Chapter 2Borrowed Beats and Broken Lies

Over the weekend, Daniel’s inner circle was buzzing. They’d rented out a private lounge downtown to welcome Morgan back.

I didn't want to go, but Daniel insisted. "My mother is going. It’ll look bad if you’re not there."

My mother-in-law, Mrs. Sullivan, was a retired head nurse. She was iron-willed, critical, and sharp-tongued. She’d raised Daniel alone after a bitter divorce, and from the day I entered the family, she’d made it clear I wasn't up to her standards.

"Nancy, isn't that dress a bit... plain?" Mrs. Sullivan remarked the moment I walked into the VIP suite, scanning me from head to toe.

"I designed it myself, Mom," Daniel said, stepping in.

"Design? Since when does doodling pay the mortgage?" she huffed.

I looked down, my fingers twisting together.

"Oh, don't say that, Mrs. Sullivan. Illustrators are incredibly sought after these days," Morgan said, gliding over with a glass of champagne. She was wearing a black slip dress under a perfectly tailored blazer. She radiated the kind of effortless confidence I could only dream of.

"Always so sweet, Morgan," Mrs. Sullivan’s expression softened instantly. She took Morgan’s hand. "You were gone for so long, dear. I missed you terribly."

"I'm back now. I’ll come by and see you every day," Morgan promised.

The two of them fell into a deep conversation as if I wasn't even there. I stood on the periphery, a ghost at the feast.

"Morgan, you’re the star of the show now. A top-tier cardiac surgeon? You’re the only one of us who actually did something with their life," Jackson, one of Daniel’s oldest friends, shouted over the music.

"No kidding," another friend chimed in, grinning. "If Morgan hadn't moved to Switzerland, we’d probably be at her and Dan’s anniversary party tonight instead!"

The room went dead quiet for a heartbeat. Eyes darted toward me, then away. I felt like I’d been slapped in public. My face burned with shame.

"Watch your mouth, Jackson. You’ve had too much to drink," Daniel snapped. His voice was cold, but he didn't look at me. He didn't reach for my hand.

"Hey, just a joke, Nancy. No offense," Jackson muttered, offering a weak smile.

I forced my lips to move. "I need the restroom."

I practically ran out of the room. Once inside the stall, I leaned against the door, gasping for air. My chest began to tighten again—that familiar, dull ache. I fumbled in my purse for the small pill bottle and swallowed two tablets dry.

These were the pills my parents told me I needed. My heart was weak; it needed "maintenance." But right now, it didn't just feel weak—it felt like it was breaking.

When I finally gathered myself and stepped back out, Daniel was gone.

"He stepped out to take a call," Jackson told me, pointing toward the balcony.

I nodded and walked toward the glass doors, hoping for some fresh air. Just as I reached for the handle, I heard voices from the shadows of the terrace.

"How much longer are you going to keep it from her?" It was Morgan.

"As long as I can," Daniel replied. His voice was low, heavy with an exhaustion I’d never heard before.

"The truth always comes out, Dan. You’re only making it more painful for her."

"I’d rather she hate me than face the alternative."

I froze. The blood in my veins turned to ice.

Keep what from me? What alternative?

I pressed my hand over my mouth to keep from crying out. Their secret sat between them like a mountain, and it was crushing the life out of me.

I backed away quietly, returning to the lounge and pretending I had heard nothing. On the drive home, Daniel remained a statue.

"Is there... anything you want to tell me?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"No," he said. No hesitation.

I turned to the window, finally letting a single tear slip.