Chapter 2 - THE SIGNATURE SHE NEVER GOT
Sloane followed Julian into the private lounge.
“What was that?”
Julian closed the door.
“An announcement.”
“You humiliated me.”
He turned.
“Did I?”
She folded her arms beneath her false stomach.
“Thirty people were waiting for us to celebrate our future.”
Julian studied her.
He had loved the woman standing before him.
Or believed he had.
Now every gesture looked rehearsed.
Every expression seemed carefully measured.
“Sloane,” he said quietly, “who is Dr. Keene?”
She went still.
Then laughed.
“My obstetrician. You know that.”
“I've never met him.”
“You've been busy.”
“I've asked to attend appointments.”
“And I've told you I prefer privacy.”
Julian nodded.
“Of course.”
She stepped closer.
“Julian, you're frightening me.”
He looked at her.
“That's interesting.”
“What?”
“Because I'm frightened too.”
She reached for his hand.
He stepped back.
Her expression hardened.
“What's going on?”
Julian took a breath.
“I want independent confirmation of the pregnancy before we sign documents transferring substantial assets.”
For a moment, her face went blank.
Then tears appeared.
Perfect tears.
“You think I'm lying?”
He said nothing.
She pressed a hand against her stomach.
“Our baby—”
“Don't.”
The word came out sharper than he intended.
Sloane flinched.
Julian closed his eyes.
Then said:
“I'm not accusing you publicly. I'm asking for the truth.”
Sloane began crying.
“You're just like everyone else.”
He stared.
“What does that mean?”
“You think money gives you the right to control me.”
Julian looked toward the door.
“I think marriage requires honesty.”
She stormed out.
Julian remained alone.
His hands were shaking.
Nathaniel entered a few minutes later.
“Julian?”
Julian looked up.
“Cancel the signing.”
Nathaniel frowned.
“Why?”
“Because I may be marrying someone who has lied about something fundamental.”
The attorney went still.
Julian continued.
“And because I need to review every document connected to Dr. Keene.”
That night, Julian returned to his penthouse alone.
He walked past the nursery.
The door stood open.
Inside were pale blue walls.
A white crib.
A stuffed elephant.
And a small wooden sign above the dresser.
OLIVER MERCER.
Julian stood in the doorway.
May you like
Then slowly sat on the floor.
For the first time since Elise's funeral, he cried until morning.
