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“Did you choose to stay after giving birth?”
“Yes.”
“Who made the first move after Emery died?”
My thoughts go back to the night in Xavier’s office where I practically begged him to have sex. How do I explain to Huxley that I needed the time to try and clone Xavier’s phone the way he did with Graham’s all those months ago? My attempt was useless because it didn’t work. Even if it did, would Huxley believe me?
A single tear falls as I realise how obsessive my truth makes me look. But it’s easy to believe that narrative when context isn’t given. I designed the nurserywithEmery. I convinced her to leave becauseshewas unhappy. I chose to stay because Elise needed me. And I fell in love with a man who doesn’t exist.
“Your obsession with him isn’t healthy. You need to walk away. You need a fresh start away from all of this. I can help you find somewhere new to begin.”
My eyes glance over to the pushchair. “I won’t leave her with him.”
“You don’t have a choice.”
I grab hold of the pram and wheel it to the door. “Just watch me. It’s easy to believe lies because everything is perfectly tied together. The truth is ugly and messy. The truth is always harder to believe, even when she’s standing before you,beggingyou to save her life. Do you remember what you said to me the day you told me you loved me?”
My unfiltered sadness makes him flinch. “You don’t have to fight on your own.” He pauses. “Let me slay the dragons.”
When he said those words, I believed him like a fool.
“You lied,” I whisper. “But that’s okay because I’ve fought alone my whole life. I’ve never needed a man to slay my dragons. I’ll do it on my own.” I wipe my tears and stand taller. With a newfound determination, I stare Huxley down. “This all started when he asked me to carry his baby. Instead, I’ve been carrying his lies. Now stand back and watch. I’m going to fuckingburnevery single one of them to the ground.”
“Where are you going?” Mia screeches behind me.
“Don’t open the door to anyone. Keep your phone turned off. Only open the door when you hear my voice on the other side.”
“Sav!”
I turn around to face her. “Jordan won’t be home until midnight. No one else should be coming. Promise you won’t open the door?”
“I promise, but you need to explain why I’m hiding away with a baby.”
I shake my head. “I can’t. Not yet. He won’t know you’re here. Just keep all the windows and curtains closed. There’s enough milk in her baby bag.” I place a lingering kiss on Elise’s cheek. “I’ll be back.”
“Savannah!” Mia pleads one final time.
I hug my friend tight. “Thank you.” I rush down the hallway, out of the building, into the car. I take a deep breath before beginning the drive back to the house, hopefully for the last time.
When I enter, I’m thrown off by the roses that create an aisle to the house. I slowly open the door and turn the hallway light on to see the same red roses covering the marble floors. The scent of the flowers wafts through the entire house as thousands line the floors.
I shake off my confusion as I gather all the things I need. I carefully descend the stairs with the folder tucked under my arms and his favourite chess board in my hands. I remove the large floral centrepiece that matches the rest of the new décor. With it tossed to the floor, I place the chess board and set it as though a game is about to take place.
Smiling to myself, I add to the ambience he set by lighting a few table candles. I turn the lights off, imitating a romantic evening.
Back in the bedroom, I brush through my hair and give myself a self-assured nod. I carry all my essentials, including my passport, down the stairs.
I take a seat at the dining table and wait.
Smiling like a lunatic, I gloat. “Honey, I’m home!” My eyes narrow, knowing he can see me through his cameras. “Come and get me.”
As expected, Xavier returns home at 9 p.m. He calls out for me, but I remain silent. There is a low thud as he places his briefcase down. His footsteps get louder before they fall silent as he joins me in the dining room.
“Dammit. I was hoping to get home before you and surprise you.” He chuckles. “Surprise?”
I don’t crack a smile. “We need to talk, Xavier.”
His blue eyes deepen, and his eyebrows curve inwards. “What’s wrong?”
