Chapter 51

The orphanage always had a steady stream of volunteers, including celebrities and entrepreneurs. Most sought publicity, image rehabilitation, or to cultivate a public persona. I hadn’t met Emily before, so her recent arrival was a new development. Something about the way she looked at Chase felt intensely unsettling, a feeling I couldn't shake despite her attempts to appear nonchalant.

Emily, with practiced grace, remarked, “Mr. Reyes, your attentiveness to your wife is admirable. You two must have a wonderful relationship, wouldn’t you say?”

Chase, uncomfortable, tried to deflect. “I’m here to pick her up,” he replied.

“Pick her up? I haven’t seen Mrs. Reyes in days. Are you sure she’s here?” Emily asked, genuinely puzzled.

Maintaining his composure, Chase said, “I need to speak with the director. I’ll catch you later.”

He hurried to the director’s office. The director emerged, smiling broadly. “What a surprise, Mr. Reyes. You’re here in person.”

Chase was direct. “Has my wife been around lately?”

The director shook his head. “She hasn’t been here for over ten days. Is everything alright?”

A knot tightened in Chase’s stomach. “It’s nothing serious,” he said, forcing a casual tone. “When was the last time she visited? Did anything seem… different?”

Seeing Chase’s anxiety, the director paused. “The last time Amanda was here was a couple of days before her wedding. She brought candy and gifts for the children, who were thrilled. But Amanda herself didn’t seem happy.”

He scratched his head. “That’s not all. Everyone knows how strong your relationship is; you’re the envy of many. But over the past year, her mood has been erratic—up and down. About three months ago, it was like she went through something significant. She lost weight, barely smiled, and spent most of her time here.”

“Three months ago? What happened?” Concern crept into Chase’s voice.

The director looked quizzical. “Mr. Reyes, if you don’t know, how would I? Since then, she’s been withdrawn, staring at the children, sometimes even tearing up. I asked her about it, but she wouldn’t talk. She seemed… shattered.”

A shadow crossed Chase’s face. He seemed to understand something. “Thanks. Please let me know if she comes here.”

“Of course,” the director replied.

As Chase left, the director murmured, “Looks like those rumors might be true. Their relationship isn’t what it used to be.”

The director, always kind, had suspected trouble between Chase and me. He’d tried to talk to me, but I was too consumed by revenge to listen. Sadly, I never got to say goodbye to him.

I watched him take out his phone, dialing my number. I knew there would be no answer, only voicemail.

As Chase left, he passed Emily, who greeted him politely. “Mr. Reyes, leaving already?”

Chapter 52