Chapter 1

Nora's POV

Today was our fifth wedding anniversary. It was also exactly three years since the day I lost our baby.

Arthur had kissed my forehead that morning, apologizing endlessly that a critical board meeting would keep him downtown until dinner. To distract myself, I had driven out to the suburbs to pick up a custom-engraved watch I'd ordered for his anniversary gift months ago.

As I walked out of the boutique, I froze.

Arthur's black Range Rover was parked outside a family-style Italian restaurant across the street.

I pulled my coat tighter against the autumn chill and walked closer, stopping behind a streetlamp. Through the restaurant's large glass window, I saw him.

He wasn't in a suit. He was wearing a casual sweater, gently wiping tomato sauce off a little boy's chin with a napkin.

A young, delicate-looking brunette sat across from them. She smiled, handing the boy a crayon.

"Look, Daddy!" The toddler slapped a drawing onto the table.

Arthur laughed. It was a warm, relaxed sound I hadn't heard in his voice for years. He ruffled the boy's hair.

I stood paralyzed on the sidewalk. The world around me went entirely silent.

The woman reached out, her fingers lightly brushing Arthur's sleeve. I couldn't hear everything through the glass, just fragmented pieces of a life that wasn't mine.

"Can't you stay tonight?" she asked softly, her head tilted down.

Arthur's smile faded. He looked at her, and his face wasn't filled with the panic of a cheater. He just looked deeply pained. Like a man torn in two.

"Not today," Arthur said quietly, pulling his hand back. "Nora is waiting for me."

Before he stood up, he leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

I didn't storm into the restaurant. I didn't scream or demand answers. A chilling numbness spread through my veins. How long had this been going on? Did she know about me, or was I just an excuse?

I stepped back into the shadows, walked to my car, and locked the doors.

My hands were remarkably steady as I pulled out my phone and searched for the number of a private investigator.