Chapter 4

She waited until darkness enveloped the city.

Creeping out of the bedroom, she found Gilbert sitting at the dining table, exactly where she had left him. The food was still warm.

"You're up," he said, his eyes scanning her face. "You still look pale."

He reached out to touch her cheek. His touch felt like a brand.

A sudden, sharp sting pricked her eyes. She almost cried.

She turned her head away, forcing the words out. "I was just thinking about my mom."

A flicker of confusion crossed his face before it was replaced by practiced sympathy. "Oh, honey. I'm sorry. We can go visit her grave tomorrow, I promise."

He had forgotten.

He had forgotten that her mother had been cremated and her ashes scattered at sea. He had been there with her.

The pain was a physical blow, sharp and visceral. She dug her nails into her palms, the sting a welcome distraction from the agony in her chest.

He served her dinner, his movements full of the practiced care of a devoted husband. He even washed the dishes afterward.

She watched his back as he stood at the sink, and her heart felt like it was being shredded.

This man, this monster, had almost fooled her for a lifetime.

Her gaze swept over the apartment, a space filled with three years of memories that were now tainted, poisoned.

She pulled out her phone and sent a message to the real estate agent.

Confirm the sale. I want it finalized as soon as possible.

"Who are you texting?" Gilbert's voice came from behind her, making her jump.

She quickly locked her phone. "Just an old colleague."

He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His chin rested on her shoulder. "I don't like you working back here, Alexia. Come back to Europe with me. We can start our family."

He mentioned having a baby.

The words sent a chill down her spine.

She remembered the conversation she had overheard. He wants a child not with her, but as a biological resource for Hayden.

His lips trailed down her neck. His touch made her skin crawl.

"Let's have a baby, Alexia," he whispered, his voice husky.

She fought the urge to shove him away, to scream in his face. She couldn't expose herself. Not yet.

"I have a headache, Gilbert," she said, her voice tight. "Not tonight."

It was the first time she had ever refused him.

He stilled, a frown creasing his brow. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by a flicker of something cold and dark.

"Fine," he said, his voice clipped. He turned and went into the bathroom, slamming the door.

She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

His phone, left on the coffee table, lit up with a notification.

It was from Hayden. The message was sickeningly sweet. Gil, I miss you. Come back to me. :(

Gilbert emerged from the bathroom, saw the message, and immediately started getting dressed.

"Something urgent came up at the office," he said, not even looking at her.

The lie was so effortless.

As he reached for the door, a desperate, self-destructive impulse seized her.

"Don't go, Gilbert. Stay with me."

He turned, his face a mask of impatience. "Don't be so childish, Alexia. I have work to do."

He walked out, slamming the door behind him, leaving her alone in the silent apartment.

The last thread of her hope snapped.

She picked up her phone and confirmed the sale of the apartment, the final act of severing her past.