Never Too Late to Change My Mind

Connor sighed in relief and started explaining, "Don't be mad. I had no idea Quinn left her lingerie. I slept in the living room last night. Check the cameras if you don't trust me."

I snapped the box shut and replied, "I trust you."

My overly calm response sent Connor frowning. He softened his tone and said, "Don't be upset, honey. I swear there's nothing between us. You have to trust me. If you don't, I can call her right now."

I wondered what his parents had told him as he surprisingly pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Quinn, what were you doing? Why did you deliberately leave your lingerie at my house to make my wife misunderstand?"

I watched him. I almost wanted to tell him what a terrible actor he was, but I ended up smiling and saying nothing.

He could put on his little performance if he wanted. After tomorrow, we'd be strangers anyway.

Connor grinned and pulled me in for a hug, just like when we used to be in love. "All's fine as long as you're not mad. I swear I'll listen to everything you say. No more contact with Quinn."

His smile was so garish that I had to look away. Things had changed. The Connor who once saw me as his everything had completely rotted away at some point.

"I'll take you to your favorite restaurant tonight. I have a gift for you," he said.

Since I was leaving tomorrow, I didn't want any unnecessary complications. I simply nodded.

…

That evening, I stared at the table full of dishes with no appetite.

I'd never liked spicy food, but to accommodate Connor's tastes, I'd always loaded my plate with chili.

"Eat up, honey. It's all your favorites. I know you can't live without spice.

"Oh, I set up a trust fund for our daughter. It'll mature when she turns 18. I even brought baby clothes. I can't wait to see what she looks like."

I lowered my gaze. "You'll find out soon enough."

His phone rang. He glanced at it and declined the call.

More calls came in.

Connor glanced at me before finally picking it up. When he hung up, I flatly said, "Quinn."

He anxiously explained, "Her ex-husband is stalking her. You know he's always been awful to her. He resents her because he lost the lawsuit. I'm worried something might happen to her…"

After he finished, I smiled understandingly. "Go ahead."

He gave me a grateful look and left in a hurry.

After he left, I ordered a bowl of chicken soup and left the dishes on the table untouched.

When I got home, I had the best, deep sleep.

Before leaving, I placed the miscarriage report and the baby's ultrasound scan on the dining table, along with a note.