“Yes,” he said simply. “We stopped talking after your wedding, but I never stopped watching out for you. I’ve always had people keeping an eye on things.”
My eyes filled again. “Then don’t just watch anymore,” I said. “Help me disappear. Help me make him feel what I felt when he erased himself from my life.”
For a few seconds, there was nothing but his breathing. Then his voice came back, firm and steady.
“Give me seven days. I’ll set it up. You won’t have to do this alone.”
I let the phone fall from my fingers. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. I stayed exactly where I was, staring at the ceiling until dawn broke, replaying everything—every lie, every memory.
Sleep never came.
A knock sounded at my door. Before I could answer, the handle turned and he walked in, wearing that careful, concerned expression.
“Eleanor,” he murmured, “I’m sorry about yesterday. Things shouldn’t have spiraled like that.” He paused, then added gently, “I’ll take you to the police today. We’ll see if there’s any news about your baby. After that, we’ll go to the hospital and make sure you’re okay.”
I didn’t respond. I just looked at him, trying to recognize the man I once loved.