Page 147 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

But I know this: it isn’t responsible for what Bianca did. And that, at least, is clear.

I dial Bianca’s number.

“Dante,” she says the moment she answers. “That took you long enough.”

“I just read your messages.”

Short. Cold. Deliberate.

“You turned off your phone… Why? You’ve never done that before.”

Jealousy and suspicion drip from her voice. This time, I hear them clearly. No filter. No illusion. And for the hundredth time, I wonder how I could have been so blind.

“What I do with my private life is none of your business anymore, Bianca.”

Silence. Then her voice rises, faster now, almost pained.

“Are you with her?”

“Seriously, Bianca? Do you honestly think I’d be with her right now?”

I can almost hear her sigh of relief.

Before, I would’ve felt guilty. Not anymore.

“No, of course not. You wouldn’t be that easy to manipulate.”

Her comment hits a little too close to the truth. I was easy to manipulate.

Not anymore.

I get straight to the point.

“How long have you known?”

“Since yesterday,” she replies.

Too quickly.

As if she’d already expected me to doubt her.

“I started suspecting it a few days ago. But I only had time to take a test the day before yesterday.”

“And you already had time for blood work and the results?”

The suspicion slips through despite myself.

“I happen to know the director of a private clinic who did me a small favor.”

“Of course you do.”

“You can’t talk to me like that. I’m carrying your child. We’re going to have a family whether you want it or not.”

My fist presses against the wall to keep myself from exploding.

“No. This child will have two parents. But you and I are over. Don’t confuse co-parenting with being a couple. We are not a family.”

I know I’m losing control. I know I’m no longer playing the part. And if I’m not careful, she’s going to realize it. My voice softens.