Chapter 3 - THE MASK SLIPS

The front door clicked shut behind Mae. The house smelled of expensive cologne and roasted coffee—Theo’s signature scents. He was sitting in the living room, a crystal glass of scotch in one hand, scrolling through his tablet. He looked up, a picture of domestic tranquility.

"You're home late," he noted, his tone perfectly even. "Where's Bea?"

"She's resting," Mae replied, taking off her wet coat. She didn't let her hands shake. She walked into the living room and stood over him. "We were at the hospital."

Theo’s thumb stopped swiping on the screen. For a microsecond, the mask slipped. His eyes darted to Mae's face, searching for exactly how much she knew, before the polished veneer slammed back into place. "The hospital? Is she alright? Why didn't you call me?"

"Because," Mae said, her voice dripping with venom, "the doctor had a very interesting question. He wanted to know why the urgent follow-up scan from five weeks ago was ignored."

Theo stood up slowly, setting the glass down. He towered over Mae, a physical intimidation tactic he had used subtly for years. "Mae, honey, you're overreacting. The first doctor was an alarmist. He said it was likely muscle spasms. I didn't want to worry you. You were so stressed about Sarah and Lily's situation, I was trying to protect you."

"Protect me?" Mae laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. "You told her to lie to me. You told her she was being dramatic while she was dying inside!"

"Lower your voice," Theo snapped, the fake warmth vanishing entirely. The air in the room grew instantly colder. "You're hysterical. We will get her another appointment next week. I will handle it."

"No," Mae said, stepping closer, refusing to back down. "She is having surgery tomorrow morning. And you are not coming anywhere near her."

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Theo's eyes narrowed. "You really want to play this game, Mae? In my house? With my money? You think you can just walk out?"

Mae looked at the man she had married, finally seeing the absolute void behind his charming smile. "Watch me."