Chapter 5: Passing Strangers

Back in my little rental in Washington Heights, I finally felt safe. The place was tiny and the radiator clanged all night, but at least it was mine. I could finally sleep without worrying my lies would catch up to me.

I kept tabs on the Chase family out of habit—Page Six, the Journal, even Deux Moi. Lucas was prepping for surgery. Sophia was back at his side, all smiles on Instagram.

Everything was perfect. The way it was supposed to be.

When Lucas opened his eyes, the first thing he’d see would be the girl he loved. It was the ending he deserved.

I touched my belly, barely showing. That little bean wasn’t supposed to exist. It was time to say goodbye.

I made an appointment at Mount Sinai—Medicaid covered it. The hospital corridors all looked the same: cold, sterile, endless.

I got lost on the way to the exam. When the elevator doors slid open, Lucas stood there in a hospital gown, pale and vulnerable. He clutched his white cane, alone.

He must’ve been there for pre-op tests. He moved hesitantly, uncertain in this place.

I pressed myself against the wall, hoping he wouldn’t notice. My heart pounded in my ears.

His cane brushed my leg. "Sorry," he said, polite and careful—a far cry from the commanding man in his penthouse.

I stared at him, my chest aching. Even here, he was beautiful.

Without Sophia’s face, I was a stranger. Just another person in the crowd.

I slipped past him. But suddenly, his hand grabbed my sleeve.

"Babe?" he said, voice shaky.

Panic shot through me. I dropped my voice, making it rougher. "Sorry, you’ve got the wrong person."

He looked confused, then let go. "You smell like my wife. Sorry."

Sophia appeared down the hall—designer heels, Hermès bag, every inch the woman I’d pretended to be.

I ducked into the elevator, letting the doors close on that chapter of my life.