Chapter 5: A Watch That Wasn’t Mine

I went straight home. Looking at the familiar apartment number, I remembered the last time I was here—when Savannah first got pregnant.

The hallway smelled like old carpet and takeout. I paused outside the door, keys trembling in my hand.

She’d said my job in Cleveland plus my night shifts driving for Uber were too exhausting. So she’d sent all my things back to Maple Heights herself.

Boxes stacked by the door, labeled in her neat handwriting. I’d thought it was sweet, thoughtful. Now it felt like eviction.

I’d told myself she was looking out for me, that she cared. I was wrong.

Now, seeing Tyler’s personal stuff everywhere, I couldn’t help but laugh.

His shoes by the door, his jacket draped over the back of the couch. It was like I’d walked into someone else’s life.

Turns out, Savannah wasn’t worried about me being tired—she just didn’t want me messing up her happy life with her “good cousin.”

The realization was like ice water down my spine. I laughed, the sound bitter and strange in the empty apartment.

The place was filled with baby things—pink onesies, tiny bottles—almost identical to what I had in my car trunk.

I stared at the tiny socks, the pastel blankets, and felt a wave of grief so strong it nearly knocked me over.

Thinking of the baby I’d longed for but who was never really mine, my heart twisted in pain.

I pressed a hand to my chest, willing the ache to pass. It didn’t.

Forcing myself not to dwell on it, I went to the bedroom to pack my things. There, on the nightstand, I found the watch Savannah had given me for our wedding anniversary.

The sight of it stopped me in my tracks. The leather band was worn, the face scratched, but it was still the most beautiful thing I owned.

I remembered, last time I’d come home with Savannah, Tyler had said,

He’d picked up the watch, turning it over in his hands. "Nice watch, Chris. Too bad it’s discontinued."

Of course it was—Savannah had designed it for me herself. She said it was for her one and only love.

She’d spent weeks sketching designs, choosing the perfect engraving. I’d never felt so special.

Back then, Savannah had smiled politely, but under the table, she’d tugged my sleeve down, almost imperceptibly.

It was a secret signal, just between us—or so I’d thought.

The next day, the watch disappeared.

I tore the apartment apart looking for it. Savannah just shrugged, said I must have lost it.

I was frantic, even considered calling the police, but Savannah yelled at me in front of everyone,

She made a scene, her voice rising. "Chris, enough already! Are you trying to embarrass me in front of my family?"

"It’s just a watch. Do you have to be so petty?"

Her words stung, but I let it go. I always let it go.

When I kept insisting, Savannah threw her coat at me.

She stormed out, slamming the door behind her. I stood there, coat in hand, feeling like a fool.

"If you can live with this, fine. If not, you can leave right now!"

The ultimatum hung in the air. I knew she didn’t mean it, or at least I hoped she didn’t.

Everyone stared at me, their eyes full of contempt or ridicule. I felt so ashamed I ignored the smug look in Tyler’s eyes.

He watched me with a half-smile, like he knew something I didn’t.

Now, seeing the watch here, everything made sense.

The truth was staring me in the face. I’d just been too blind to see it.

Savannah’s “one and only love”—that was never meant for Chris Lee.

It was meant for someone else all along. The realization cut deeper than I expected.

I was a fool. I’d never once doubted Savannah’s love for me.

I’d built my whole world around her. Never questioned her loyalty.

Maybe she’d never loved me at all.

The thought was almost a relief. At least now I knew the truth.

That’s why she could so brazenly be with her cousin right under my nose, spend my money, live in my house, and have his child.

I’d been a spectator in my own life, watching from the sidelines as they built a future together.

How ironic.

My phone kept buzzing.

The screen lit up again and again, Savannah’s name flashing like a warning I refused to heed.

It was a video call from Savannah.

I answered, calm.

I forced my voice to stay steady, hiding the storm brewing inside me. "What is it?"

Maybe she hadn’t expected me to be so cold. For a moment, Savannah looked annoyed. But she quickly switched to a gentle expression.

She pasted on a smile, her eyes softening. "Babe, are you still mad about earlier? I’m sorry, I was too harsh."

"Did you send my mom the money yet? The hospital says we need another ten grand for newborn care. Babe, please transfer it soon."

She leaned into the camera, her voice dropping to a sweet, coaxing tone. "It’s all for the baby. We can’t skimp on this!"

I stared at the screen, watching Savannah’s forced smile, and replied blandly,

My voice was flat, emotionless. "You’re right."