Chapter 11 Cracks In The Facade

The next morning, Suzanne slept longer than usual, the weight of everything still hanging over her. She finally stirred from her slumber and rushed downstairs to make breakfast, but as she stepped into the dining room, she froze. There, sitting at the table, was her husband. Charles. He was already seated, a breakfast spread laid out before him, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. When last had Charles stayed till this time in the morning? And when had he returned? She couldn't help but wonder, a small flicker of surprise crossing her mind. Charles looked up and smiled as she approached. "Oh, darling, you're awake," he said, his voice soft but warm. "I made you breakfast." Breakfast? When was the last time Charles had cooked anything in this house? He doesn't even know how to make himself coffee. Suzanne stepped down the last step slowly, her eyes still unsure. As she reached the bottom, Charles stood, walking toward her with an almost tender expression on his face. He took her hand gently, guiding her to the chair at the table and sitting her down before leaning in to kiss her cheek. The unexpected gesture, the kindness in his eyes, felt almost out of place, like a memory she had almost forgotten. Charles’s smile faded slightly as Suzanne suddenly stood up, her movement quick and sharp. He looked at her in surprise, his brow furrowing. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of confusion. She crossed her arms, her gaze steady but cold. “I don’t know what game you're playing, but stop it now.” Charles acted surprised, raising his eyebrows. “What are you talking about?” he asked, trying to maintain his calm demeanor. “You know exactly what I’m talking about, Charles,” Suzanne replied, her voice tight, a flash of anger in her eyes. Charles leaned back in his chair, attempting to appear nonchalant, though a flicker of unease passed over his face. “Suzanne, I don’t understand why you’re upset. I’ve only been trying to take care of you and our child.” She shook her head, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “This sudden change? The affection, the breakfast, the smiles—it’s not you, Charles. Not the man I’ve known for years.” He stood slowly, walking toward her with a measured step, his expression softening. “People can change, Suzanne. I know I’ve made mistakes, but I want to make things right—for you, for the baby.” She took a step back, her instincts screaming not to trust him. “Why now? After everything? Why suddenly decide to be the husband you’ve never been? What are you hiding?” His jaw tightened briefly before he let out a sigh, placing a hand on her arm. “Suzanne, I know I’ve hurt you. I know I’ve been... distant. But this child changes everything. I want us to be a family—a real family.” Her eyes searched his face, looking for a crack in his mask, for any sign of deceit. But his expression remained sincere, too sincere. Her gut told her there was more to this sudden transformation, something lurking beneath the surface. Suzanne’s voice trembled as she continued, her hand instinctively brushing the faint mark on her cheek. “And the slap yesterday?” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “What about you hitting me before I could even explain myself? Is this how you care, Charles? Is this your idea of change?” A single tear slipped down her cheek, but she didn’t bother wiping it away. She held his gaze, her pain and disappointment cutting through his attempts at charm. Charles’s expression shifted, guilt flashing briefly across his face before he tried to mask it. “Suzanne,” he began, his tone soft and measured, “I lost my temper. I—I wasn’t thinking straight. I know it was wrong, and I regret it.” She let out a bitter laugh, stepping back from him. “Regret it? That’s all you have to say? You didn’t even give me the chance to defend myself. You just assumed the worst, as always.” “I was jealous,” he admitted, his voice rising slightly. “I saw you with him, and I—” She cut him off, her voice sharp. “You were jealous, so you hit me? That’s your excuse?” Charles reached for her hand, but she pulled away. “I’m trying to make things right,” he insisted, frustration creeping into his voice. “I know I messed up, but I’m trying, Suzanne. For you. For the baby.” Suzanne shook her head, stepping further away. “Trying isn’t enough, Charles. Not after everything you’ve done. If you really want to change, prove it. But I won’t keep falling for empty words and broken promises.” Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked out of the room, leaving him standing there, his outstretched hand slowly falling to his side. The sound of the door closing behind her echoed in the silent dining room, a harsh reminder of the growing chasm between them. --- A few hours later, Suzanne decided to escape into a book since Charles no longer allowed her to go out. Whenever she tried, he’d claim fans would recognize her and start gossiping, forcing her to stay indoors. Surprisingly, he hadn’t confiscated her phone—yet. Anna, her sister-in-law, walked in with a bright smile. “I came back yesterday and wanted to congratulate you on the good news,” she said, her voice softening. However, she paused mid-sentence, her eyes searching Suzanne’s face. Gently, she reached for Suzanne’s hand. “I’m truly happy for you, my love. A baby is a blessing.” Anna’s tone shifted, brimming with excitement. “You know what? You need to get out and flaunt your beauty. Let’s go to the mall!” Suzanne hesitated. “I don’t have any money in my account.” Anna raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “That’s just an excuse. I know my brother gives you money every month, but you never use it. Don’t you want to buy a few things for the baby?” Caught off guard, Suzanne sighed and nodded. “Alright, alright,” she agreed, heading to her closet to find something to wear. Anna perched on the edge of the bed, watching Suzanne flip through her wardrobe. “I’ve missed doing this with you,” she said with a grin. “You’ve always had the best style. Maybe you can help me find something cute today.” Suzanne chuckled, pulling out a pastel dress. “You mean helping you pick yet another black outfit?” Anna gasped in mock outrage. “Hey, black is timeless! But fine, I’ll try same color—just for you.” After a few moments of deliberation, Suzanne settled on an elegant dress that highlighted her baby bump. She glanced at herself in the mirror, emotions swirling in her chest. It felt strange to focus on herself after so long, but she couldn’t deny the flicker of excitement building inside her. Anna clapped her hands, beaming. “You look stunning! Now, let’s get out of here before Charles shows up and starts interrogating us.” Suzanne hesitated. “Do you think it’s okay? He’s been so strict lately…” Anna rolled her eyes. “You’re pregnant, not a prisoner. Besides, it’s just the mall. If he gets upset, I’ll deal with him. Trust me.” Reassured by Anna’s confidence, Suzanne nodded. They grabbed their bags and headed out. The crisp air outside felt like a gentle nudge of freedom, and Suzanne couldn’t help but smile. When they arrived at the mall, the lively atmosphere was a welcome change from the stifling silence of her home. Anna’s energy was infectious as she dragged Suzanne from store to store, cracking jokes and holding up baby clothes with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Look at this onesie!” Anna exclaimed, waving a tiny duck-patterned outfit in the air. “Your baby needs this.” Suzanne laughed, her first genuine laugh in weeks. “Needs it? Or do you just want to see a baby dressed as a duck?” “Both,” Anna quipped with a wink. As they continued shopping, Suzanne began to feel lighter. For the first time in ages, she let herself imagine a future unclouded by Charles’s control—a future where she could truly be free. Her laughter faded abruptly as her eyes whipped up, catching sight of Charles. Her breath hitched, and her heart sank further when she noticed he wasn’t alone—Sarah was with him.