Chapter 2

The valet pulls the car around just then.

Chloe looks at me, all concern.

"Avery, are you okay? You should get in the car."

Ethan steps forward, slides his arm around her shoulders, and guides her gently into the back seat.

"You first. It's too hot out. You just had a baby — you need rest."

Chloe settles in, tilts her face up, eyes brimming.

"But Avery… she doesn't seem to like my baby…"

Ethan crouches down to her eye level.

His voice is tender. His expression certain.

"He's your baby. Of course she loves him. Don't overthink it."

He takes her hand, frowning softly.

"You're freezing."

He reaches over and turns up the heat — sweat still beading on his own forehead.

Then he looks back at me and Ryan.

"Everyone, get in. We'll talk at home. It's too hot — Chloe and the baby can't take this."

Ryan nods and climbs into the back.

I stand outside, staring at the passenger seat that has always been mine.

Ethan catches on. His jaw tightens.

"Chloe gets carsick. She needs to sit up front this time."

Chloe panics, clutching the baby, already moving to get out.

"No — that's Avery's seat. I'll move, I'll move—"

I press my lips together. A cold laugh slips out.

"Cut the act. You're nothing but a homewrecker.You already stole my husband — you think I care about a seat?"

Chloe's head drops. Tears roll silently down her cheeks.

Ethan's face goes dark. He turns on me, barely containing his fury.

"Homewrecker? If we're keeping score — you're the other woman."

Ryan jabs his finger at my face.

"They got married years ago so Chloe could have his baby and give his family the heir they wanted. They only divorced yesterday — so Ethan could marry you today."

"You tell me — who's the other woman?"

"Chloe nearly died giving birth for you, and this is how you treat her? You're goddamn ungrateful."

"Don't wanna get in? Fine. Walk home."

He shoves me back and slams the door shut.

Just before the door closes, I see it — the look in Ethan's eyes.

Irritation. Pure irritation.

The car pulls away.

The sun beats down, burning my skin raw.

I stand there, frozen.

And I remember something he told me — back when we were happy.

"If we ever fight and I walk away — just stay where you are and count to twenty. I'll come back. I'll always come back."

Ten years together, and we barely ever fought.

He never once walked away.

I hate myself for it, but I start counting.

At twenty, his car doubles back, just like he promised.

Tears spill down my cheeks.

He remembered.

So why does it hurt even more?

The passenger door opens. Chloe has moved to the back with the baby.

Ethan sits behind the wheel, one hand on it, the other pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Avery. Stop this. It's hot. You'll get heatstroke."

I bite down on my lip. My voice comes out shaking.

"Ethan — what if I told you I'm pregnant too?"