When Daniel finally emerged, toweling his hair dry, I feigned sleep. But I felt him slide in beside me, his arm reaching out to touch my belly. In my heart, I knew this was a final act. Once his fingers brushed my skin, I forced myself not to recoil, listening as he whispered, “Sweetheart, there’s an urgent matter I need to deal with. I’ll be back soon.”
“Can’t you stay?” I whispered, testing him. If he stayed, maybe a part of me could forgive him.
But he gently declined, his voice strained. “I have to, love. It’s the pack. I promise I’ll be home before dawn.”
As he left, the calm shattered, and I moved swiftly, my heart racing. I grabbed my coat and waited until I saw his taillights disappear down the road. Quickly, I hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address I knew too well.
When we arrived, I watched as Daniel’s car parked outside her cabin near the eastern border. I saw her step out, running to him with a smile. My chest tightened as he pulled her into his arms, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, the gesture so familiar yet foreign.