Chapter 3: A Good News?

Annie's POV

I sat in the police station, my hands trembling as I handed over my driver's license. The events at Brian's school kept replaying in my mind – my son's face twisted in fear, his body pressed against Sarah as if seeking protection from a stranger. From his own mother.

"Mrs. Baker," the officer's voice was professionally neutral as she examined my documentation. "We've confirmed your identity and verified your relationship to Brian Baker through the school records."

My throat felt dry. "So you understand now? That I'm his mother?"

She nodded, typing something into her computer. "Yes, ma'am. We've also confirmed Mr. Baker's status as your husband through marriage records." She paused, glancing at me with what might have been sympathy. "The school will be notified about the... misunderstanding."

Misunderstanding. Such a mild word for what had happened. For my son looking at me like I was a threat. For Sarah Johnson somehow being listed as a parent at his school.

"Has Mrs. Johnson been frequently visiting the school?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The officer consulted her notes. "According to the school logs, she's been authorized to pick up Brian Baker several times over the past month." She hesitated. "The authorization appears to have come from Mr. Baker's office."

Of course it had. Everything about this situation carried Philip's perfectly manicured fingerprints.

"We apologize for any distress this has caused," The officer said, standing. "You're free to go, but I think you need a conversation with your husband, Mrs. Baker."

As I could finally suck in the air of freedom, the sleepless night was catching up with me. My head throbbed. Of course I couldn't head home just yet. At least, I should find out where my son was first. "Yeah, indeed." I said weakly.

Out of the taxi, I made my way into Philip's office building. I'd been here countless times before, but now everything felt different, tainted.

The security guard recognized me and waved me through. The elevator carried me to the top floor where Philip's office was located.

I heard Philip's voice before I saw him, drifting from the partially open door of the executive lounge.

"...what was I supposed to do?" His familiar laugh, the one he used to charm board members and potential clients, carried clearly. "Sarah left me during our senior year at Harvard. I was devastated."

I froze just outside the door, my hand hovering over the handle.

"But Annie..." a male voice I didn't recognize prompted.

"I only married Annie because Sarah was gone," Philip said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Until Sarah came back into my life, I thought I could settle for a life with Annie. And I'm starting to like her. She's a good mother, understanding, and even a bit gullible. And Sarah..." He sighed. "Sarah was my first love after all."

My phone buzzed in my purse, making me jump. It was my gynecologist, which seemed trivial compared to the words still hanging in the air.

Philip's voice inside the lounge cut off abruptly.

"Annie?" His face appeared in the doorway, composed as ever except for a slight widening of his eyes. I stared at him, this man I thought I knew, wondering how many other conversations like this he'd had when I wasn't there. "What are you—"

His phone rang abruptly, interrupting whatever excuse he'd been about to make. His expression changed as he listened, color draining from his face.

"Brian did what?" His voice sharpened. "We'll be right there."

He grabbed my arm, all pretense forgotten. "Brian's hurt himself. We need to go. Now."

The shock of his words pushed everything else aside - the overheard conversation, the betrayal, all of it disappeared beneath a wave of maternal panic. My legs moved automatically, following Philip to the elevator, to his car, my mind racing ahead to Brian.

Brian lay in the hospital bed, small and pale, his left arm wrapped in gauze. A mild sedative dripped through his IV line.

"He used scissors which are not found yet," the nurse explained quietly. "It's not deep, but given his age..."

I moved toward the bed, but Brian turned his face away.

"Don't," he mumbled. "I don't want you here."

"Brian, sweetheart, please—"

He looked at me then, his young face twisted with an expression no five-year-old should wear. "Mom, I know cutting myself makes you upset."

My heart stopped at his words, at the innocent look in his eyes.

"But the more you care, the more I'll hurt myself." His voice was eerily calm. "Until you divorce Dad and let Sarah be my real mom."

The room spun. I heard Philip shouting something, felt hands catching me as my knees buckled. The last thing I saw was Brian's face, watching with that terrible, knowing expression as darkness claimed me. Finally, my exhausted body gave in.

A dreamless sleep I had hoped until I heard the steady beep of a heart monitor. Opening my heavy eyelids, I found myself in an unfamiliar hospital room bathed in sunlight - morning sunlight, streaming through the windows. The wall clock read 7:30 AM. I'd lost an entire night to unconsciousness, though in my bone-deep exhaustion, I could have easily slept for days more. The endless hours of worry and heartbreak had finally caught up with me.

Philip sat beside the bed, his suit wrinkled but his expression perfectly controlled.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, reaching for my hand. I pulled away.

"Annie." He leaned forward, his face earnest. "I know things seem difficult right now, but, there's good news."

I stared at him, this man I'd thought I knew, wondering what possible news could be good in the midst of this nightmare.

His smile widened, practiced and perfect. "A news you would like."