My father added, “Good. The sooner we finish this plan the better.”
Paige giggled. “And the sooner we are on that beach.”
The call finally ended, leaving my reflection staring back at me on a dark screen. I did not scream. I did not cry. I simply stood there, breathing slowly, while the candles burned down to puddles of wax.
Something felt wrong beyond the trip. I walked into the living room and noticed Kevin’s tablet charging on the coffee table. A message popped up with Paige’s name at the top. My hands trembled as I opened it using a code Kevin had never bothered to change. Inside were photographs of Kevin and Paige together in hotel rooms, messages planning secret meetings, and conversations with my parents discussing financial arrangements. There was a digital document labeled House Transfer Strategy and another message that made my skin prickle.
Can’t wait until she signs. Once the deed is joint, we are set. The baby will have everything.
There was an image attached. A medical scan with Paige’s name printed beside the date.