Part 2The Counterfeit Life

"Babe? Can you hear me?"

Gavin’s voice came through the receiver, hushed and urgent.

"I can hear you," I whispered. A sharp cramp twisted in my lower abdomen. I bent over, pressing my arm against my stomach.

But the physical pain was nothing compared to the shredding of my heart.

"So... is it done?" he asked, the urgency naked in his voice.

I bit my lip to stop a sob, tasting iron. "It's done."

I heard his sigh of relief loud and clear. He even let out a small chuckle.

"Good girl," he said, his voice dropping back into that practiced, coaxing tone he used to manipulate me. "When I get back from the trip, I'll bring you a present."

I forced a silent, mocking smile.

Misinterpreting my silence as anger over him missing the appointment, he rushed on. "Aww, babe, you worked so hard. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Massage, dinner, whatever you want."

His patience lasted less than two seconds. "Look, I gotta hop into a meeting. You're the best. Bye."

Click.

After that call, Gavin vanished.

For three whole days, radio silence.

In the past, I would have made excuses for him. He’s so busy. He’s building our future. I would have sent text messages reminding him to eat, playing the role of the devoted wife.

Now, it felt like a joke.

He wasn't busy. He had just successfully disposed of a "problem" and was busy celebrating with the love of his life.

Three days later, I was in the living room helping our son, Leo, build a Lego castle.

Gavin breezed through the door, dragging a suitcase. He hugged Leo, handing him a limited-edition set the kid had been begging for.

"Leo, buddy, go play in your room. Daddy needs to talk to Mommy."

He turned to me, his eyes dark with implied intimacy.

Normally, that look would make my heart flutter. Now, I just wanted to vomit.

Gavin wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, nuzzling my neck. "Babe, still mad? I know I’m a jerk. I wasn't there when you needed me. I promise, never again."

I pulled away, turning to face him. "Gavin, count how many times you’ve promised that this month."

His smile faltered.

"The 8th. Our anniversary. You said we’d do dinner. One phone call and you vanished for two days."

"Last week. I was sick. You said you’d drive me to urgent care. You dumped me on the curb halfway there."

"And now the abortion..."

Listing them out, I realized how pathetic his lies were. He wasn't a good liar; I had just been blind.

A flash of annoyance crossed his face, quickly replaced by a helpless grin. "Babe, don't keep score. I’m working for this family."

He pulled a velvet box from his pocket. "Look. An apology gift. Let me put it on you..."

I sidestepped him.

His hand froze in mid-air.

"I just had surgery," I said coldly. "I need to rest. Sleep in the guest room."

I walked upstairs, leaving him standing there, stunned.

In the bedroom, my phone buzzed. A notification from the forum.

Bella had posted a new photo.

When I saw what it was, rage made my hands shake so hard I nearly dropped the phone.