Chapter 5 - THE FIRST LIE
Daniel leaned closer.
“Who?”
Amelia shook her head.
“I don't know.”
“Amelia, please.”
“I received a photograph.”
“What photograph?”
She reached for her phone.
Her hands trembled as she opened a hidden folder.
The image showed Daniel standing beside another woman.
Victoria.
The photograph had been taken months earlier.
Daniel stared at it.
“That means nothing.”
“I know.”
“Then why keep it?”
“Because the message said you were having an affair.”
Daniel looked at her.
“I wasn't.”
“I believe you now.”
He paused.
“Now?”
Amelia lowered her eyes.
“I didn't always.”
Daniel felt guilt cut through him.
He had been so focused on his business that he had ignored the changes in his wife's behavior.
The fear.
The sleepless nights.
The sudden silence whenever her phone rang.
He had mistaken them for pregnancy anxiety.
Now he understood.
Someone had been manipulating both of them.
A nurse entered.
“Mr. Carter, there's someone downstairs asking for you.”
“Who?”
“Victoria Hale.”
Daniel immediately stood.
Amelia grabbed his wrist.
“Don't go alone.”
He looked at her.
“I won't.”
Downstairs, Victoria sat in the hospital waiting area.
She looked exhausted.
Daniel stopped several feet away.
“Why are you here?”
“I wanted to see Amelia.”
“No.”
Victoria looked hurt.
“She was my friend.”
“You attacked her.”
Victoria lowered her eyes.
“I lost control.”
Daniel stepped closer.
“Why?”
She said nothing.
“Why did you threaten her?”
Victoria's eyes lifted.
“I was angry.”
“That isn't an answer.”
She swallowed.
Then she whispered.
“Because she took you from me.”
Daniel stared.
“I never belonged to you.”
Victoria's face hardened.
“You don't understand.”
“No.”
Daniel shook his head.
“I finally understand.”
Victoria stood.
“You think Amelia is innocent.”
“She is.”
“You'll regret trusting her.”
Daniel stepped forward.
“Is that a threat?”
Victoria smiled faintly.
“No.”
She leaned closer.
“It's a warning.”
Then she walked away.
Daniel watched her disappear.
His phone vibrated.
May you like
A new message appeared.
You haven't seen the worst part yet.
