Chapter 2 - THE UNEXPECTED GUEST
The grand foyer of the Caldwell mansion was warm, smelling of pine needles and expensive bourbon. Claire stepped inside, her hands trembling as she adjusted Noah’s blanket. The house was filled with the sounds of laughter—the kind of genuine, raucous joy that Claire hadn't heard in years.
“Claire?”
Diane Caldwell appeared from the dining room, her face lighting up with a brilliance that turned instantly to shock when she saw the small bundle in Claire’s arms.
“Oh, my heavens,” Diane whispered, ignoring the room full of people. She rushed forward, her hands hovering delicately near the baby. “Is this... is this Noah?”
“Yes,” Claire whispered.
The room went quiet. The voices faded away until there was only the soft crackling of the fireplace. Then, a sharp, familiar voice broke the hush.
“Claire?”
Ethan Caldwell stood at the edge of the living room, a champagne flute in his hand. He was wearing a charcoal suit that fit him like armor. He looked exactly as he had seven months ago—polished, unreachable, and utterly composed. But as his gaze fell on Claire, and then drifted to the baby, the glass in his hand froze.
He hadn't expected her.
And he certainly hadn't expected his family to see his wife, the one he had told them was “taking a sabbatical,” holding a baby that everyone assumed was a myth.
“Ethan,” Claire said, her voice steadying as she felt the eyes of the entire family on her. “I see you didn't tell them.”
Ethan walked toward her, his movements predatory and controlled. “What are you doing here, Claire?”
“I was invited,” she said, tilting her chin up. “By your brother.”
May you like
Ethan’s eyes snapped toward Luke, who stood beside Claire with a look of defiant pride. “You’re making a mistake,” Ethan hissed, leaning close enough that she could smell the expensive scotch on his breath. “This isn't the time or place for a scene.”
“Then don't make one,” Claire whispered back.
