Chapter 2 - The Unexpected Guests
Anna had invited nearly forty relatives, executives, and family friends to the annual Christmas Eve gathering.
James and Jessica Cole were not originally on the guest list.
Jessica worked directly beneath Mark in corporate finance. She had joined Halstead Heritage Hotels three years earlier, and Mark frequently praised her intelligence and loyalty.
Anna had met Jessica many times. She was polished, charming, and always careful to compliment Anna’s dresses, home, and charitable projects.
When Jessica announced her pregnancy, Anna sent a silver baby rattle and a handwritten card.
She never imagined the child might belong to her husband.
At seven o’clock, the front doors opened.
Jessica entered wearing a champagne-colored maternity gown. James followed in a dark suit, carrying a large leather case.
Mark hurried across the room to greet them.
For one brief moment, his hand hovered protectively near Jessica’s back.
The gesture was small.
Too small for anyone else to notice.
Anna noticed.
“James,” she said, forcing a welcoming smile. “I didn’t realize you were coming.”
“Neither did Jessica,” James replied.
His voice was calm, but his eyes remained fixed on Mark.
Jessica laughed nervously. “James wanted us to spend Christmas together.”
“As a family,” James added.
Mark’s expression tightened.
Anna looked from one man to the other.
Something had already happened between them, but no one intended to explain it.
During dinner, James barely touched his food. Jessica avoided looking at him. Mark drank three glasses of wine in less than an hour.
When Anna asked whether they were comfortable, James gave her a strange, almost apologetic look.
“You deserve a peaceful Christmas,” he said.
May you like
At the time, she thought he was being polite.
Later, she realized it had been a warning.
