to "meet with a client" when it rang. I used to feel sorry for his hard work. But now...
I quietly picked up his phone. My first attempt at the password was successful. It was Katelyn’s birthday. I opened the latest message notification.
“Darling, the sapphire necklace you gave me is absolutely stunning.”
In the photo, Katelyn’s delicate neck showcased a sapphire the size of a pigeon’s egg, gleaming against her fair skin. I noticed the gold bracelet on her wrist—identical to the one in Kobe's office, which he had claimed was for an important client. So "important client" meant Katelyn all along.
I scrolled through their chat history. Photo after photo scrolled past. All those times Kobe claimed to be on business trips, he was actually with Katelyn on her tour. After each successful performance, he'd gift her a priceless treasure. His phone was an album of her brilliance. He loved her with such intense passion.
Yet, as his wife in name, not a single photo of me could be found on his phone. Then, I stumbled on an electronic document.
“Dear Kate, I've entrusted a lawyer to draft my will. All my assets will go to you and our child. Though I can’t be with you openly, I hope this ensures a solid foundation for your future.”
I clutched the phone, trembling uncontrollably. So, it wasn't unconditional trust; Kobe had already set everything up, leaving his entire fortune to Katelyn. No wonder he signed that paper so readily. To him, this house was just a minor concession for me. I was foolish to think he had even a fraction of genuine feelings for me.
“Kate, Elise finally had success with the IVF. This child will cement your place in the Anderson family, allowing you to peacefully continue your artistic career.” …
“Don’t worry, the person I hired has a known history of mental instability. Even if caught, it won’t be a big problem for us. Focus on your competition. The award is practically yours.” …
“Darling, though I can’t be with you openly in this life, marrying someone else is just a formality. But my heart will always belong to you.”
My heart felt like it was being carved by a cold blade. What a “noble” love, what a “selfless” sacrifice. I captured all these conversation snippets and saved them. Without delay, I forwarded them to my lawyer.