Chapter 6 - DANIEL COMES TO THE HOSPITALDaniel arrived at 2:10 a.m.
Security stopped him.
I allowed him in for five minutes.
Megan objected.
Rebecca objected more subtly.
I needed to see his face.
He entered alone.
No Olivia.
No Evelyn.
His eyes went directly to my abdomen.
Then my bandages.
“Claire.”
I said nothing.
He stepped toward the bed.
“Don’t.”
He stopped.
Good.
“The baby…”
“Your daughter.”
His face collapsed.
“I know.”
“No. Say it.”
He swallowed.
“Our daughter.”
“She died.”
Tears filled his eyes.
I believed them.
Grief and betrayal can occupy the same person.
“I’m sorry.”
“Were you sleeping with Olivia before today?”
He closed his eyes.
“Claire.”
“Yes or no.”
“Yes.”
There.
No more gaslighting.
“How long?”
“Four months.”
My stomach turned.
Pregnancy had begun five months earlier.
“Did Evelyn know?”
“Yes.”
“Did she approve?”
Daniel looked away.
“Yes.”
“Did you know your mother was giving me something?”
His head snapped back.
“What?”
I watched.
Not enough.
People can perform surprise.
“Dr. Patel called you.”
“I know.”
“You looked at Evelyn.”
“Because I know she takes anxiety medication.”
“Did she ever give me any?”
“No.”
Too fast.
“Daniel.”
“No.”
“Did she ever put anything in my tea?”
“I don’t know.”
Different answer.
There.
“What do you know?”
He stared at the floor.
“Mom said she gave you herbal drops sometimes.”
My heart changed rhythm.
“What herbal drops?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you ask?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“She said they helped you sleep.”
I stared at him.
“Pregnant women don’t get secretly medicated because their mother-in-law thinks sleep is useful.”
“I didn’t know it was secret.”
“Did you tell me?”
“No.”
His face told me he understood.
Not then.
May you like
Now.
Too late.
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