When I passed Laura’s room, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I could hear voices inside—familiar and suggestive.
“Elias, it must be tough for you, being stuck with that cripple Jean.”
“It’s worth it if it makes you happy. So, the baby’s five months already? Can I see?”
“Sure. Just be careful. The baby likes a gentle person, doesn’t it?”
I slowly rolled my wheelchair closer and peeked through the crack. Laura was lying on the bed, her shirt lifted to show her rounded belly. She looked up at Elias shyly.
He knelt beside the bed, gently rubbing body oil on her stomach to keep the stretch marks at bay. The tenderness in his touch and the way he looked at her showed nothing but devotion.
The man I used to know as my caring, attentive husband was practically worshiping Laura. That was when it really hit me—I’d lost it all.
Laura picked up on something and looked up. I quickly pulled back into the shadows. She was boldly staking her claim before me while I could only retreat into the shadows and watch them.
After a long, heavy silence, I wheeled myself back to my room, each movement taking everything I had.
My legs hurt so much I couldn’t sleep. I pulled up my email and reread the message I’d never answered. It was from my dance instructor, Marissa Wilkes.
She wanted me to be the choreography consultant for her latest project. The only catch was I’d have to travel abroad, and I’d been hesitating. But now, I had no reason to stay.
Without a second thought, I sent Marissa a reply. “I’m in.”
She called soon after to confirm, her voice warm and welcoming. I’d be leaving with her in three days.
…
I finally saw Elias the next morning at breakfast. I nibbled at the scrambled eggs the housekeeper had brought me. To my surprise, he started explaining himself.
He said he’d had too much to drink last night and ended up crashing in a guest room next door. It was a pretty flimsy excuse, but I didn’t call him out on it. I nodded, keeping my face neutral.
Thinking I wasn’t suspicious, Elias eased up and cheerfully sprinkled some dried thyme on my eggs, forgetting that I was allergic to it.
The second he did, I set down my fork and asked, “When are we going—”
Before I could finish, Laura came downstairs and turned to Bertha. “I can stay two more days to keep you company. I’ve got a prenatal appointment later. Elias, do you want to take Jean in for a checkup, too?”
That was all it took for Laura to grab Elias’ full attention. He didn’t bother asking me what I thought. He just jumped in with a yes, sounding pumped.
“Really? You’re staying two more days?” Elias asked.
