Just then, the black phone lying beside her buzzed.
Stanley's phone.
He paused, his hand releasing her neck.
She quietly let out a breath of relief.
If she wasn't mistaken, whoever was calling him at this hour had to be his childhood sweetheart—the one he'd loved but could never have—Northport's rising star, Kira Vale.
A month ago, Chloe had met Kira in person and added her on social media.
But that meeting had left a bad taste in her mouth. She'd gotten a clear sense of exactly what kind of person Kira was.
That day, Kira had put on a warm, friendly act, claiming she wanted to share stories about Stanley's past so that Chloe, as his wife, could understand her husband better. In reality, every story was about how good Stanley had been to her, and all the wonderful memories they had shared together.
Chloe had felt uncomfortable listening, wondering if she was just being petty. Then Kira dropped this line: "Chloe, I hope telling you all this doesn't make you suspicious about me and Stanley. You're not mad, are you?"
Chloe had laughed.
And then, today.
Ten minutes ago.
She'd posted something sweet about her marriage on social media—visible only to Kira.
Stanley hesitated for a split second, then reached for his phone and got out of bed to take the call.
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Even though he'd lowered his voice, she caught every word Kira said.
"Stanley, you have to come help me! Some stalker fans have cornered me!"
The desire that had clouded his face moments ago vanished instantly, replaced by sharp concern. "Where are you?"
"I've had some free time lately, and I was worried you weren't taking good care of Chloe, so I came to Harborcrest today. I didn't expect those crazy fans to recognize me—they've got me trapped and won't let me into the hotel!"
His brow furrowed deeper. "I'm on my way."
He hung up and turned to Chloe, his tone suddenly serious. "A friend ran into some trouble. I need to step out. Get some sleep."
Chloe sat up. "What friend? It's so late..."
Stanley's eyes curved slightly as he pinched her cheek. "Just someone I'm close with. When a friend's in trouble, you help."
Chloe nodded like the understanding wife she was supposed to be, but grabbed his hand. "Promise you'll come back early? I'm scared being alone in the hotel."
"I will."
His voice was lazy, but his hands moved fast—he nearly put his T-shirt on inside out.
Chloe watched in silence, a dull ache spreading through her chest.
Rationally, she knew she'd used Kira as a tool to protect the baby growing inside her.
Emotionally, seeing how fast Stanley moved for another woman... that first flutter of feeling she'd had for him curdled into something sour and disappointed.
After he left, she let herself relax for a while and scrolled through her phone.
Sleep wouldn't come.
Half an hour later, she refreshed her social feed and saw Kira's new post.
With you, I feel safe.
The photo was a selfie taken inside a car. But in the bottom right corner, plain as day, was a man's hand holding a bottle of water.
Stanley's hand was easy to recognize—he had a heartbeat line tattooed on his ring finger, and he was wearing his wedding band.
Several mutual friends had already commented.
Damn, Stanley really does drop everything for you.
Kira had replied with a playful slap emoji.
It's the middle of the night and you're with Stanley? What are you, the other woman?
Kira's reply: Get lost!
These were all Stanley's close friends commenting.
But one comment at the bottom caught Chloe's attention.
Professor Dudley: You're with Stanley?
Professor Dudley.
Full name: Ervin Dudley. Her graduate advisor.
Back at school, she'd only heard rumors that Professor Dudley came from money and was the unattainable crush of every rich girl on campus.
It wasn't until before her wedding, when she saw the Dudley family portrait, that she realized Ervin was actually a Dudley heir—Stanley's cousin. Among their generation, he ranked third.
Kira had replied to Ervin too. Twice, even.
Of course not! He came to Harborcrest with Chloe. Besides, Ervin, she can see your comment—don't make her overthink things, okay?
Also, why are you still up so late?
Everyone else kept replying to Kira, but Ervin didn't respond.
Chloe narrowed her eyes, thought for a moment, then replied to the earlier comments: Not overthinking anything.
The second she posted, a new message popped up.
Ervin Dudley: You're still awake?
