Chapter 47
“Grandpa, don’t talk like that. It’s bad luck p>
“Don’t worry! I’ve checked my fortunes. I’ll make it to at least ninety-eight p>
Lucie fought back the ache in her chest and managed a watery smile. “No way, Grandpa. They got it wrong. You’re living to a hundred and ten, minimum p>
He chuckled. “Well, I’ll do my best p>
Just as Lucie settled into her hospital room, four orderlies heaved in a bouquet so massive it looked like a millstone blooming with flowers.
“Mrs. Heath, these are from Mr. Heath p>
Lucie’s smile vanished. “Take them out. I can’t stand the sight.” Her brow tightened, and the anger she’d been working so hard to bury rushed back with a vengeance.
Steven always knew how to put on a show.
He was every woman’s dream on the surface-thoughtful, attentive, perfect. But beneath that flawless act was something poisonous. The closer you got, the more you saw the cracks.
At first, his gestures could make you believe he was the real thin, until you realized perfection was just another mask.
Steven strolled in, Cody’s small hand in his, eyes wide and full of false regret. “Honey, I know I messed up. I mean it-I’m sorry. Please, can you forgive me?
“Cody, give Mommy the flowers p>
Cody stepped forward, clutching a little bouquet of carnations. He offered them to her with big, earnest eyes. “Mommy, I’m sorry for making you mad. I promise I’ll be good from now on p>
He glanced up, voice trembling with hope. “I want you to get better soon. Daddy and I love you more than anything p>
Lucie’s emotions swirled.
Once upon a time, gestures like this would have left her breathless with gratitude, tears spilling down her cheeks.
But ever since she learned Cody’s blood type, that invisible thread binding mother and son had begun to unravel, strand by fragile strand.
After handing her the flowers, Cody turned to Mr. Anderson, his great-grandfather, and flashed a
bright, innocent grin.
“Great Grandpa, I’ll protect Mommy from now on, I promise. So you don’t need to worry anymore p>
Mr. Anderson’s eyes twinkled, pride and love etched deep in every wrinkle. He
ruffled Cody’s hair. “Good boy. You’re growing up so fast p>
Cody squeezed his hand, his little voice suddenly grown-up. “Great-Grandpa, let’s
go outside and give Mommy and Daddy a minute alone p>
Mr. Anderson hesitated, glancing uncertainly at Lucie.
Steven put on his best earnest face. “Grandpa, could you and Cody give us some privacy? I really need to talk to Lucie p>
Lucie met his gaze, her expression cool, unreadable. She didn’t resist.
Mr. Anderson sighed heavily. Alright p>
He took Cody’s hand and left the room, the door clicking softly shut behind them.
The moment they were alone, Steven slipped a polished jewelry box from his pocket and flicked it open, revealing a stunning blue diamond ring.
“Honey, I missed our fourth anniversary gift. I wanted to make it up to you p>
eronet
He held it out, every word practiced. “I bought this blue diamond at auction last year. Ihad the best designers and craftsmen cut it exactly24.518 carats. You’re twenty-four, your birthday’s May eighteenth it’s both a birthday, and an anniversary gift-to celebrate four years together p>
Lucie stared at him, her face utterly blank, not a flicker of emotion breaking the surface.
He knew exactly how to play to a woman’s heart. Once, she would have been swept away.
“Steven,” she said quietly, “is Cody really my son p>
Steven’s eyes darkened. He met her gaze, voice steady. “Of course he is. You carried him for nine months. You gave birth to him. We’ve even seen the paternity test. Why are you asking this p>
“But… his blood type—why is it p>
He cut her off, voice quick and defensive. “I know what you’re thinking. Why is
Cody’s blood type A, right p>