Chapter 5

Brayden insisted on taking me out. A "romantic evening," he called it, to mend whatever "misunderstanding" he believed existed. He wanted to recreate our first date, a picnic by the lake with a view of the city skyline. I knew it was a desperate attempt to control my narrative, to reestablish his false devotion.

I endured his possessive hand on my back, the empty compliments. He rambled about our "future," his words a hollow echo of the past. Each touch, each word, a fresh wave of disgust.

Then, the fireworks began. A sudden, dazzling display over the water. My favorite. He knew it.

A cynical part of me recognized the manipulation. He always used grand gestures when he felt me slipping away. But this was different. This was overkill.

"Look, love!" he exclaimed, pointing excitedly. "Just for you."

As the last burst faded, a series of smaller fireworks spelled out a message in the night sky. Brayden & Clare. Forever.

A bitter laugh threatened to escape me. Forever? What a joke.

The surrounding crowd applauded, oohing and aahing at the romantic spectacle. Brayden, basking in the public display, pulled me close, kissing my temple. "See, my love? Always. You and me."

My stomach churned. I felt a small, sticky hand tug at my dress. A little girl, no older than five, held out a wilting daisy. "For the pretty lady," she chirped.

Brayden beamed, playing the doting partner. "Isn't that sweet? Thank you, princess."

I looked at the child, her innocent eyes full of wonder. A pang shot through me. This sweet, pure creature, untouched by the ugliness of the adult world.

"Keep it, little one," I said, returning the daisy to her. My voice was low, almost a whisper. "Don't ever let anyone take your joy. Or tell you that your love isn't enough."

The little girl tilted her head, confused. Brayden shot me a look. "Clare, what are you doing?"

I turned to him, my gaze unwavering. "Brayden. About the baby. The one you said you wanted. Is it a boy or a girl?"

His face, usually so composed, paled. His jaw tightened. "Clare, what on earth are you talking about? We haven't even discussed children seriously yet. You know how busy we are with the restaurant." He tried to mask his surprise with feigned annoyance.

"Oh, but we have, haven't we?" I said, a chilling calm in my voice. "And you have. With someone else." My eyes dropped to his neck. A faint red mark bloomed just beneath his collar. A hickey. Fresh.

The last flicker of doubt died.

I sighed, a deep, weary sound. "I want to go home now, Brayden."

Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting from panic to a forced professionalism. "It's a business emergency, love. I have to go." He already had his hand on his car keys.

"Of course," I said, my voice flat. "Is it an emergency that involves a pregnant woman and a secret unborn child?"

He flinched. "What are you talking about, Clare? You're being irrational."

"No," I corrected him. "I'm being observant. And I can arrange my own ride."

He looked relieved, almost eager to escape. "Good. I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't wait up." He kissed my forehead, a perfunctory gesture, and then hurried away.

I watched him go, knowing he wasn't going to a business meeting. He was going to Holly. To their future. My mind was crystal clear. It was time to finalize my plans.

I pulled out my phone and ordered a ride-share. When the car arrived, I gave the driver a specific instruction. "Follow that black Mercedes. And please, be discreet."