The soft hum of conversation filled the private dining room at Aurum, the city’s most exclusive restaurant. I sat at the head of the table, nursing a glass of red wine as the table’s other occupants—business associates and board members of Archer Enterprises—chatted around me. This was Nathaniel’s domain, but tonight, it felt like mine.
Until the door opened.
Nathaniel walked in, flanked by a woman I recognized instantly—Claire Lang. She was stunning, in an effortless, curated way: a shimmering emerald dress that hugged her figure and an expensive pair of heels that clicked confidently against the marble floors. Her hand rested on her barely noticeable bump.
My grip on the glass tightened, but my face remained impassive.
“Claire,” Nathaniel greeted, his deep voice carrying across the room. He approached with that same charming smile he used to disarm investors and close deals. “Sorry we’re late. Traffic was terrible.”
I forced a polite smile, glancing briefly at Claire before my gaze shifted back to Nathaniel. “No problem. We’ve only just started.”
Claire smiled at me, saccharine and carefully rehearsed. “Claire, it’s lovely to see you again.”
I inclined my head. “Claire.”
Nathaniel pulled out a chair for her beside him, and she sat gracefully, her hand never leaving her stomach. The sight made my chest tighten, but I kept my expression neutral. This wasn’t the place to break.
Dinner began, the clinking of silverware and soft laughter filling the air. I sat quietly, pretending to be engrossed in my filet mignon, though every word from Claire’s mouth felt like a dagger.
“I’ve been so fortunate,” she said, her voice lilting. “Nathaniel’s been incredible through everything. I mean, between managing Archer Enterprises and… this,” she said, glancing down at her bump, “he’s been so attentive.”
The table erupted in polite chuckles, save for me.
“You’re lucky,” I said coolly, setting down my fork. “Nathaniel’s always had a talent for juggling responsibilities.”
Nathaniel’s gaze flicked to me, but I kept my eyes on my plate. I could feel him trying to gauge my mood, but I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
As the dinner wore on, I caught fragments of conversation. Claire, talking about nursery plans and baby names, while Nathaniel smiled indulgently. The man who once promised me the world now beamed at the woman carrying his child.
The dessert course arrived, but I barely touched it. Finally, the inevitable moment came.
Nathaniel cleared his throat, drawing the table’s attention. “Everyone, thank you for coming tonight. I wanted to share some personal news.”
The room fell silent.
“Claire and I are expecting,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “It’s a boy.”
The table erupted in applause and cheers. I stayed perfectly still, my hands folded neatly on the table.
“Congratulations,” I said finally, my voice smooth and detached.
Claire turned to me, her eyes sparkling. “Thank you, Claire. Your support means so much. Truly.”
I met her gaze, unflinching. “Of course. This is a… monumental step for Nathaniel. I’m sure he’ll need all the support he can get.”
Her smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she recovered quickly.
As the evening wound down, Nathaniel excused himself to take a phone call, leaving Claire and me alone at the table. She leaned in slightly, her expression softening in what I could only assume was mock concern.
“Claire, I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you,” she said.
I tilted my head, feigning confusion. “Hard?”
“Well, you and Nathaniel were together for so long…” She trailed off, her hand once again resting on her stomach. “But you’re so composed. I admire that.”
My lips curved into a small, cold smile. “Claire, I’ve had years of practice managing difficult situations. This is no different.”
Her eyes narrowed, just slightly, but before she could respond, Nathaniel returned.
“We should get going,” he said, glancing between us. “Claire needs to rest.”
I stood gracefully, smoothing the fabric of my dress. “Of course. Take care, Claire.”
As they left, arm in arm, I remained in the dining room, staring at the untouched dessert in front of me. My chest felt hollow, but I refused to cry.
Nathaniel had made his choice. He had replaced me, discarded the woman who had been by his side when he had nothing, for someone younger, someone who could give him what I couldn’t.
But I wasn’t going to break. Not here. Not now.
Because if there was one thing I’d learned from being Nathaniel Archer’s wife, it was this: you don’t let them see you bleed.
