Chapter 2

The disgust was a cold, hard knot in my stomach, pushing out every other feeling.

I thought of Hayes Development Group, my family's empire in Port City. Billions in real estate, investments. Power.

For six years, I' d played the part of a modest wife in Midland City, hiding who I really was, all for Mark. For love.

What a fool I' d been.

My fingers flew across the screen, dialing a number I knew by heart.

"Alex Chen. Hayes Development." His voice was crisp, efficient, even at this hour in Port City.

Alex, my Chief of Staff. Loyal. Competent. Fiercely protective.

"Alex," I said, my voice surprisingly steady. "It's Ellie."

A beat of silence, then, "Ms. Hayes. Is everything alright?"

He always knew.

"Book me the earliest flight to Port City tomorrow morning. One way."

"Consider it done. Car service will meet you."

No questions. Just action. That was Alex.

I hung up and immediately called Dr. Ramirez, my fertility specialist.

Her office was still open late.

"Ellie! Any news?" Her voice was usually warm.

"Dr. Ramirez, I need to schedule a procedure. An abortion."

The silence on the other end was heavy.

"Ellie? But… you just… did you test?"

"Yes. It' s positive. I need it done as soon as possible. Tomorrow, if you can."

"Tomorrow? Ellie, we need to discuss this. Are you sure? After everything…"

"I'm sure," I cut her off, my tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll be there when your office opens to sign the consent forms."

She sounded stunned, but she agreed.

I would sign them alone.

This baby, conceived through so much pain and hope, was now a casualty of Mark' s betrayal.

There was no way I was bringing a child into this lie, into this broken charade of a marriage.

Not with him.

The decision was brutal, but it was also liberating.

The quiet life I' d built in Midland City was a cage I' d constructed for myself.

It was time to break free.

Eleanor Hayes was coming home.