Chapter 1Love’s Last Light

The ultrasound jelly was still cold on my belly when I opened a local mom's forum. A new post caught my eye. In the photo, a woman held a rosy-cheeked toddler, flashing a peace sign. But it was the man cooking in the background that froze my blood.

Behind his ear was a familiar, faded tattoo—my initials. The sweater he wore was the same cable-knit pullover I spent weeks knitting for my husband, Dominic.

At home, the mansion was silent. The butler brought soup, his expression polite. "Mr. Dominic is working late again. He said not to wait up, ma'am." This was the seventh day he hadn't come home.

I slid off my wedding band, opened the safe, and pulled out the divorce papers. I signed my name. I was done waiting for a man who'd forgotten the way home.

My fingers trembled. I stared at our wedding photo, trying to recall the last time Dominic spoke to me directly. He always claimed the company kept him busy. Lately, there were no texts, no photos—only messages through the butler.

"The company is swamped today."

"Don't wait up. Take care of yourself and the baby."

…

Large tears spilled over my lashes, hot and heavy.

I didn't know how long I sat there in the dark, but the sky outside the window was beginning to turn a bruised purple when the bedroom door clicked open.

Dominic walked in, his brow furrowing instantly. He crouched in front of me and took my hands in his.

"Didn't I tell you not to wait up?"

"You never listen."

He sighed. Feeling how ice-cold my hands were, he scooped me up into his arms and tucked me firmly beneath the heavy duvet.

My eyes burned terribly. I watched in silence as Dominic meticulously filled a hot water bottle for me and began massaging my swollen calves.

I suddenly wanted to ask him.

Dominic, have you fallen in love with someone else?

Dominic, do you remember the vow you made, promising to hold my hand until our hair turned gray?

But the words felt like crushed glass in my throat.

I didn't dare ask.

I was terrified that if I did, I would unravel into a hysterical, screaming mess.

Noticing my sinking mood, Dominic gently picked up my hand and pressed it against his chest, right over the sweater he was wearing.

"See? I'm wearing the love you made for me."

"Don't throw a tantrum now."

Last night, I had scrolled through every single post on that woman's account.

The Dominic she documented was endlessly patient and tender.

Dominic was a notorious germaphobe, yet he willingly rolled around in the grassy park to fly kites with her and the boy.

Dominic was strictly disciplined with his diet, yet he would drive thirty miles at midnight just because she craved spicy takeout.

They had chased the Northern Lights in Norway and kissed beneath towering, snow-capped mountains.

Meanwhile, I was left to guard a beautiful, empty house.

Dominic's phone suddenly buzzed.

I took the opportunity to wipe my eyes, but my gaze inadvertently caught the screen. He was texting her.

After ten years together, I was simply saved as 'Hazel' in his contacts.

But that girl. He had her saved as 'Baby'.

I bit the inside of my cheek so hard I tasted copper. My voice came out hoarse.

"How did you find the time to come back today?"

Dominic didn't even look up. He opened the nightstand drawer and pulled out a velvet box.

"Just came back to grab something."

I had opened that box a few days ago.

Inside was a diamond ring, featuring a stone the size of a quail egg.

Before I could say another word, Dominic pressed a quick kiss to my forehead and hurried out the door.

The tears finally broke free. When I first discovered that ring, I had been so thrilled I immediately called my best friend to share the news.

She had laughed, saying she didn't know Dominic had a romantic bone in his body.

She said he must have remembered that he never gave me a proper ring back when we were broke, and was finally making up for it with a massive diamond.

I had hoped so desperately that he would remember today was our tenth anniversary.

I had waited for him to get down on one knee, slide that ring onto my finger, and heal the regrets of our past.

I had longed for him to press his ear to my belly and whisper to our unborn child.