Chapter 5
Tania let out a gleeful, mocking laugh.
“Oh, don’t give me that wounded look. Who do you have to blame but yourself? If you weren’t so utterly useless, maybe things would be different. But with a mother like you, your children are only good for nourishing mine.”
That was the last straw. I couldn’t take it anymore. My hand shot up, aiming a slap straight at Tania’s smug face.”
Smack–2
But the slap never landed. Garrett yanked Tania behind him at the last second and took the blow himself.”
He shoved me hard, sending me sprawling to the floor. Fury burned in his eyes as he shouted,
“Renee Diaz, what the hell do you think you’re doing?!“”
Tania burst into tears, her voice trembling with just the right shade of innocence.}
“Garrett, I was only trying to comfort Renee. I just wanted her not to be so upset about losing her baby.“?
“But she’s jealous that I’m pregnant, and she accused me of stealing her spot as the future chairman’s wife. She even tried to dump dirty water on me! I just instinctively pushed her away swear, I didn’t mean to. I already apologized, but now she’s trying to hit me and saying she wants me to lose the baby.“”
Before I could get a word in, Garrett turned to me, his expression dark and cold.
“Renee Diaz, I never realized how vain and petty you could be.“}
“If you lost the baby, that’s on you. Why take it out on Tania? Why trample on her kindness? Stop coveting things that were never yours. Apologize to Tania–now!“?
Useless? Me? I almost laughed.2
I stared at his face, suddenly struck by how unfamiliar he seemed–like a stranger wearing my husband’s skin.
“Garrett, tell me, all those children of mine who died–where did you really send their bodies?“?
He frowned.2
“Of course I buried them. I told you that already, didn’t I?”
He was a convincing liar. Almost made me believe him.
“You’re right, Garrett. I shouldn’t crave things that don’t belong to me. Don’t worry–I won’t go up against Tania ever again.”
With that, I turned and walked out, not looking back.”
Garrett watched me go, a flicker of panic crossing his face. He opened his mouth as if to call after me, but Tania tugged on his sleeve.!
“Garrett, she got dirty water all over me. I feel sick–I think I need to go to the hospital. Will you take me?”
He hesitated for a couple of seconds, then followed her. He didn’t come after me.”
Back home, I gathered up every gift Garrett had ever given me over the years and tossed them into the fireplace.
I had just pulled out our marriage certificate when my phone buzzed–a message from Tania.
“Renee Diaz, I just mentioned feeling a little nauseous, and Garrett’s already called in the top OB–GYNs from around the country for me. Even if they’re not local, he’ll fly them in by helicopter if he has to. Aren’t you the least bit jealous?”
I ignored her, watching as the marriage certificate curled and blackened in the flames, reduced to ash.
I wasn’t worried Garrett would see any of this. I knew he wouldn’t be coming home tonight.
Sure enough, his call came.
“Renee, Tania’s having complications. Sampson’s out of town, so as her brother–in–law, I have to look after her. Don’t be upset, okay?”
I remembered the photo Tania had sent earlier–her cheeks flushed, happily eating fruit Garrett had cut for her. She certainly didn’t look like a woman in distress. “Yeah, I understand. Pregnant women come first. Take good care of her.”2
Garrett paused, then spoke in a softer tone.
“Renee, I didn’t mean to yell at you today. I know losing the baby has been hard on you.“%
“But Tania’s carrying the Morgan family’s future. You and I can’t give that to them anymore, and if something happened to her, I don’t think my parents could take it.” It was almost funny, the way he kept piling up excuses.
“Just stay home, okay? Tomorrow’s your birthday. I’ve booked the best hotel and planned a big surprise for you. I’ll come pick you up first thing in the morning.”