Berge

e was bird's nest soup for vitality, sea cucumber for fetal development, and a dozen other expensive,

u're eating for two now. For t

of toast and coffee with disdain. "Some people are just born

I looked at Brennan, expecting him to say something, to defend me. He just continued

please don't say that. It makes me feel terrible. Elaina is my best friend. If... if

ormance. Mrs. Patton im

ing it in front of Hollie. "This is the deed to a villa in the Hamptons.

ility replaced by undisguised greed. "O

n," she said, pat

the sound scraping loudly in the suddenly silent room. "Excus

nce at the happy fa

rnals. My entire life's work. I carefully placed the expensive gifts Brennan had showered me with on his side of the bed. The Starlight Diam

ve. He' d given it to me on our first anniversary. He' d told me it was enchanted, that as long as I wore it, his heart

u think you

, startled me. He was standing i

ing," I s

o the room. "Don't be childish, Elaina. We've

rts to control it. "I'm angry. Can't you understand that? You lied t

cult child. "Take the island trip. Go shopping. Buy whatever you want. When you get ba

into his arms, but I

ip surprisingly strong. "

rennan's eyes darted to the drawer, his face suddenly pale with panic.

do with it?" he demanded,

r the pre-signed

dy filed it. He thou

I lied, my voice smooth as ice. My eyes met his, filled wi

came from the hallway. "Brennan?

t he immediately softened his tone. "I'm fine, Hollie. Go back to your room." He turned back

then his eyes landed on the lock

oing?" I cried,

re," he said, not meeting my

d. He was taking the one gift that had ever meant anything t

m into the hall. He was alread

"A little something to

nnan, it's beautiful." She didn't recognize it. Of cours

it was just a trinket. The memory, the meaning, the promi

rmal, charming tone. "To celebrate the pregnancy. You'll be there, by my side, smiling. We'll present a united fro

her room, closing

s words ringing in my ears. A united front. A

elationship in my head. I had been so blind. So stupid. He had never lov

party. I would not stan

t transplant at the very hospital the Pattons owned, and we would disap

absence and began transferring my patients' care to my colleagues. I was in my off

smile on her face. She was w

my desk. "The great Dr. Berger, brough

ont of me. She was trying to get a reaction