Chapter 2

I lock myself in the bedroom and shove my fist in my mouth. Not a sound. Not one.

Every time I thought I was going crazy from grief, every time I wanted to die because another baby was gone — it was him. My husband. Their father. He planned every single one.

New girlfriend, new baby. That's how it worked. Every woman he moved on to, he took one of my kids as a gift.

And now it's Sophia Mercer's turn. His childhood sweetheart.

I cry until my voice breaks. Until I'm just choking on air.

I beat my fists against my own stomach. I want this baby out. I want every last trace of Damien St. Clair scraped out of my body.

I used to love being pregnant with his children. Now everything about him makes me sick.

It's past midnight when he finally comes home.

He walks in already teary-eyed, drops to his knees, grabs my hands. "Baby, I'm so sorry. The nanny took her out this morning and she just… she's gone."

I stare at him.

He moves closer, squeezes tighter, eyes all big and desperate. "I've got people looking everywhere. We'll find her. I swear."

Tenth time he's fed me that exact line.

Funny how he never once delivered.

He's waiting for me to fall apart. Screaming, sobbing, clawing at my own skin like I always do. But this time I just look him dead in the eye.

"Okay."

His whole face goes blank.

Before he can ask questions, his phone rings. He picks up, and I hear her. Sophia. That whiny little baby voice: "Babe, this little girl is SUCH a pain. I want the one Claire's carrying right now…"

I stop listening. I don't need to hear any more.

The second he leaves the room, I grab my phone. No hesitation. I book an appointment to erase my identity. Five days out.

Then I dial the other number.

When his voice comes through, I choke back my tears and keep my voice steady. "I'll do it. But my condition is this — our baby will be your heir."

He says yes without blinking.

I hang up. Almost right away, Damien comes back. Wraps himself around me from behind, nuzzling my neck, cooing like I'm a puppy.

"There's my good girl. See? No tears, no tantrums. That's my Claire."

I let him hold me. My face is completely dead.

Oh I'll be good, Damien. So good you won't even see me leave.

Oh I'll be good, Damien. So good that by the time you notice, I'll be married to the most powerful man in London.