Chapter 4

I sat on the edge of the examination table, paper crinkling beneath me as I smoothed the thin hospital gown over my still-flat stomach. The OB's office was painted a soothing sage green, but nothing could calm my nerves today. This was my first prenatal appointment—the first real acknowledgment that I was bringing a child into this chaos.

"Heart rate and blood pressure look good," Dr. Chen said, making notes in my chart. "Though your blood pressure is a bit elevated. Anything causing you stress, Claire?"

I almost laughed. Where would I even begin? With my fraudulent five-year relationship? My…