Chapter 6

Clark gently helped the young woman out of the obstetrics clinic. Both of them were smiling, their faces glowing with happiness.

Nyla immediately recognized her. This was the woman from the photos in those anonymous messages.

Just then, the woman spotted Nyla standing frozen in the hallway. Her eyes lit up with surprise and something that looked like malicious delight.

"Oh wow, isn't that Mrs. Summer?" she exclaimed loudly. "What a coincidence running into you at the hospital!"

At the sound of her voice, Clark looked up. His eyes met Nyla's across the corridor. His entire body went rigid. He quickly dropped his hand from the woman's arm, panic flooding his features.

"Nyla!" Clark hurried toward her, his voice high with nervousness. "Why are you here? You should be resting in your room!"

He reached her side, speaking rapidly. "I was just downstairs getting your medicine when I accidentally bumped into Jordyn here. She's my new secretary, and she's pregnant. I was worried she might fall, so I helped steady her."

His explanation tumbled out in a rush. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the air conditioning.

Nyla's gaze moved to the woman's slightly swollen belly. She felt her breathing become shallow and labored. But she forced herself to remain outwardly calm.

"Miss Jordyn," Nyla said slowly, "when did you get pregnant? Where's the father? Shouldn't he be here with you for such an important appointment?"

Jordyn caressed her belly with obvious pride. A sweet, satisfied smile spread across her face. "I just found out I'm two months along. The father couldn't be here because he's so busy with work, but he was absolutely thrilled when I told him."

She practically glowed as she spoke. "He said he wants to give me and the baby the best life possible. He's already bought me a beautiful apartment downtown and promised to make everything official after the baby arrives."

Every word felt like a knife twisting in Nyla's chest.

Jordyn continued, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Mrs. Summer, you're so lucky to have such a wonderful husband. But I think my boyfriend is just as amazing. He tells me I've become even more beautiful since getting pregnant. He can barely stand to leave my side."

She paused, tilting her head with feigned innocence. "Mrs. Summer, do you have time? I'm free today. Would you like to have dinner together? I could invite the baby's father to join us."

The challenge in her eyes was unmistakable.

Clark's expression darkened. He shot Jordyn a warning look. "My wife doesn't have time. Miss Jordyn, I'm sure your boyfriend is waiting for you. Don't keep him worried."

His voice carried clear dismissal and irritation.

Then he wrapped his arm around Nyla's shoulders, his touch gentle and concerned. "Honey, you're still recovering. You shouldn't be walking around the hospital. Let me take you back to your room."

He spoke in the same caring tone. "She's just a secretary. Don't worry about her."

Jordyn's face crumpled at the cold dismissal in Clark's voice. Her eyes filled with tears, making her look young and vulnerable. "You're right. I got too excited. I'm not worthy of having dinner with Mrs. Summer."

She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, looking genuinely hurt. "I should go. My boyfriend will be wondering where I am."

With that, she turned and walked away, her shoulders shaking slightly.

Clark's expression flickered. For a moment, he looked like he wanted to follow her. But when he noticed Nyla watching him carefully, he stayed put.

He turned back to Nyla and patted her head affectionately. "Be good, okay? I have some urgent things to handle at the company. I'll have James drive you home. Get some rest, and I'll be back tonight to check on you."

His voice was warm and loving, the same tone he had used for three years of marriage.

As soon as Nyla returned to her hospital room, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Jordyn.

The first image was a pregnancy test showing two clear pink lines.

Then came a series of messages that made Nyla's hands shake:

[Nyla, I know you figured it out today. The baby is Clark's. Don't think he loves you as much as you believe. If he truly loves you, then what am I doing in his life?]

[Do you know how obsessed he is with me? Every year on your birthday and your anniversary, after he puts you to sleep, he comes to spend the night with me. He's so passionate with me, so wild. We go through boxes of condoms, and I can barely walk the next day.]

[We've made love in his car, his office, even in your bedroom when you were away. He's done things with me that I bet he's never done with you. Has he ever been truly passionate with you, Nyla? Or does he save all his fire for me?]

Reading these brutal messages, Nyla felt something break inside her chest. Her hands trembled as she set down the phone.

She took deep, measured breaths, trying to suppress the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

That evening, Clark returned with an elegant white box.

Inside was a strawberry mousse cake from the city's most expensive French pastry shop. It had once been Nyla's absolute favorite dessert.

"Baby, I brought your favorite cake," Clark said carefully, watching her face for a reaction. "The doctor said you're still weak and need to eat more sweets to build up your energy."

He opened the box with a flourish, revealing the delicate pink confection.

In the past, Nyla would have clapped her hands with delight at seeing this cake. She used to say it was almost too beautiful to eat. But now, looking at it made her stomach turn.

She picked up the small silver fork and took a mechanical bite. The overly sweet flavor sat in her mouth like paste. She couldn't swallow it.

Without a word, Nyla stood up and threw the entire cake box into the trash can. The beautiful dessert landed with a dull thud.

Clark stared at her in shock. "Nyla, what's wrong with you? "