Page 9 of Unfaithful

I clenched my fists. "Why are you talking about this now, Elsa?" My patience was razor-thin. "I was at your house last night, and you didn't say a word."

She sighed. "I wanted to, but you looked so tired."

I let out a bitter laugh. "I'm still tired now, and you're still talking."

"You're rude toward me now, Cole." Her face scrunched into a frown. "You're cold and detached. It's not good for me. I'm already on edge, about to give birth. I need you. I need you more than ever."

I scrutinized her face. I didn't believe a word she said.

"Just tell me what you need," I said flatly.

Elsa cleared her throat—an annoying, squeaking sound.

"I need you to stay with me," she said calmly. "I live alone. If I go into labor, there'll be no one to help me."

I froze.

Before I could answer, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Sara's name on the screen.

I lifted a hand in front of Elsa's face, signaling her to stay quiet.

For a moment, I hesitated. Should I answer while Elsa was here? The phone buzzed relentlessly in my grip. I just stared at it until the ringing stopped, only for it to start again.

This time, I picked up.

"Hi, babe." I swallowed, hearing the nervous edge in my voice.

"Honey, I'm looking for Elsa. Is she there?"

My eyes flicked to Elsa, who sat there with a fake, innocent expression. I turned away. "She was here this morning, but she already left."

"Why did she come to see you?" Sara's tone sharpened with suspicion.

I sighed, my mind scrambling for an excuse. "She wanted to go over some numbers before submitting them. She said it was urgent."

A pause. Then, "And you didn't ask if I had already gone through them?"

I sighed again, feeling the strain of this conversation bearing down on me. "I told her I'd review them first. We can go over them together if you want."

"But she said nothing to me," Sara said.

Fuck.

"What numbers was she talking about?"

My gaze darted to Elsa. She mouthed Jamison Project.

"Cole?"

"The Jamison Project," I blurted. "Babe, sorry, I'm a bit distracted. I have an urgent email to send. I'll talk to you tonight, okay?"

A beat of silence. Then, slowly, "Okay... Love you."

"Love you too."

As soon as the call ended, I dropped my face into my hands.

Seriously. I couldn't do this anymore.

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