Chapter 2

Under Cody's arrangement, I was given the nursery as my room, whereas Eleanor slept with Cody and Kendra in the master bedroom.

I just finished putting my things away when I heard laughter from the living room.

"I think Ellie could do a runway walk or maybe recite some nursery rhymes," Mom remarked with a loving smile, her eyes full of affection.

Dad nodded in agreement. "A simple kids' song would be cute too."

Cody had his arm draped around Kendra's shoulders, grinning with pride. "Ellie's so smart and adorable; she could win first place no matter what."

Kendra lowered her head slightly, a gentle smile playing at her lips. "Ellie's still young, just being a part of it is a wonderful experience."

Cody leaned in and kissed her gently on the forehead. "You're doing a great job raising her."

I stood in the doorway watching this picture-perfect family scene, but all I felt was nausea. Their smiles seemed so fake and hollow.

My mind could not help but drift back to that nightmarish scene from half a month ago. I said goodbye to my colleagues early and came home to surprise my family. However, when I pushed open the door, I heard sounds that shattered my heart.

Kendra and Cody were whispering intimately in my room. A moment later, the soft voice of a child called out, "Mommy, Daddy!"

The shock hit me like lightning, my whole body trembled as my brain went completely blank. In that moment, it felt like my entire world collapsed.

I forced myself to stay quiet and backed out of the room, wanting to see how my parents would react.

From the hallway, I overheard them talking.

"Ellie's turning two soon, and Kendra's health is much better. I'll talk to Cody about having them try for a son next," Mom said, her tone full of anticipation.

Dad agreed without hesitation. "Yes. Having a boy and a girl would be perfect!"

My heart plummeted into a dark abyss. Not only did they accept this twisted relationship, but they were encouraging them to have another child.

...

Moonlight shone in through the gap in the curtains. I reached out and touched the little blanket in the crib—it was still warm. The walls were covered with cute cartoon stickers, and stuffed animals were piled in the corner.

This room should have been for the fruit of my love with Kendra, but instead, Kendra had a child with someone else. My hands unconsciously clenched into fists, my fingernails digging deep into my palms.

Suddenly, intimate sounds came from the next room.

"Ah! Be gentle. Ellie just fell asleep," Kendra whispered, her voice soft and alluring.

"Don't worry. I'll be gentle," Cody replied, his voice husky with desire.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. However, every sound was like a knife, stabbing over and over into my chest.

I could not help but remember my first date with Kendra. It was a sunny afternoon, and we strolled the park. Kendra wore a light blue dress, the sunlight dancing along the tips of her hair.

We promised forever as the sun dipped behind the trees. But now, all those sweet moments had turned bitter.

Time changed everything. What once felt sacred now felt like a cruel joke.