Summary

In Chapter 19, Adèle takes a pregnancy test every day to make sure that she is not pregnant with another man’s child. She used to take an AIDS test every week. She is afraid of dying. She is consumed with obsessions: alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex. She organizes her life with meticulous care in order to never be caught. She has a secret cell phone and a secret laptop.

In Chapter 20, Adèle picks Lucien up from school and rushes him home so she can get ready to see Xavier, who has asked Richard to cover one of his shifts. Adèle tells Richard she is going to the movies. She buys a ticket at the theater and then gets a taxi.

In Chapter 21, Adèle waits in the hotel for Richard. They have sex and she is satisfied with herself. At home...