Chapter 2

Even if Hank refused to let her step into the Collins house, so what? On paper, she was his legal wife—black and white, signed and sealed. No one could change that, not even Irene Hudson. Hank had loved Irene for ten years, but in the end, it was Chloe he married. Divorce? Out of the question. Hank adored kids. As long as she was carrying his child, he wouldn't walk away. Not even if he wanted to—he just wouldn't be able to. "Congratulations, Mrs. Collins. You're seven weeks pregnant. But... based on your medical history, I see you've had a heart transplant. As your doctor, I really can't recommend continuing the pregnancy," the middle-aged doctor said seriously, pushing his glasses up as he read through the test results. Chloe gently rested a hand on her belly. The baby's heartbeat wasn't audible yet, but she could feel its presence. This was her and Hank's first child. No way she was giving it up. "I'm not getting rid of it." "Mrs. Collins, I have to warn you—pregnancy could put a huge strain on your heart. When it gets to delivery, it could push your heart to the edge too. If you insist on going through with it, your life will be at serious risk." So what? She'd nearly died once just for Hank. One more time? She wasn't afraid. Leaving the OB-GYN with the scan report in hand, Chloe never expected to run right into Irene. Irene, delicate and light as a feather, always looked like someone who needed to be protected—pale lips, a ghostly complexion, and that calm, distant smile like nothing in the world could touch her. It was exactly that kind of act that had Hank wrapped around her little finger. Of course, it was also what Chloe hated the most about her. "Chloe, I didn't think I'd see you here. I've been meaning to apologize for a while now, but I just never got the chance." Irene spoke first, voice soft like always. "This whole past year, Hank's been making me stay at the Collins house. You married him, but never even stepped through the front door. That's on me." Chloe stared at the fake smile on Irene's face, then made a gagging motion and patted her chest. "Sorry, pregnancy's hit me kind of hard. I get nauseous around fake people—don't take it personally." Irene's face twitched slightly. Her eyes flicked to the paper in Chloe's hand, narrowing just a bit. Something cold flashed in her peach-colored eyes, but her lips still curled into a warm smile. "Why would I be upset? We're sisters, after all. You've really been through a lot this year. I bet Hank's been giving you the cold shoulder, right? I've told him over and over—even if he doesn't love you, you're still his wife. He should at least bring you home. But he always says only the real lady of the house deserves to live there. I didn't have much of a say in that." Chloe bit her lip. She'd always known Irene wasn't some innocent flower. Every word she said hit right where it hurt the most. But Chloe was too proud to show any weakness in front of her. "I'm Hank's wife, legally and properly. Even if I'm not at the Collins house now, we're still married. And now that I'm pregnant, we'll be a family of three soon—happy and whole. But hey, just a tip, sis... maybe back off Hank a little. Gossip spreads fast. I don't care what people say, but outside, they're calling you a homewrecker messing with your own sister's husband. Keep that up, and marriage prospects? Not looking too good." Hank had loved Irene for a decade. Even though she'd been staying at his place this whole past year, Chloe was sure he hadn't touched her—not with how often he came to her, dragging her to hotels. But what Irene said next nearly knocked the air out of Chloe's lungs.