Chapter 1

1.

The morning after our sixth wedding anniversary, a December blizzard turned Chicago into an icebox.

My husband, Liam Bennett, said he was running to Dunkin’ to get my favorite Boston Cream donut.

In his rush, he left his iPhone on the marble island in the kitchen.

The screen lit up. A notification floated to the surface: "My Sweet Sophie: Voice Message."

I shouldn't have tapped it.

But six years of marriage gave me a sinking feeling in my gut―that urge where you know you shouldn't look, but your fingers move on their own.

The woman’s voice was as biting as the wind outside.

"Since Emily can't get pregnant, I can give you one."

"That way, you can finally be a dad. You want a kid, right? Does it matter who births it?"

Then came Liam’s laugh, heavy with breath, echoing in our empty master bedroom.

My hands started to shake.

[Three Weeks Ago - Thanksgiving]

I should have noticed something was wrong back on Thanksgiving.

"Emily, can you pass the cranberry sauce?"

My mother-in-law, Margaret Bennett, pulled me out of my daze.

We were sitting in their suburban dining room. The table was groaning under a traditional feast―a twenty-pound turkey, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and the pumpkin pie Margaret insisted on making from scratch.

"Here you go, Margaret."

I passed the sauce, noticing Liam was staring at his phone again.

That was the fifth time during dinner.

"Liam, no phones at the table," Margaret frowned. "It's Thanksgiving."

"Sorry, Mom. Just a student's parent. Urgent matter."

Liam shoved the phone into his pocket, but I caught the name flashing on the screen―Sophie.

Sophie Miller. His "childhood friend" who lived three blocks away.

"You've been glued to that thing all day," I said, trying to keep my voice light. "What could be so urgent?"

"Just work stuff. You know how parents get during the holidays."

Liam sliced into his turkey, refusing to meet my eyes.

But I knew the school administration office was closed for Thanksgiving break.

After dinner, Liam said he needed to go to Target to prep for Black Friday.

As he drove off, I saw him on the phone in his car. The smile on his face was one I hadn't seen in a long time―relaxed, genuine.

In that moment, my heart sank.