Chapter 99

Maybe he's got another girl overseas?

Lucie's mind went blank for a second. Then it all came rushing back. Every six months, almost like clockwork, he'd start a fight or pick some reason for them to have a cold war. Or he'd suddenly claim he had an urgent business trip and disappear for two weeks at a time. His favorite destination was Switzerland.

Was he really just working over there? Or was that where the other woman was? Every time he said he was away on business, was he really just with her?

Switzerland. One of the most expensive countries in the world, and a favorite for the ultra-rich to hide their money. If he really kept someone there, it meant he was serious-he'd gone to a lot of trouble. If she could figure out who he met with, where he stayed, maybe she could finally find out who Cody's biological mother

was.

The thought made Lucie's heart ache all over again. Four years of marriage, and she'd been completely in the dark. For all she knew, he might have a whole other family in Switzerland. Maybe he'd married her for some hidden reason; it probably wasn't love.

At five in the afternoon, Lucie was still lost in her tangled thoughts, going around and around in her head, when she heard a car engine outside.

"Ma'am, Mr. Heath and your son are back."

Lucie frowned, the pain in her chest flaring up again. Ever since she'd found out Cody wasn't her biological child, it hurt to just hear his name. He'd never really been close to her. She'd always blamed herself, thinking it was because she worked so much, or because Marian was always whispering things in his ear, turning him against her.

But now she knew the real reason. There was no bond of blood between them at all.

The door opened with a soft click. Cody came in, grinning from ear to ear. He was wearing his little custom suit, looking both handsome and adorable. In his arms was a bouquet of carnations, and in his hand, a delicate gift box.

"Mommy, I'm here to see you!"

bet

He walked over to the bed and gently placed the flowers in her lap. "Mommy, these are from me.

4ed them myself!

Lucie's heart twisted, and her eyes stung with tears. No matter what the adults had done, Cody was innocent. she'd

He was still the little life wild

carried for nine months, the child she'd gone through so much to bring into the world. Even if they

didn't share blood, she couldn't just

let go.

"Mommy, I heard you were sick and couldn't eat," Cody said softly. "So I made

you some cookies and soup."

He lifted the gift box and held it out to her, looking so careful and proud. He was only three, but the fancy preschool be attended taught kids bake and craft. Of course, the housekeeper had helped, but Cody had done a lot himself.

"Cody..." Lucie felt a mess of emotions-grateful, moved, but also heartbroken.

"Mommy, please just try a little, okay? If you like it, I'll make it for you all the time!"

His words were so sweet, his innocent face so hopeful, Lucie's heart almost broke all over again.

She sighed, her voice trembling. "Mommy can't eat right now, honey. Why don't you have some?"

"But Mommy, please just taste it? Please?" Cody pleaded, shaking her arm gently as he carefully opened the box.