She sounded shocked.
“Your mother told me Claire’s sister had moved in,” she said. “She said the family wanted privacy.”
“Claire doesn’t have a sister.”
A long silence followed.
“I can be there at seven tomorrow morning,” the nurse replied.
Ethan then ordered groceries, formula, medication, diapers, and prepared meals from three different stores.
While waiting for the deliveries, he prepared oatmeal and scrambled eggs for Claire using supplies he had purchased from a nearby convenience store. It wasn’t a fancy New Year’s dinner, but Claire finished every bite.
At 11:55 p.m., Ethan sat beside her on the sofa while Lily slept against his chest.
There were no fireworks in their home.
No celebration.
No champagne.
Only the quiet ticking of the clock and the gentle sound of their daughter breathing.
When midnight arrived, Ethan kissed Claire on the forehead.
“This year,” he whispered, “no one gets to convince you that you’re alone.”
PART 3 — What the Camera Revealed
The house had two security cameras.
One faced the front entryway. The other rested on a shelf between the kitchen and living room. Ethan had set them up before leaving because Claire sometimes worked late and often came home alone.
The cameras captured sound.
After Claire drifted off to sleep, Ethan opened the security application.
He told himself he only needed to confirm what had happened.
The footage showed something worse than he’d imagined.
Diane had canceled the nurse after grumbling that the service was “a waste of money.”
Brooke had used the emergency card to put down a deposit for the Cancún resort.
Jason joked that Ethan would never look at the charges because he was too busy in Germany.
They used part of the $9,000 to buy airfare.
They spent more on clothing, luggage, restaurant reservations, spa appointments, and jewelry.
The groceries meant for Claire were split between Diane’s house, Brooke’s house, and the coolers loaded for the airport.
Then came the recording from that morning.
Claire stood near the table, one hand resting on her abdomen.
“You promised Ethan you would help me,” she said.
Diane zipped her suitcase shut.
“I did help you. I stayed here for more than a week.”
“You were barely here.”
“I have my own life.”
