Chapter 2

2 I stared blankly at my reflection.

The face in the mirror used to be vibrant and healthy, but now it was gaunt and pale.

I couldn't compete with a fresh-faced starlet.

My phone buzzed. It was my best friend, Taylor Grey, the best surgeon in New York City.

"Penelope, why didn't you tell me? If I hadn't seen your chart today while on duty…"

"What good would it have done?" I interrupted.

It would only cause more pain.

She was silent for a moment, her voice choked with tears.

"Does he know about your condition?"

I nodded, then realized she couldn't see me.

I whispered, "He thinks it's just another one of my little games."

Taylor exploded. "I heard he brought some girl to a family dinner? How much longer is he going to torture you? What happened back then…"

Her voice trailed off, realizing she shouldn't have brought it up.

I sniffled.

"It's okay, Taylor."

I hung up and stood there for a moment.

I turned on the faucet, washing the blood down the drain, and walked out.

Down the hall, Cooper was leaning against the wall, his perfect face half-hidden in shadow.

I tried to walk past him, but he grabbed my wrist.

"Going home already? The party's over."

I stopped, not looking at him. "Thank you for asking."

I was feeling so sick that I hadn't realized how late it was.

Cooper must have taken over hosting.

I should thank him.

That's what I always did.

He stiffened. "You're avoiding me? Are you that disgusted?"

I turned my head and saw the annoyance in his eyes. "I just wasn't feeling well."

I tried to pull away, but he held on tighter.

His voice was sharp, with a hint of anger. "Mrs. Sinclair, are you faking it again?"

I was speechless.

I told him I was sick, and he didn't believe me.

What could I say?

I decided to make a joke. "Maybe I'm pregnant. Surprise!"

Cooper went still.

After a long silence, he said, "Is this a game to you?"

"Last time I checked, it's been a long time since Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair have fulfilled their obligations."

He stepped closer, his breath tickling my ear. "Penelope, nobody's going to baby you."

He shoved me hard. I stumbled back and slammed against the wall.

By the time I recovered, he had already grabbed Janie, who was waiting at the end of the hall.

I stood there numbly until the driver asked, "Ma'am, the car's ready. Are we going to the cemetery now?"

"Are we waiting for... Mr. Sinclair?"

The driver hesitated.

He had obviously seen Cooper leave with Janie.

I snapped out of it. "No, let's go."