Perhaps all he'd ever needed was a free test subject.
Freeze me, and he could start a brand-new life with a clean conscience.
As for the child I'd given birth to, he was a ready-made son for the new wife—sparing her the pain of pregnancy and labor.
The little boy finished changing and scampered over to Angelica, nuzzling against her.
Angelica smiled. "Les, stop being so clingy. Go play for a bit and let Mommy chat."
The boy leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Mommy's the best!"
Her eyes crinkled with warmth.
I turned my face away. My eyes burned, but I didn't dare let a single tear fall.
Eight years. I'd missed his first time rolling over, his first steps, his first word—Mama.
The kisses and cuddles he gave Angelica were supposed to be mine.
Instead, I sat here like a stranger in my own son's life.
The boy caught me staring. His expression shifted instantly, wary and sharp. "Lady, are you one of those women trying to steal my dad?"
I froze, unable to believe what I'd just heard.
"I heard Mommy talking to Mrs. Wang next door about it. Women are always trying to get with my dad."
He crossed his little arms with absolute conviction. "Well, forget it! My dad only loves my mom!"
"Even my dad's ex-wife had the good sense to die early so my mom could take her place."
Angelica gave him a light scolding look. "You're too young to be saying things like that."
But she didn't actually correct him. She just smiled and nudged him aside. "Go do your homework."
The boy pulled a face at me and ran off.
I watched his retreating back, a storm of emotions churning inside me.
Angelica smiled. "Kids say the darndest things. Don't take it to heart."
I shook my head, but my heart felt like it had been ripped wide open, cold wind pouring through the wound.
Just then, the front door opened.
Kieran's voice drifted in, warm with laughter. "Angelica, I'm home."
"My director heard that a patient came by to thank me in person. He tagged along—says he wants to get some publicity going, maybe push for my promotion to associate director."
His voice cut off mid-sentence.
I rose slowly to my feet and turned around.
Our eyes met, and every drop of color drained from Kieran's face.
A tidal wave of shock crashed behind his eyes, but not a single word left his mouth.
A middle-aged man's voice came from behind him. "Professor Pruitt, this is your patient? I'm getting the PR department on this first thing tomorrow!"
Angelica stepped forward to greet them. "Welcome! Please, come in."
She glanced at Kieran. "Honey, why are you just standing there? Say something."
I looked straight at Kieran, and a bitter smile curled the corner of my mouth.
"Surprise, honey."
"Your dead wife came back to see how well you've been doing."
