Chapter 2 - Tuesday Was Supposed to Be Routine
At the hospital, Claire’s obstetrician found no sign that the baby had been injured.
Claire would remain under observation overnight because of the fall.
Ethan stayed beside her bed.
He brought water.
Adjusted her blanket.
Answered nurses before she could.
He behaved exactly like the frightened husband who had just watched his pregnant wife nearly die.
That almost made it worse.
“What did Monica mean?”
Ethan stared at the floor.
“She was trying to hurt us.”
“She already tried that upstairs.”
“Claire—”
“What did you promise her?”
He finally looked at her.
“Nothing that matters now.”
Claire turned away.
Tuesday had been bothering her for weeks.
Ethan owned a residential-development company that had expanded too aggressively during the previous three years. Claire knew business had slowed, but Ethan kept insisting things were temporary.
He had asked her to attend a meeting Tuesday with his banker, accountant, and attorney.
The subject, according to him, was simple.
A temporary line of credit.
Claire had inherited the villa and several investment properties from her mother before marrying Ethan. Ethan wanted Claire to personally guarantee a loan using one property as additional collateral.
She had not agreed.
She had only agreed to attend the meeting.
“Was Monica talking about Tuesday?”
Ethan's silence answered before his mouth did.
Claire felt the baby shift beneath her ribs.
Then Ethan said something that changed the question entirely.
“I had a relationship with her.”
Claire looked at him.
“How long?”
Ethan rubbed both hands across his face.
“It's over.”
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“That isn't what I asked.”
He still wouldn't give her a number.
