Chapter 21 (Chapter 20) Summary & Analysis: Abby’s Suspicion Grows
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Abby and Sam drive together to Monica’s OB/GYN appointment. On the way, Abby expresses frustration that Monica has scheduled every previous appointment at times Abby could not attend. She also questions Sam about the content of Monica’s frequent texts; Sam defends Monica’s math skills and claims they discuss academic topics. To ease tension, Sam shifts the conversation to baby names, but their lighthearted banter is cut short when they arrive at the clinic.
Monica is already waiting, visibly pregnant in a maternity top. She greets Sam with a hug, a level of physical affection Abby has not witnessed between them. Sam allows Monica to place his hand on her belly so he can feel the baby kick. The nurse then announces that only one support person may accompany her, and Sam defers to Abby. Monica is clearly displeased.
Abby steps out while Monica changes, and Dr. Wong arrives. The doctor mistakenly refers to Sam as Monica’s husband, revealing that he has accompanied Monica to previous appointments and apparently allowed that impression. Abby is startled and unsettled, wondering why Sam would not have corrected the misunderstanding.
Key Events
- Abby and Sam drive to the appointment; Abby openly implies Monica is excluding her on purpose.
- Sam explains his frequent texting with Monica as discussions about math and a potential degree.
- The couple has a playful argument over baby names, revealing past relationships.
- At the clinic, Monica hugs Sam and places his hand on her pregnant belly, letting him feel the baby kick.
- A nurse limits the room to one support person; Sam chooses to stay in the waiting room, leaving Abby to go in with Monica.
- Dr. Wong comments that she thought Sam was Monica’s husband, based on his presence at previous visits.
- Abby becomes increasingly suspicious of what Sam may have said or allowed Monica to imply.
Character Development
Abby shows growing paranoia and protectiveness over her marriage. She voices her concerns about Monica’s scheduling tactics and monitors Sam’s interactions. Her internal thoughts reveal jealousy and a need for control, yet she also hesitates to confront Sam directly.
Sam appears eager to please both women but seems oblivious or willfully blind to Monica’s manipulative behavior. He enthusiastically feels the baby kick and does not correct Dr. Wong’s assumption that he is Monica’s husband. His past relationships remain a sensitive topic, hinting at a pattern of avoidance.
Monica continues to blur boundaries, greeting Sam with a hug and directing his hand to her belly. She resents Abby’s presence and makes no effort to hide her preference for Sam’s company at the appointment.
Dr. Wong serves as an unwitting informant, revealing the “husband” label that has been attached to Sam without Abby’s knowledge. Her brief confusion underscores how easily Monica can reshape reality.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Deception and Erosion of Trust: The chapter pivots on a single misunderstanding—or possible lie—that shakes Abby’s trust in Sam. The idea that Sam has been referred to as Monica’s husband introduces a new layer of potential betrayal.
Boundaries in Surrogacy: Monica’s physical and emotional closeness to Sam challenges the professional boundaries expected in a surrogacy arrangement. The hug and belly-touch cross lines Abby thought were established.
The Unreliable Narrator’s Perspective: The story is told entirely through Abby’s point of view, so her suspicion colors every event. The reader is left to decide whether Sam’s behavior is genuinely suspicious or merely awkward.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point in Abby’s trust. Until now, her unease was directed mainly at Monica, with Sam positioned as the innocent party. Dr. Wong’s revelation forces Abby to consider that Sam may be complicit or at least not as honest as she believed. The chapter also deepens the mystery around Sam’s motivations and his relationship with Monica, setting up future conflict. The baby name discussion humanizes the couple but also highlights Sam’s evasiveness about his past.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Abby feel uneasy about Monica’s scheduling of appointments?
Abby believes Monica intentionally books appointments at times Abby cannot attend, a pattern she finds too coincidental. Sam dismisses her concern, but Abby’s suspicion grows as she sees Monica’s preference for Sam’s company. -
What does the baby name discussion reveal about Abby and Sam’s relationship?
The playful exchange shows they still share warmth and humor, but it also reveals Abby’s insecurity about Sam’s past relationships. Sam avoids discussing previous girlfriends, which makes Abby wonder if she could be another “not a big deal” in the future. -
How does Dr. Wong’s comment change Abby’s understanding of Sam’s involvement?
Dr. Wong refers to Sam as Monica’s husband, indicating that Sam did not correct the impression during previous visits. This forces Abby to question whether Sam is misleading Monica and the doctor, or if he is simply too passive to set the record straight.