“Charlotte, love, don’t you think it’s time we consider adopting?”
I looked up from my wheelchair, meeting Harold’s expectant gaze. I knew this was coming. For the past few days, he had played the part of the perfect fiancé—caring, attentive, devoted. The type of man any woman would dream of marrying.
But I knew the truth. I knew what he was doing behind my back. He was meeting with Lily and preparing their wedding that was supposed to be their wedding. But none of it matter as she was also preparing to leave. She was recovering, and could barely walk. But she didn’t tell Harold about her progress. It was not his business anymore.
And I simply didn’t care of his opinion. So, if he wanted to rush an adoption, then fine. I would play along.
I forced a small smile. “That sounds like a great idea.”
His face lit up. “Really? That easily?”
I nodded. “You’re right. We should move forward. If we can’t have children of our own, adoption is the next best thing. Plus, I think a baby would help me with my current situation. I was feeling depressed since I couldn’t move, so it would be a great distraction.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Good. There’s an orphanage I’ve donated to for years. We can visit today.”
Today? That fast? He really planned everything.
I didn’t react. Just nodded. “Sure.”
The orphanage was warm, bright—cheerful, even. Children ran around, laughing, playing. The staff greeted us politely, their eyes filled with curiosity. Then, from across the room, a small girl with big brown eyes came running. Straight to Harold.
“Daddy!”
She threw her arms around him. My stomach dropped.
Harold stiffened. “Ah, Charlotte, don’t think much of it,” he said quickly. “The kids here call me Daddy since I donate often.”
I smiled. Pretended to believe him. “That’s sweet.”
The girl—Sam—pulled back, beaming up at him. She looked familiar. Too familiar. Her curls, her soft features… she looked like Lily.
Harold cleared his throat. “She’s adorable, isn’t she?”
I tilted my head. “She looks like you.”
Harold laughed. “Then that’s even better, isn’t it?”
He didn’t deny it. I felt nothing.
Just nodded. “Maybe we should adopt her, then.”
Harold looked at me carefully, as if trying to figure out if I was serious. But I knew better, he thought I was stupid enough not to know. But he was also stupid enough not to know that I take back everything he had stolen from me. I would make him beg soon.
I held my pleasant smile.
“Perfect,” he finally said. “Let’s do it.”
Harold stayed behind, filling out paperwork. I pushed my wheelchair toward the hallways, needing a moment away from him. Then I heard voices.
“I can’t believe Mr. Brown is letting his own daughter pretend to be an orphan.”
A laugh. “And worse—he’s going to adopt her himself?”
“I feel bad for his fiancée. She has no idea.”
My fingers clenched against the armrests of my wheelchair. So it was true. Sam was his daughter. I should have felt rage, betrayal. But I only felt a dull ache. Resignation.
I already knew. This was just confirmation. I took a breath, prepared to return—then I heard another voice.
A familiar one. Lily, and beside her was Sam. Sam was calling her mother. When they felt my presence, Harold immediately spoke.
“Oh, Sam was calling her mother because she volunteered her a lot. No need to worry,” he said.
I laughed at myself. No need to worry? He was making it obvious. He was the idiot!
“Hey, Charlotte. Great to see you again,” Lily smiled.
I faked a smile. “Yeah, you too.”
“I hope you recover soon. Harold told me about the wedding. But don’t worry, I can ask as the stand-in. That would be okay, right? I mean, unless of course you want to walk the aisle with your estate…” She continued while mocking me. “People would think that Harold’s wife is useless… and his parents would surely not want that for the media. But no worries, people will just think I was the stand-in but you’re really the real wife.”
I forced a nod, keeping my expression neutral. “Thanks for being kind.
“Sure.”
“Anyway, I’ll wait outside.”
His eyes flickered with something unreadable. “Wait, why? You’re not upset? You look like…”
I tilted my head. “Why would I be? Did you lie to me? Did you do something that would upset me?”
Harold’s jaw tensed. “Of course not.”
I smiled. “Then there’s nothing to be mad about.”
I pushed my wheelchair toward the exit, not waiting for his reply.
I barely made it to the car before I heard the footsteps. Lily. I didn’t react as she came up beside me.
“You’re really going to play dumb, huh?” she scoffed.
I finally looked at her. “Excuse me?”
She crossed her arms. “When are you going to leave Harold?”
