Chapter 5

Chelsea' s fall wasn't serious. The doctor completed a routine check, confirmed everything was fine, and Drake, ever the doting husband, escorted her back to a private room.

I stood in the doorway, a silent observer, watching him fuss over her. He fluffed her pillows, adjusted her blanket, whispered reassurances. He was a perfect picture of a loving husband, a devoted father-to-be. I felt like an intruder, a phantom from a past life, disrupting someone else's tender moment.

Chelsea, pale and appearing weak against the pristine white pillows, beckoned me in. "Kaitlyn, please come in," she murmured, her voice soft, almost ethereal.

Drake glanced at me, his eyes quickly darting away, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. I took a deep breath, the sterile hospital air filling my lungs, and stepped into the room.

"Please, don't blame Drake," Chelsea said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was my fault. I asked him to bring you here. There are some things we need to discuss."

My lips remained sealed. I just stood there, a stone statue, my face devoid of emotion.

Drake sat beside me on the edge of the bed, reaching for my hand. A fleeting touch, devoid of the warmth I once craved. A flicker of remorse crossed his features. His lips parted, then closed. He struggled for words.

"Kaitlyn," he began, his voice rough. "There are some things I need to clarify." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I... I met Chelsea again at a business dinner. One of my partners was forcing her to drink. I intervened. We... we both had too much to drink. And that' s how it happened."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with a remorse that tasted like ash in my mouth. He squeezed my hand, a gesture that felt utterly performative. "I swear, Kaitlyn, you are the only one in my heart."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know this puts you in a difficult position. But the baby... it's innocent. It's my blood. I can't abandon my own flesh and blood." He looked at me, his gaze pleading. "Once the baby is born, we'll register it under your name. You'll be the mother, Kaitlyn. I hope you can understand." His eyes locked onto mine, seeking some trace of understanding, of forgiveness.