My wife told me she became a surrogate to earn $70,000 so we could finally buy a house—but when I overheard her talking to my boss, I went pale.

thing felt staged now.

After Eli fell asleep, Renee sat beside me on the couch with two mugs of tea.

“You’ve been quiet.”

“Long day.”

She studied me. “Work?”

I almost asked her who was moving in next week.

Every ordinary thing felt staged.

Instead, I took the mug and said, “Thanks.”

She looked relieved.

That relief broke something in me.

Before sunrise, while continue reading …