BENEATH HER ASHES

's Poin

r tracker shows that she is on h

en laid perfectly. I have waited too long for this moment, and soon Emily will witness the truth w

icious. My fake baby bump presses tightly against the fabric, giving me the illusion of carrying his child. The irony makes me chuckle. I went all out tonight : flawles

te whiskey : two cubes of ice, no more. I know how to calm him. I know how to lull him int

tries to speak, to bring up why we are meeting on such short notice, but I cut him off with chatt

htstand, clears his throat, and fixes

ationship," he says flatly. "Emily's due date is near. I ne

Five years of lies, lust, and stolen time, and this man dares to treat me like some

son. I am carrying your child,"

me. "You will never be

clench behind my back, but my smile does not waver. Inst

t night," I plead. "Let me

shly thinking I want him one last time. What a pathetic man. I reach for

ur long months of dodging intimacy and staying one step ahead. I cannot risk h

t the door interrup

art s

fool beside me is seconds from pouncing. I glide across the roo

il

Point

e here was a blur. I do not even remember getting dressed, but somehow I am in one

rious five-star hotel, my belly shifts and I

babies' movements are sharper these days. Str

other kick.

ur, trying to soothe all of

feel. I keep my head high. I have been here before, for brunch with Jackson. I remember the chandeliers, the scent o

ns me , a young man with kind eyes. I slip a hundred-dollar bill int

Please. Tak

e a steady rhythm against my ribs. Each movement is a reminder that I am n

umber

s me at

bone in my body trembling.

ens almost

expect

ss, her belly proudly displayed. Her eyes sparkle, and

says sweetl

ep i

oom service? How many whiskey bottles d

vo

andles flicker in the dim light, and soft jazz plays in the background. The bed is unmade

umbles, scramblin

I - this

door behind me, victorious. She wanted this. She planned this. E

tively wrapping around my belly

are stil

, I feel like