"I got promoted," Ethan announced one evening. "It means I’ll be busier, Claire. I won’t be home as often."

I smiled, ignoring the pang of disappointment. "That’s okay. You’re doing this for us."

He kissed my forehead. "Exactly. I’ll make it up to you."

And he did—lavish gifts, designer dresses, expensive jewelry. I didn’t notice then that he was replacing his presence with material things. I only started questioning when I told him I wanted to meet his family.

"Not yet, Claire." His voice was firm. "It’s not the right time."

"Then when?" I pressed. "They’re our family too, Ethan."

His jaw tightened. "I said not now."

I didn’t push. Not even when I suggested moving to New York.

"You’ll be bored," he dismissed. "I’m busy every day. You and Liam are better off here."

That’s when doubt crept in. Now, the truth is staring me in the face. He said all those things because I wasn’t his real wife.

I was his mistress. A secret. A lie. My breath shakes as I return to the present, my mother’s arms around me. How could I have been so blind?

I press a hand to my chest, trying to hold myself together, but it’s useless. The pain is too much, too unbearable. I gave him everything—my love, my trust, my body—and in the end, I was nothing but a secret he could throw away when he no longer needed me.

I don’t know how long I sit there, crying, shaking, breaking.

Then, with trembling hands, I pull out my phone.

The call rings once before my mother picks up. "Claire? What’s wrong?"

My throat tightens. The words won’t come out.

She hears my silence, my choked sobs, and that’s enough. "Come home, sweetheart. Come home now."

That’s all I need.

I wipe my tears, forcing my broken body to move. I hail the first cab I see and head straight for the airport.

The plane ride feels endless. I stare out the window, my reflection hollow, lifeless. Ethan’s cold words play over and over in my mind.

"I don’t know her."

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block it out, but the pain refuses to fade. What about Liam? What will I tell my son?

The thought of his innocent face, waiting for his father to come back, shatters me all over again. Tears slip down my cheeks.

By the time the plane lands, I’m barely holding myself together.