The security log wasn’t the only discovery waiting for me.
A notification from our bank appeared on my phone.
Someone had transferred $18,500 out of the savings account Damon and I had set aside for hospital expenses and my maternity leave.
The payment had gone to Riverton Heights Residential.
An apartment complex.
Without saying a word, I downloaded the bank statement, emailed it to myself along with the photograph and the security log, and contacted a family attorney before Damon returned carrying my glass of water.
I never confronted him.
Not yet.
That evening, Claire sent me a message.
How did the ultrasound go? I can’t wait to meet my goddaughter.
I stared at the screen for several seconds before replying.
She’s healthy. The baby shower will go ahead exactly as planned.
Four days later, Claire stood beneath pink balloons in my living room.
A glass of sparkling wine rested in her hand while her fiancé, Owen, smiled proudly beside her.
Damon stood close enough to place one hand gently on my shoulder.
“Felicity isn’t just my best friend,” Claire announced to everyone gathered there.
“She’s the sister I chose.”
Without responding, I reached beneath my chair and removed the envelope I had hidden there.
From inside, I pulled out a single photograph.
I laid it quietly on the table beside the latest ultrasound picture of my daughter.
The image showed the champagne-colored lace camisole lying beneath the bench in my bedroom.
Beside it sat Damon’s discarded shirt.
Behind both of them…
…our rumpled bed.
The smile vanished from Claire’s face.
Damon looked at the picture for only a second before speaking.
“That could belong to anyone.”
Owen slowly stepped closer.
His eyes settled on the tiny blue charm hanging from one delicate strap.
Then they lifted toward the engagement ring sparkling on Claire’s hand.
He was silent for a long moment.
Finally, he spoke.
“No.”
His voice was barely above a whisper.
“That doesn’t belong to just anyone.”
His expression changed completely.
“I bought that for Claire.”
