“Just grabbed something for us,” I replied, smiling and holding up the tray.
He smiled. “You didn’t have to do that.”
I needed to look normal.
I set everything down and poured us a drink.
We talked about the wedding, Cindy, and plans for the week. It almost felt normal.
Before bed, I pressed a hand to my stomach and frowned.
“I don’t feel great. I think something I ate didn’t sit right.”
David looked concerned. “You okay?”
“I’ll be fine. I just need to rest.”
He nodded and didn’t push.
But that night, I struggled to fall asleep. I kept thinking about how easily I’d let my ex-husband back into our lives.
“I don’t feel great.”
The following morning, we packed up and checked out.
There was no honeymoon this time. David said he didn’t want to be away from Cindy too long. At the time, it had sounded thoughtful. Now, it sounded like an excuse.
We drove to my parents’ house while he sang along to the radio.
David reached for my hand once. I let him hold it.
I needed him to believe that everything was fine.
There was no honeymoon.
My mom greeted us at the door before Cindy appeared by her side.
Cindy laughed as I hugged her, showering her with kisses. Then I remembered why I was there.
While my mom and David talked in the living room, my dad and I slipped into his office and closed the door behind us.
I handed him the folder.
He went through it carefully, then his expression hardened.
After a few minutes, he opened his email and showed me something on his screen.
More documents and confirmations.
“Same dates and timeline,” my dad said.
