Chapter 2: The Gift He Never Expected
Every eye at the table turned to me.
Julian's mother set down her fork.
My mother reached for my father's hand.
I kept my eyes on Julian.
"I want to thank you," I said, "for teaching me exactly who you are."
The room went very still.
Julian forced a smile.
"Sweetheart—"
"Six days ago," I said, "you forgot to hang up."
His smile disappeared.
"I heard everything, Julian.
Every word.
Her laugh.
Your voice.
Your little plan."
His father pushed back his chair.
His mother whispered, "What is she saying?"
Julian stood up.
"You're confused.
You're tired — the baby, the stress—"
"I recorded it," I said.
The color left his face.
My phone was already on the table.
I pressed play.
*"Of course I hate her.
I barely touch her anymore.
Just wait.
I'll divorce her, and then I'll marry you."*
His mother made a sound I will never forget.
Maya started to cry from the other room.
Julian looked at me, then at his parents, then back at me.
"It's not—" he started.
Then the front door opened.
May you like
Someone had been standing on the porch the whole time.
And Julian knew exactly who it was.
