Chapter 5
After Delaney moved in, Beckett practically glued himself to her side. And me? I stopped expecting anything from him the moment I saw the truth. One night, as I walked downstairs to get some water, I heard her voice through the slightly open door of the guest room. “Beckett,” she cooed, “I heard that Saint Christopher medal from your family works really well. The baby’s been keeping me up at night… could I borrow it for a while?” The medal wasn’t just a piece of jewelry—it was a Shaw Family heirloom. A symbol that whoever wore it was the rightful Mrs. Shaw. Beckett had given it to me on our wedding day, clasped it around my neck himself. He said it would be mine forever—because there would never be another Mrs. Shaw. His voice pulled me out of the memory. Through the gap in the door, I saw him press a gentle kiss to her cheek and smile. “Of course. I’ll ask her for it. You can wear it as long as you want—at least until the baby’s born.” A sharp pain stabbed through my chest. I couldn’t even remember his exact promise anymore—but it didn’t matter. Because clearly, neither could he. I took a step back, but the floor creaked under my foot. Beckett opened the door and found me standing there. He looked startled. Guilty, even. He stepped outside, pulled the door shut behind him and led me to a corner of the hallway. “Evelyn… you heard that, didn’t you?” he asked hesitantly. I didn’t say anything. He hesitated again before speaking. “Delaney’s been having trouble sleeping. Do you think you could let her borrow the medal for a bit?” I nodded slowly, but at that moment, a sharp pain twisted through my side. I winced and swallowed it down. “I’ll give it to her, but on one condition.” Beckett’s face lit up like I’d just handed him the moon. He stepped toward me, ready to wrap me in a hug, but I took a step back before he could touch me. Delaney’s scent was all over him—it made me want to gag. “I’m glad you’re finally coming around,” he said with a relieved smile. “Once Delaney has the baby, I’ll give it back. Don’t worry—your place in this family isn’t going anywhere.” So he did remember what the medal stood for. “I don’t care if she never gives it back,” I said quietly. “I just need you to sign this.” I turned and walked upstairs. A minute later, I came back down with the divorce papers in hand, already flipped to the page where his signature was needed. “There’s no need to be upset,” he said softly, like he was trying to soothe me. “Delaney’s not going to keep it forever. Like I said, I’ll return it once she has the baby.” He signed the papers without even glancing at them. As soon as I held the signed divorce papers in my hands, the storm inside me quieted. I never expected it would be this easy. Beckett gave me a small smile. “I know I haven’t been there for you these past few months. Go ahead and buy whatever you want—I’ll take care of the bill.” So that’s why he was so quick to sign. He thought this was just me angling for a shopping spree. I unclasped the medal from around my neck and handed it to him, expressionless. For a moment, he hesitated. But eventually, he took it and held it tight. “Don’t worry. Once the baby’s born, it’ll be yours again,” he repeated, like he needed to convince himself. But I didn’t care anymore. “She can wear it for as long as she wants,” I said flatly. Overcome with emotion, Beckett pulled me into a hug—I pushed him off immediately, but he didn’t seem to mind. He turned and walked straight back into Delaney’s room. A second later, I heard her squealing with joy. I just stood there, staring out the window. Tomorrow was the day I’d leave. And this time, I wouldn’t hesitate.