After I got Dad settled, I stepped out of his room.
The moment I turned the corner, I spotted a familiar figure walking a woman into the obstetrics department.
Michael James. Jesse's closest friend.
And the woman was Edith Walker.
My feet carried me after them before my mind caught up.
Through the closed door, I heard Michael's voice, easy and familiar. "Don't worry, Edith."
"Three million dollars this time, and they brought in the best doctor from overseas. It's going to work."
Edith sighed, a thread of exhaustion woven through her words.
"This is the tenth time in five years. I just hope it finally takes."
Three million dollars. My father's surgery money.
Michael turned and saw me standing in the doorway. The color drained from his face.
He rushed over, grabbed my arm, his voice frantic.
"Lucretia, no, it's not what it looks like!"
I ignored him and reached for the thick stack of medical records in his hand.
Michael looked like he was about to cry. He wanted to snatch them back but didn't dare.
I turned the pages one by one.
The date of Edith Walker's first embryo transfer was printed there in black and white.
Five years ago today.
The same day I received my third critical condition notice in the ICU.
So while Jesse had been sobbing outside the operating room, begging doctors to save me, he'd also been calmly arranging for another woman to carry his child.
The sheer absurdity of it washed over me like a wave.
I closed my eyes, handed the records back to Michael, and walked away.
Michael chased after me and blocked my path.
His face was flushed red as he scrambled to explain.
"Lucretia, listen to me! Back then, what that professor did to you damaged your uterus. The doctors said you'd never be able to have children!"
"Jesse was afraid it would break you, and even more afraid his family would pressure you over it. So he told everyone the problem was his!"
"But his mother's dying wish was to hold a grandchild! He didn't have a choice!"
Michael's voice cracked. He raised his hand and swore to me with every ounce of conviction he had.
"I promise you, there is nothing between Jesse and Edith. Nothing physical ever crossed the line!"
"He has always been faithful to you!"
Faithful.
The word turned my stomach.
That kind of faithfulness, I didn't want any part of.
I pushed past Michael and went home.
Every corner was saturated with Jesse's presence. And with his lies.