Chapter 2

The next day was Sunday.

Ryan was up early, getting ready and even putting on cologne.

"That project at work still has some loose ends. I'm going in for a bit."

"Stay home with Lily. Don't wait up for dinner."

He said it so naturally, not even bothering to come up with a new excuse.

I was braiding Lily's hair and didn't look up.

"Got it."

"Actually, I was thinking of taking Lily out too. I heard there's a nice amusement park in the next city."

Ryan's hands paused on his tie. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes.

"Why go all the way there? It's so far. Just play around here."

"Why waste gas money?"

I smiled, pinning a little pink clip into Lily's hair.

"Lily's been asking forever. Besides, I have a coupon. It's cheap."

Ryan grabbed his briefcase and rushed out the door.

Watching him go, the smile faded from my eyes.

I'd made a reservation at that restaurant.

Right across from their usual table.

At eleven in the morning, I walked into the restaurant holding Lily's hand.

It really was an upscale place—decorated like a dream, warm and cozy, filled with children's laughter.

I spotted Ryan immediately.

He was sitting by the floortoceiling windows, head bowed, completely focused.

Across from him sat Vanessa.

And a little boy, about five or six years old.

The boy was clumsily fiddling with a complicated Lego set, and Ryan sat beside him, guiding his hands.

"There you go, buddy. This piece goes here—see? That makes it sturdy."

"Good job! You're so much better at this than my clumsy daughter."

His voice was so gentle it could melt, his eyes full of adoration.

Lily tugged at my hand and whispered.

"Mommy, is that Daddy?"

"I thought Daddy was at work? Who's that boy?"

Looking into my daughter's innocent, confused eyes, my heart felt like it was being pierced by needles.

I crouched down and stroked her head.

"Lily, sweetheart, go play in the ball pit over there for a bit. Mommy needs to talk to Daddy."

Lily didn't want me to leave, but she'd always been obedient. She nodded and ran off.

I took a deep breath and strode toward them.

Before I even reached the table, Ryan seemed to sense something and looked up.

The moment he saw me, the Lego piece in his hand clattered to the floor.

His face went white.

"You… what are you doing here?"

Vanessa jumped too, scrambling to her feet, looking flustered.

"Emily…"

I ignored Vanessa. I just stared at Ryan.

"This is your overtime?"

"This is your loose ends at work?"

"Ryan, your idea of working late is playing Legos with someone else's kid?"

People around us were starting to look.

Ryan's face flushed red, then white. He shot up, grabbed my wrist, and started dragging me toward a corner.

"Have you lost your mind? This is a public place! Why are you making a scene?"

"Can't you give me some dignity?"

Once we were in a quiet corner, he let go of my hand and hissed.

"Are you following me?"

I laughed coldly.

"If you don't want people to know, don't do it in the first place."

"Ryan, you want dignity?"

"You won't even say a word to Lily, but here you are, overflowing with fatherly love?"

Ryan's eyes darted around as he made excuses.

"Vanessa just moved back. Her kid transferred schools, has no friends, and is withdrawn."

"I'm just helping a friend look after her kid, trying to draw him out."

"Our Lily is so outgoing—does she even need my attention?"

"How can you be jealous of a child? You're being ridiculous!"

His logic was flawless, really.

Just then, Vanessa caught up to us.

Her eyes were red, looking pitiful and delicate. She reached out to touch my sleeve.

"Emily, don't blame Ryan. It's all my fault."

"I'm just too helpless. I can't take care of my son alone, so I bothered Ryan."

"If you want to yell at someone, yell at me. Please don't let this ruin your marriage."

"I'll leave right now. I'll never bother Ryan again."

As she spoke, big tears rolled down her cheeks, like she'd suffered some terrible injustice.

That performance—what a waste not to go for an Oscar.

The moment Ryan saw this, his heart melted. He pulled Vanessa behind him protectively.

Then he turned and shouted at me.

"Look what you've done to her!"

"Vanessa is so considerate—unlike you, acting like a crazy woman!"

"Can't you learn from her? Be a little gentler, a little more understanding?"

I looked at the two of them, putting on their little show, and felt nothing but disgust.

Considerate?

Understanding?

What a thoughtful mistress. What a generous cheater.

I didn't make a scene.

I just stood there, quietly, until my gaze landed on Vanessa's neck.

A silver necklace.

A unique design—a butterfly with outstretched wings, its wings inlaid with tiny sapphires.

My pupils contracted sharply.

That was my necklace.

The most precious thing I owned in this life.