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CHAPTER HUNDRED AND NINETY-TWO

Author: Mairee
last update Last Updated: 2025-11-24 01:04:40

#Dorothy’s POV#

The sun is heavy this afternoon, sinking low but still sharp. The air is sticky warm, but the breeze carries a hint of late summer sweetness from the hibiscus shrubs. I’m standing here with two of the maids, watching them fuss over the sprinklers, tugging hoses and trimming the edges of the hedges with their small shears. My hands are idle, but I keep pretending to rearrange the potted orchids on the steps just so I look like I belong in the scene. I don’t want to go back inside, because it’s too quiet in there, and I already know that once I’m alone, my head will start spinning again about him.

Joel.

I haven’t seen him in four days. Not a glimpse or even his voice on the other end of the line. Anytime I call, he answers with a text message instead. I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’ll be home tonight. But every night, the door stays shut, the bed cold, and it feels like I’m being punished without him ever saying the words.

And I keep wondering if it’s because of me.

Because I
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  • The Fathers of My Child?   CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED ~ EPILOGUE

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