Chapter 20 – The Perfect Lie?
I stared at my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen.
Read.
The word lit up beneath the message I’d sent to Faye..
The picture loaded perfectly–Gabriel standing tall in his expensive grey
grey suit, my hand curled in his, the twins between us with their toothy
We looked like the perfect family. The caption made it even better:
“Mr. & Mrs. Caldwin to arrive in New York for the grand opening.. with their adorable twins.”
I smirked. I hoped it hurt
Wherever she was, I wanted her to feel it in her bones.
The door creaked open behind me.
“Lily?” Gabriel stepped inside, voice low, jacket slung over his arm. “You ready?”
I quickly locked my phone and turned with a smile. “I’ve been ready for days. A new city… a new life. I’m excited.“}
He walked over brushing my hair behind my ear like he always did. It’ll be good for your health. You’ll rest more. Less stress.”
“I agree.” I said sweetly.
He kissed my forehead. “I was thinking I’ll come with you to your appointment today. We can do an ultrasound together.”
My heart jumped a little, but I forced a small laugh. “There’s really no need. I know how busy you are, You still have things to finish before we leave.”
“I don’t mind,” he said, looking at me closely. “You sure?”
I nodded quickly. “Positive, Go do your work, love. I’ll handle the hospital.”}
He hesitated, then finally nodded. “Alright. But next time, I’m coming. You’ve been through enough. I want to be there.”
I hesitated then I asked the question I was curious about, “Any word on Faye?”
He shrugged, “Nothing. It’s like she disappeared into thin air. Even my Pl is unable to find her
I nodded, Tm sure she’ll tum up. Don’t worry too much.“%
“It’s sweet how you think about her. I wish she’d understand this, Gabriel said and I chuckled.
Just as he turned to leave, we heard the sound of little feet running toward us.
“Daddy!” lan’s voice rang out.
“Can we talk to you before you go?” Ace chimed in.8
Gabriel turned back around and crouched to their level. “Of course. What’s up, soldiers?”
The twins glanced at each other, then at me, then at him.
“When are you going to marry Lily for real?” lan asked.
“Yeah,” Ace added “She’s already like our mom. You should throw a big wedding like people do in the movies!
I blinked, caught off guard.
Gabnel chuckled. “That’s a serious question for this early in the morning ”
“Just answer” lan pouted
Gabriel locked at me and smiled. “As soon as we move to New York. That’s a promise.”
My cheeks flushed. “Okay, boys,” I said quickly. “That’s enough questions. Let your dad get to work.”
They hugged him tight, then ran off, leaving me breathless X
Gabnel leaned close “They really love you, you know?”
I love them too,” I whispered &
He kissed my cheek and left the room.
As soon as I heard the front door close, I exhaled. I grabbed my handbag and keys, called the maid to watch the twins, then slipped out the back i
The drive to the hospital was quiet E
Inside the private clinic, everything was just as I’d arranged. I told the nurse I wanted to see my doctor.
A few minutes later, I was seated across from Dr. Ellis, a man in his late fifties with tired eyes and a greedy heart
“You’re really going to New York?” he asked, glancing at my chart
Yes,” I said. “We leave in three days I can’t risk any slip–ups Have you contacted the other doctor like I asked?“)
He nodded “Yes. He’s discreet He’ll continue the narrative–cancer pregnancy, all of it As long as you keep paying him.”
“I will,” I said, pulling a thick envelope from my purse and dropping it on his desk. “That should hold for now
He took it without hesitation I
“And the baby?” I asked, lowering my voice” “You promised to help me
p me get a child when
when the time is right”
313 AM ₫
“We’re preparing,” he said. “You’ll get your child, Lily. Just don’t rush the timeline.”
“I need this to be perfect,” I whispered. “Tve worked too hard for this.”
“It will be,” he said, tucking the envelope into his drawer. “But remember–lies have legs. They don’t run forever.”
I stood. “Good thing I know how to run faster.”
He chuckled.
But I wasn’t joking
Because soon, I’d be Mrs. Gabriel Caldwin.
And Faye?!!
She’d be nothing but a name he barely remembered.