Chapter 7 - Vanessa’s First Question
Vanessa looked from Claire to Michael.
“Are you legally married to her?”
Michael swallowed.
“It’s complicated.”
Claire answered:
“No. It’s documented.”
The officiant closed his book.
The guests remained seated, but several phones lowered.
Vanessa’s mother stood from the front row.
“Michael, answer her.”
He tried to take Vanessa’s hand.
She moved away.
“We’ve been separated for years,” he said.
Claire almost laughed.
“We ate dinner together three nights ago.”
Michael turned toward her.
“You knew we were over.”
“I knew you said you loved me before leaving for your ‘business retreat.’”
Vanessa’s eyes filled with shock.
She looked at Claire’s stomach again.
“When is the baby due?”
“Any day.”
Vanessa stared at Michael.
“You told me she couldn’t have children.”
That was the moment Claire understood Vanessa had not known.
May you like
She was not a willing participant.
She was another person Michael had built his lie around.
