The Birthday Betrayal

usually my morning co

days he'd managed to b

red "happy birthda

n your account, get yourse

end, her birthday twin to mine, alway

anning it

y, that familiar note of pity in

hooting years ago. It had made her a permanent fix

loe, beaming, a slice of cake in her h

aking fingers: "He's all yours

ed it, o

ock hadn't even

mumble about a work call, and dis

cold on the hardwood floor,

me, was dripping with a tende

I'd always be the first to

ss rose in my throa

nding away at m

loe's birthd

we said "I do." That day was always a whirlw

I'd cried.

ht this year mig

looking up caterers for a "client event

sequined gown. Back

this dress?" he'd as

earth would I wear some

hday, of course. It's gorgeous. W

of hope had plante

retive about Chloe's

.. open. B

ybe, this time

be the gracious wife. Invite Chlo

the bathroom door shat

"Sarah Miller isn't a toddler. Does

She just doesn't get it. The more she pushes me aw

my palms. A chill

nd on your birthday su

this time. "She's beco

Chloe's reply, b

row. And wear that dres

olding me togethe

eager to please his parents

have triggered hi

he unfortun