Chapter 3Giving Her to the Sea

I was the cruel one?

Rainey had targeted my baby's bandaged hand on purpose. She had been standing perfectly fine, yet somehow, she managed to lose her balance on a flat, even floor.

Looking at the two of them shielding her like she was a fragile glass doll, a bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"I am sorry, Rainey."

Rainey sniffled, leaning into Ben's chest before stepping back.

"It's okay. I know Jess didn't mean to."

Ben's expression softened slightly.

"I will have my assistant buy another gold lock and send it over. You don't need to be jealous of Rainey."

I didn't even bother to smile.

My child would never need anything from him again.

On the day I was discharged, Ben had promised to pick me up.

But by the time I took a taxi back to the Taylor residence, he was nowhere to be found.

Instead, I saw Rainey's latest social media update.

"Taking the baby for his vaccinations. I am so terrified of needles, but thankfully, I have someone here to keep us safe."

The post was accompanied by a photo of a man's back, a baby resting on his shoulder.

I didn't even need to zoom in. I recognized the slope of those shoulders instantly. It was Ben.

The ringing of my phone broke my train of thought.

"Jess, I have managed to contact a world-class reconstructive surgeon. But he is currently in Europe and cannot travel here. You will need to bring the baby to him."

"Okay," I said, a weight lifting from my chest. "I will pack our things and leave tomorrow."

"Going where?"

Nate's voice startled me. He was standing near the doorway, his brow furrowed in disapproval.

I quickly locked my phone, my voice returning to a neutral calm.

"A friend recommended a private wellness retreat. I am going to check it out."

He didn't press further, his tone turning indifferent.

"Rainey is coming back to stay for a few days. If you don't have any pressing business, you should leave early."

My grip tightened on the phone.

Ten years of secure, classified research meant I would not see this place again for a very long time. Before leaving, I simply wanted to spend one last night in the house where my parents had raised me.

Five years ago, I refused to give up my research assistant position to Rainey.

In a fit of tears, Rainey had run out of the house. Our parents had chased after her into the rainy night, only to be hit by a truck.

Since that day, Nate had hated me. He believed I was the one who killed them.

"I will be gone tomorrow morning," I said quietly.

"Good."

Before dinner, Ben walked through the door, carrying Rainey's bags.

"Ben, when that needle went into the baby's arm, I couldn't even look. I am so glad you were there," Rainey said, her voice dripping with sweet affection.

Ben gave her a gentle smile, but then his eyes found me, and he quickly walked over.

"Jess, I spent the afternoon consulting with several specialists about our son's hand. That's why I couldn't pick you up. Nate told me you came here. Why didn't you call me?"

Rainey's eyes flashed with a sudden spark of jealousy, though she quickly masked it with a sweet smile.

I tested the temperature of the formula on my wrist, gently placing the bottle into my baby's mouth.

"I forgot," I replied, not looking up.

He hesitated, reaching out to touch the baby. "You must be exhausted, sweetheart. Let me hold him."

I subtly shifted my shoulder, shielding my baby from his touch.

His hand froze in midair, his face tightening as he slowly drew back.

That night, my baby's soft whimpering woke me.

Before I could even open my eyes, low whispers from the hallway drifted through the door.

"Ben, can my baby call you Daddy?"