Chapter 003

The morning sunlight streamed gently through the large windows, painting golden streaks across the floor. It was my wedding anniversary.

I stood in the kitchen, quietly stirring a pot of warm porridge. Today, I decided, would be peaceful. I wanted no sadness, no pain or thoughts of my childlessness, just a celebration of the years I and Elijah had spent together. I had spent most of the night thinking, brushing aside the strange message I saw on his phone. Maybe... I thought , that it had nothing to do with us. I just wanted to believe that.

Elijah came downstairs as I set two mugs of tea on the table. He was already dressed for work, dark grey suit, tie was all neat, leather watch wrapped tight around his wrist. He looked like he had somewhere important to be. But it wasn’t his clothes that caught my attention. It was his mood.

He looked… this cheerful and lighter. Like something had gone right for him. There was a soft smile on his lips as he checked his phone again, eyes glowing with something I couldn’t name.

I looked at him carefully. “Good morning,” i said, with warm smile. “Morning,” Elijah replied quickly, glancing up just for a second before going back to his phone.

I hesitated. “Is there good news?” i asked gently, my hands resting on the counter. “You seem… happy today.” Elijah’s fingers paused over his screen. He looked at me, just for a moment, then smiled. “Just work stuff. Nothing big.”

I nodded slowly. “Oh. I see.” Then he slipped on his watch, picked up his car keys, and kissed me lightly on the forehead. “I’ll be home early,” he said. “Rest well, alright?”

He didn’t take a bite of the breakfast i had made. The porridge sat untouched, steam curling into the air as the front door clicked shut behind him.

I stood there in silence. I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe that everything was alright. But something inside me stirred like a whisper. like a doubt. Still, I pushed the feeling away.

I turned toward the fridge and started planning dinner. It was our anniversary. I said to myself that I was going to make his favorite dishes. set up Light candles and even wear the dress he once said made me look like a dream. Today, I would hold on to hope. Even if it felt like it was slipping through my fingers.

***

Later that evening, The house smelled of roasted garlic, honeyed chicken, and soft buttered rolls. The table was all set with quiet care, two plates, two candles, a folded napkin under silverware. I checked my phone again.

It was almost six. I had just finished lighting the candles when my phone buzzed. It was Elijah. I picked it up quickly, my heart lifted just a little.

hoping he'll say he was on his way. “Hey,” his voice came through, deep and calm. “Don’t wait for me, okay? I’ve got a lot going on at work. I’ll be home late."

I blinked. “Oh… but it’s our anniversary dinner. “I know,” he said, not kindly. “I’ll make it up to you. I Promise.”

Before I could reply, the line cut. Just like that. I stood still, with the phone pressed to my chest. I looked towards the dining table, the candles flickered quietly on the table, the food still warm.I tried to smile again, but this time it trembled.

I knew work came first for Elijah, he had always been driven, focused. But tonight? On our anniversary?

my chest tightened. Maybe he was really busy. Maybe he forgot what today meant to me. Maybe…

my eyes fell again on the covered food trays. I wrapped the containers gently, packed them into a box, and grabbed my coat. If he couldn’t come home, I'll’d bring dinner to him.

At least then, I'll’d see him.

***

The evening breeze was cool as I stepped into the Grayson Tower. I greeted the receptionist with a soft smile. I was already walking towards the elevator when she called out to me.

"Mrs Grayson... excuse me ma'am..." I turned to look at her adjusting the food bag in my hand.

“I’m sorry,” she said after a moment. “Mr. Grayson hasn’t been in the office at all today.”

I stared at her. “What?” I whispered. “He… he said he was working late.”

The receptionist gave a polite, apologetic smile. “Perhaps you could try reaching him?” I nodded slowly, backing away from the elevator.

I stood outside the Tower building, gripping the food tighter in my hands. my fingers felt very cold. If Elijah wasn’t at work… Where was he?

I picked my phone from my purse. My fingers hovered over my phone, hesitating.

I took a deep breath and dialed Elijah's number. He answered on the second ring.

"Hey, love," he said, his voice smooth. "Everything okay?" I tried to keep my voice steady. "Elijah, where are you?"

"Still at the office," he replied without missing a beat. "Meeting with a client ran longer than expected."

I paused, the words from the receptionist echoing in my mind. "But I'm Standing Outside the Towers," I said softly. "They said you hadn't been in all day."

There was a brief silence on the line. "Ah, I had to step out for some off-site meetings," he said quickly. "Didn't have time to inform my receptionist. it was quick.

I nodded slowly, even though he couldn't see me. "Alright. I was just worried." "Don't be," he said gently. "I'll be home late. Get some rest, okay?"

"Okay," I whispered, and the call ended. I stared at the phone in my hand, doubt creeping into my thoughts.

I opened the browser and searched for St. Aldric Memorial Hospital. The same name from the message on his phone.

I found the number and dialed. "St. Aldric Memorial Hospital, how may I assist you?" a nurse answered.

"Hello," I began, trying to keep my voice calm. "I'm inquiring about a patient named Miss Vanessa. Has she had any visitors today?"

There was a pause as the nurse checked. "Yes," she replied. "A gentleman named Elijah Grayson spent the entire day with her."

My heart sank. I ended the call and sat in silence, the weight of the revelation pressing down on me so hard.

Who is Miss Vanessa? And why would Elijah lie to me about being with her?