Page 105 of The Contract Marriage

“Something like that.” I fudge since I can’t tell her the truth—that I saw the photos and overheard everything she said to Simon.

The fucker had to sense that I was outside and purposely steered the conversation in that direction. But that’s the only way she’d be honest, isn’t it? She would’ve given some pat answer if she’d known I was listening.

“Want to talk about it?” she says.

“Try a cracker first.” Don’t let my effort go to waste.

She shoots me an uncertain smile, then opens the box. The perfectly baked crackers smell faintly of ginger. She picks one up and bites into it. “It’s quite good,” she says. “Want some?”

“No, thank you.” If I eat anything right now, I’m going to end up running to the bathroom. “They’re for you.”

She nods, then nibbles on it slowly. Her eyes widen. “Wow. It’s actually good.”

“Yeah?” At least she isn’t going to be starving until the baby behaves.

“You’re the best.” She hugs me.

I should feel like I’m on top of the world, but my blood only grows colder. Is this a calculated move? Because she needs a husband who’s acceptable to the world? Somebody whose very presence can twist a knife into Hugh, Deena and Brielle? I recall my clumsy offer to marry her in the alley. If it had been one of my brothers giving her the white bouquet, would she have said yes to him, too?

Still, I don’t want to worry her, so I pat her back.

She tilts her head up with a bright smile. “I have something for you.”

She dashes over to the piano and snatches a white envelope from the soundboard. What is it? An early termination notice? A “sorry but you aren’t good enough” note?

“Here.” She extends her hand.

I stare at the card for a long while, as though I could see through the paper to what’s written inside.

Thanks for everything, but it’s time I moved on and looked for another opportunity to stick it to Hugh. Regardless, hope we can remain friends.

“Come on. Open it,” she urges.

I can take this. I’ve heard worse. At least pawns are useful. A superfluous child isn’t even that.

I take the envelope from her. I don’t want to touch her, but my fingers brush against hers anyway because this might be the last time we’re in the same space.

A card…? Against the blue background is a brown teddy bear with a yellow bow tie and a purple rattle.

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’RE GOING TO BE A FATHER!

My heart lurches. She already told me she’s pregnant. What’s this about? I flip it open.

Liam,

Thank you for being in my life and for this miracle growing in my belly. The doctor says we should be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time this upcoming Tuesday at three. Can you join me? Sharing the moment with you would make it unforgettable.

Your wife, Olivia

I read the note twice before the meaning sinks in. My heart trembles, then pounds, pumping bittersweet poison through my veins. I want to take this note at face value so much…but can I?

My fingers start to tighten around the card, but I forcibly relax to avoid crumpling the paper. If she doesn’t mean it, she shouldn’t torment me like this. I have feelings, even if she doesn’t reciprocate any of them.

“Are you going to be busy on Tuesday at three? Want me to reschedule?” Olivia asks tentatively when I don’t say anything.

“No. You don’t have to reschedule. I’ll—” I’ll be there gets stuck in my throat.

Suddenly I can’t drag in any air. I yank my tie off, striding toward the giant windows facing the ocean. The thin strip of silk slips from my fingers. The salty air fills my lungs, but instead of steadying me, it leaves me trembling.