Chapter 2

Nora's POV

"Happy anniversary, Nora."

Arthur walked through our front door at 6:30 PM, carrying a massive bouquet of white peonies. He dropped his briefcase, crossed the living room, and pulled me into his arms.

He kissed me deeply. He smelled like expensive Tom Ford cologne, perfectly masking any trace of the Italian restaurant.

"I hated being stuck in that boardroom today, of all days," he murmured, his chin resting on top of my head.

I didn't pull away. I just stared blankly at the wall behind him.

If he had come home cold or irritated, it might have been easier to bear. But as he pulled back to look at me, his expression was exactly the same as it had been for five years. His eyes were swimming with genuine affection.

"I know today is hard for you," he whispered, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "But I'm here. I'll always be here to take care of you."

I watched his face. I didn't know if he was merely pretending, or if he had simply believed his own lies so deeply--that he could play the devoted husband to a broken wife while secretly raising a son across town.

"I'm going to draw you a bath," he said tenderly. "Then I'll make us dinner."

During the meal, I played my part. I smiled. I drank the wine. I watched the man I loved act like my savior.

Under the table, my phone vibrated. It was a preliminary text from Mr. Vance, the investigator.

"Target identity confirmed. The property is linked to an LLC controlled by Mr. Pendleton. I am currently verifying the child's identity and the related timeline. Full report by tomorrow morning."

That night, Arthur fell asleep with his arm wrapped tightly around my waist, anchoring me to him.

I lay wide awake in the dark. The man holding me wasn't my husband. He was a complete stranger, and I was simply a ghost haunting his second life.