And none of them knew that while they celebrated the child they believed would replace my children, I was taking my son and daughter toward an airport, toward a new country, and toward the first honest breath I had taken in years.

Part 2

The private reproductive clinic on the Upper East Side looked more like a luxury hotel than a medical facility. Everything was soft marble, pale golden lighting, and perfectly rehearsed smiles. It suited David’s family perfectly. They loved expensive places that made them feel important.

Allison sat in the waiting area with one hand dramatically resting over her barely visible bump, dressed in a cream maternity dress she had no reason to need yet. Linda Harlow hovered beside her as though she were already grandmother to a royal heir.

“My grandson is going to be strong,” Linda said, squeezing Allison’s hand. “I can feel it.”

Megan laughed. “You’ve been saying that for weeks.”