Chapter 3

That evening, Adrian claims he has an urgent conference call and hurries out of the apartment. I sit motionless on the sofa for ten minutes, then rise and head to his study.

His computer password is the date we first met. How ironic. I easily access his email and search for Chloe's name.

Hundreds of emails appear. The most prominent is one sent yesterday, from Chloe.

"Adrian, I can't go on like this. Every time I see Sienna, I feel sick. You must tell her the truth before she finds out. The baby and I can't wait much longer."

I feel dizzy, having to grip the desk to remain standing.

Scrolling further, more details emerge. Appointments for prenatal checkups they attended together, receipts for the Upper East Side apartment he's renting for her, even nursery design plans. So that apartment building I saw them enter today is where he keeps his mistress.

Most nauseating is an email from a month ago, Adrian writing to his business partner Mark: "Chloe's pregnancy was an accident, but maybe it's a good thing. Sienna's family background makes her more suitable as a wife, but Chloe... she makes me feel young. After the wedding, I'll figure out how to handle it."

Handle it. Like disposing of unwanted furniture.

I close the computer, delete the browsing history, then sit quietly in the darkness. My fingers unconsciously touch the engagement ring on my finger—that five-carat diamond feels sharp and cold in the moonlight.

The next morning, Adrian returns with white roses. "Sorry I was so rushed last night, darling. Work matters."

I take the flowers and inhale. "It's fine, I understand."

Relief flickers in his eyes. He thinks I believe him.

"Actually," I continue, arranging flowers in a vase, "I was thinking last night, maybe we should update our wills and insurance beneficiaries. You know, just in case after we're married..."

He freezes, then his face breaks into an overly bright smile. "Of course, of course. Very thoughtful of you. I'll have the lawyer prepare everything."

How interesting. A month ago when I brought this up, he said it was too inauspicious and refused to discuss it.

"I've already contacted Attorney Johnson," I say calmly. "He'll be here this afternoon to meet with us."

Adrian's smile stiffens. "You contacted Johnson? Why didn't you consult me first?"

"I wanted to surprise you." I look him straight in the eye. "After all, we shouldn't have secrets between us, right?"

He can't maintain eye contact, turning to pour coffee. "Right, of course."

That afternoon, Attorney Johnson arrives punctually. As I hand him the documents, I notice fine beads of sweat forming on Adrian's forehead.

"These are preliminary declarations of intent," Johnson says, reviewing the papers. "Sienna, you're certain you want to leave the majority of your personal assets to charitable foundations? Usually couples prioritize each other..."

"Adrian and I have discussed it," I lie, feeling the man beside me stiffen. "We think it's meaningful."

Adrian nods reluctantly. "Yes, Sienna's ideas are always... special."

Special. The word sounds like an insult coming from his mouth.

After the lawyer leaves, Adrian finally explodes. "What exactly are you thinking, Sienna? Why didn't you consult me first?"

I blink innocently. "I thought you'd support me. After all, you said you love everything about me, including my 'special' ideas."

He opens his mouth but says nothing. In that moment, I can almost see the gears turning frantically in his mind, trying to find a response.

"I just... think we should consider each other more," he finally says, his voice softening. "After all, we're about to become a family."

A family. Like him and Chloe?

"You're right," I say compliantly. "I was too impulsive."

He relaxes, pulling me into his embrace. "It's okay, darling. We have a lifetime to understand each other's thoughts."

I smirk where he can't see. A lifetime? Adrian, we only have twenty-two days left.