I shook my head, feigning indifference. “I’m fine. You should go.”
He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Once I finish this, I promise I won’t contact her alone again. I’ll make time for you and the baby.”
As soon as he left, my phone buzzed with messages from Colin and a couple of Erik’s friends. “Sister-in-law, something happened to Polly. Can you ask Erik to go over?”
I ignored their texts, choosing instead to focus on discussing the details of the overseas branch opportunity with my supervisor.
Later, I opened my social media to find an update from Polly: “The two most important men in my life.” The accompanying photo showed Erik and her baby sleeping soundly.
Erik's entrepreneurial journey was progressing smoothly; he soon secured his first project. Overwhelmed with excitement, he invited me to the celebration banquet, making promises that echoed in my ears. “I’ll be there for you and the baby from now on. If you notice anything amiss, just tell me, and I’ll make it right.”
However, when we arrived at the restaurant, I caught the waitress’s smile falter. She leaned in and whispered just loud enough for me to hear, “Why did you change partners?”