chapter 3

Matthew had left his phone on the couch, completely forgetting it when he headed for the bedroom.

It would not stop buzzing. I stared at it for a long time before finally picking it up.

I tried a few passwords, but nothing worked. Then I remembered Lydia's birthday from the diary.

I typed it in, not really expecting much. Then, I got in.

I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. So after everything, he was still using her birthday?

His group chat with his buddies was blowing up with messages.

I tapped in and scrolled through the old texts.

My mind went blank. My heart just kept pounding louder and louder.

"I thought if I married Amelia, Lydia would get jealous and come back. But she didn't. So I had no choice but to marry Amelia.

"Lydia can't have kids, but she really wants one. I have to make that happen for her—this baby will be our only link."

That one stopped me cold, and my heart felt like ice.

"It's unfair to Amelia. She's the one going through the pain."

"She's healthy, so we can always try again. But Lydia? She'll never be a mom. Amelia won't complain."

I looked toward the bedroom, where I could hear him lightly snoring upstairs.

Tears blurred my vision, and my nails dug deep into my palms. My whole body was shaking.

So that was why he suddenly wanted a baby.

I thought—naively—that maybe, just maybe, my loyalty had finally meant something. But no. It was because she could not have kids, so he used me to give her one.

I laughed bitterly, and the hatred in my eyes deepened.

They really thought this through. However, what made them think I would ever let my child grow up calling someone else "Mom"?

The next morning, I went to the hospital to check in for my stay. At least there, someone would take care of me. I could not do this alone at home anymore.

Yet, just as I was walking up the stairs, I ran straight into two faces I could not mistake.

Matthew and Lydia.

He was wearing the black shirt I bought him just a few weeks ago.

He was carefully helping Lydia up the steps, his face full of concern.

We locked eyes. For a second, his expression shifted—surprised, maybe even guilty. Then he looked at Lydia.

"It's probably work stuff," he told her quickly. "Go ahead to your room. I'll be there soon."

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the stairwell before I could say a word. Then, he pushed me away like I was some kind of problem.

"I'm just here with her for a checkup," he snapped. "Did you seriously follow us all the way to the hospital?"

"How did you even know we were here? You stalking my friends' socials again?" Matthew snapped. "Seriously, what is wrong with you? Can't live without me or something?"

His words hit like a slap. I gripped the railing to keep myself steady, forcing out a bitter smile.

"I just didn't feel well and came in for a checkup. Running into you two was pure bad luck. Don't flatter yourself."

He scoffed, a cold, mocking sound.

"Really? That's the best you've got? I saw your prenatal report, and you're totally fine. Why fake weakness just to get my attention?

"Amelia, why are you always so dramatic? Can't you just stay home and rest? Why do you have to keep showing up wherever I am?"

I opened my mouth, trying to find something—anything—to say back. However, before I could, a nurse came hurrying over.

"Sir! Your wife just fainted. Please come with me!"

I froze. Wife? Of course, she meant Lydia.

Matthew did not even correct her. He panicked and glared at me before pushing me away to leave.

"Happy now?" he snapped. "I'm so done with you, Amelia. Go home. I'll come back when this is taken care of. Lydia's not in good shape—stop showing up and upsetting her."