Chapter 3

I stared at Ashley in confusion. "What’s going on?"

Before she could answer, one of the heavy-set men began banging violently on our car window.

Julian’s face darkened as he stepped out of the car. I couldn't hear what he was saying through the glass, but within a couple of minutes, he somehow managed to wave the men off.

When Julian got back in, Ashley was trembling like a leaf. "I... I owe some people money," she whimpered. "They’re debt collectors."

Since Ashley was my best friend in my memories, I naturally felt worried. "How did you get into debt? How much do you owe?"

"My mom was really sick, and the medical bills were piling up. I had to borrow a few hundred thousand. Two months ago, I begged you for help, and you had Julian pay off a chunk of it."

Ashley grabbed my hand, her eyes red. "I promise, Chloe, as soon as I make enough money, I’ll pay you guys back."

Julian let out a soft, generous chuckle.

"No rush, Ashley. You’re Chloe’s best friend. Pay us back whenever you're back on your feet."

I stopped asking, but the suspicion in my heart grew heavier.

Ashley’s mom had been critically ill seven years ago. How could she possibly still be alive and in the same situation now?

I shook my head, forcing myself to block out the noise. My main mission today was to get these hair samples tested.

I refused to believe Julian and I had a child.

I refused to believe that boy was mine.

If the DNA test proved the child wasn't mine, I would have the leverage to go to the police. It would be enough evidence for them to investigate and protect me.

The check-up process was tedious.

At first, my parents and Julian followed me everywhere.

But after half an hour, they grew tired. Since I was behaving perfectly normal and cooperative, they told me to finish up the routine tests while they sat down in the waiting area to rest.

This was my moment.

I pretended to have a sudden stomachache to pause the exam, then slipped away to the private DNA testing lab on the upper floor to submit our hair samples.

On my way back down, I ran into a group of psychiatrists who were attending the seminar.

One middle-aged female doctor stopped dead in her tracks, staring at me. "Chloe? Chloe Jenkins?"

I immediately stopped. "Do you know me?"

Her face was a mix of shock and utter disbelief. "You... you recovered?"

Recovered?

Did I have a mental illness before?

Before I could ask her to clarify, Julian and my parents rushed over, their faces pale.

Julian quickly stepped in, blocking my view of the doctor, while my parents grabbed my arms and pulled me away. "What are you doing wandering off like this? You need to finish your exams."

"Yes, Chloe, let’s get this over with. We still need to take you shopping afterward. We're on a tight schedule."

My parents tried to keep their voices sweet, but I could feel the sheer panic radiating off them.

They were definitely hiding something.

I looked back over my shoulder, but the female doctor had already disappeared into the crowd.

Still, the samples were already submitted. Right now, the most important thing was to make sure they didn't find out about the DNA test.

I forced myself to look calm. "I just wanted you guys to rest, so I went to pay the bill myself. I ran into a doctor who seemed to know me."

"Who was she?" I asked innocently. "I don’t remember seeing her when I was hospitalized."

Assuming I hadn't realized she was an visiting doctor from another clinic, my mom quickly lied, "Oh, she was probably just a doctor from another department. Don't worry about it. Your primary physician is the only one who matters."

I gave a quiet "Oh," and obediently followed them to the luxury shopping mall.

Julian bought me every single piece of clothing and jewelry I so much as glanced at, completely ignoring the price tags.

What a perfect, doting husband.

But in three days, the truth would finally come out.

*