Chapter 3

Milton handled my discharge paperwork with a surprising attentiveness, even bringing along a strawberry cake, claiming it was a special treat for the children at the orphanage. I feigned ignorance, offering only a smile and a nod. It was remarkable how he recalled every detail of Camryn’s child's preferences while conveniently forgetting that our own child was allergic to mangoes. I carefully closed the bag, placed the cake in the back seat, and pretended to succumb to illness, closing my eyes to block out the world.

After three years of deceit, the time had come to confront the truth. I had already enlisted a lawyer to draft the divorce agreement. As we entered the orphanage, a little girl rushed forward, embracing Milton's leg as if it were the most natural act. Her radiant smile lit up her face as she repeatedly called him "Dad." For a fleeting moment, Milton's expression faltered. Perhaps fearing my growing suspicion, he quickly interjected, "Lauren, the Shaw family sponsors this orphanage. I come by often to visit the kids. You can see how familiar they are with me." I nodded, opting not to press the matter further. Instead, I smiled gently and brushed my fingers against the little girl’s cheek. "She resembles you quite a bit. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have assumed she was yours. What’s her name?"

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"Her name's Shannon. She's the one I was thinking we could adopt." Before he could elaborate, Shannon erupted into tears, calling for her mother. Milton's face drained of color, and he glanced at me, his brow furrowed with anxiety.

"I'm fine," I reassured him softly. "Children in orphanages often struggle with feelings of insecurity. Go comfort her. She's beautiful—I like her too." My words seemed to soothe him. Without a second thought, he scooped Shannon up and carried her into the office. I seized the moment, claiming I needed to use the restroom, and slipped away. I had fought so hard to maintain my composure, but witnessing this scene was overwhelming. After wiping my tears, I made my way toward Milton's office.

Just as I reached the door, I halted abruptly. A familiar voice drifted from within. "Camryn, once Shannon gets placed with the Shaw family, you won’t have to worry about anything anymore. If you need anything, just text me." I heard the sound of wrapping paper crinkling as Milton handed her a beautifully wrapped box. "You’re giving me another gift? You’ve already given me so much. My closet's overflowing. If Lauren finds out, she’s going to be upset." Despite her words, she accepted the gift eagerly, a smile on her face. Shannon laughed and flung herself into Camryn’s arms, calling her "Mom" repeatedly.

At that moment, the director rushed in to process some paperwork, swinging the door open right in front of me. I stood frozen in shock. Panic flickered across Milton's face. "Lauren, what are you doing here?" he stammered, his voice tight with concern. "Don’t get the wrong idea. Camryn is a volunteer here. She just happened to be visiting today—and we were discussing Shannon's adoption…"