Chapter 5

That night, Nolan came home looking drained.

"Babe, work got messy today." He tried to act like he had it together.

"What happened?" I asked, concern all over my face while I laughed inside.

"A few major clients suddenly pulled out. I have no clue why." He rubbed his temples, frustrated.

"Could competitors be messing with things behind the scenes?" I tilted my head.

"Maybe..." Something flickered across his face. "A few companies have been trying to steal our business lately."

I smiled to myself. He still had no clue the real problem was sitting right next to him.

"Don't stress too much." I kept my voice soft. "We'll figure it out. Worst case, my family can help."

He looked at me like I hung the moon. "Having you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Hypocrite.

If I was really that great, why cheat on me?

But he wouldn't be saying that for much longer.

***

Early the next morning, my phone rang.

Kelsey.

"Ms. Jourdain, I want to talk to you." Her voice shook.

"Sure. Pick a place."

An hour later, we met at a quiet café.

Kelsey was wearing a loose maternity dress. Her face was pale, eyes red and puffy. She'd clearly been crying.

"Ms. Jourdain, I think you already know Nolan is the baby's father." Her voice wavered.

I just looked at her. No anger. No surprise.

That only made her more nervous.

"I never meant to ruin your marriage." The excuses came fast. "He told me he didn't love you. He said your marriage was just for appearances—"

"What else did he say?"

"He said he only married you because of family interests. That there was never any real love..." Her voice kept getting quieter.

I let out a cold laugh. "And you actually bought that?"

"I..." Nothing.

"Do you even hear yourself?" I stood, looking down at her. "You thought sleeping with a married man and getting pregnant would put you in my spot?"

She instantly wrapped a hand around her stomach.

"I'll leave. If you give me money, I swear I'll disappear. You'll never see me again."

"Money?" I laughed. "How much exactly do you think you're worth?"

"Five hundred thousand..." she said carefully.

"Five hundred thousand?" My voice cut through the café. "You think you're worth that?"

I sat back down, crossed my legs, and stared at her.

"You won't get a dime. Because pretty soon, both of you will have nothing."

I stood and started walking away.

"Ms. Jourdain!" Kelsey called after me. "You can't do this! I'm carrying Nolan's son! You can't ignore this!"

I turned back, my eyes cold.

"Are you sure that baby's Nolan's?"