Chapter 2
The hospital room was cold, sterile, and unbearably quiet. I lay on the stiff mattress. Days had passed, and not once had Zack visited. Not once had he checked if I was
okay.
Instead, all I heard were whispers in the hallways. Whispers of Zack’s constant presence in Amber‘ s room, of how attentive he was to her needs.
I clenched my hands into fists, ignoring the IV needle tugging against my skin. My baby deserved better. I deserved better.
The door creaked open, and for a fleeting moment, hope stirred in my chest. But it wasn‘ t Zack. Just a nurse with a clipboard
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and a polite smile.
“Mrs. Wilford, your prenatal check–up is scheduled for this afternoon.”
I nodded weakly, watching as she scribbled notes before leaving.
An hour later, I finally got through to Zack on the phone.
“Zack, it’s me,” I said, my voice shaky but firm. “We have the baby’s check–up this afternoon. Can you-”
“Harriet, I’m busy,” he cut me off. I could hear muffled voices in the background- Amber’s laughter. “Just go by yourself. Amber needs me right now.”
“Zack, this is important-”
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“So is Amber‘ s health.” His tone left no
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room for argument. The line went dead before I could respond.
My chest tightened, anger and heartbreak bubbling inside me. I dragged myself out of bed, my legs trembling beneath me. If Zack wouldn’t be there for our baby, then I would.
The clinic smelled of antiseptic and lavender air freshener. I clutched the chair‘ s armrests as the sonographer moved the cool gel- covered wand across my belly.
“You‘ re having twins,” she said.
Twins.
I should’ve been overjoyed, but Zack‘ s words played on repeat in my mind. “Once she delivers the baby, I’ll get rid of her.”
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Tears pricked my eyes as I stared at the screen, watching the tiny heartbeats flicker. My hands trembled as I touched my stomach. How could I protect them if I couldn’t even protect myself?
The reality of my situation hit me like a brick wall. I had no money, no job, and nowhere to go. Zack had controlled everything since we married. I’d traded my independence for a wedding ring and the illusion of security, and now I was trapped.
Or was I?
My gaze fell to my left hand, to the diamond ring that glinted under the clinic lights. It symbolized love, loyalty, and forever–things Zack had already shattered.
I made my decision.
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The jeweler’s eyes widened as he inspected
the ring under a magnifying glass. “This is exquisite,” he said. “I can offer you $100,000.”
My breath caught. It was more than I’d dared to hope for. “Deal,” I said.
Minutes later, I walked out of the store with a cashier’s check tucked securely in my purse. My hands shook as I hailed a cab to a lawyer’s office.
The receptionist barely glanced up as I approached. “How can we help you?”
“I need to draft a divorce agreement,” I said, my voice firm despite the ache in my chest.
After that, I returned to the hospital. As I approached my room, I heard Zack‘ s voice.
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“Where is she?” he demanded.
I stepped inside, expecting concern, but his face was hard, his words colder. “Where were you?”
“I needed some air,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
“Well, Amber needs another transfusion tonight,” he said, brushing past me. “Get ready.”
I froze, my anger bubbling beneath the surface. But I swallowed it down, forcing my expression to remain calm. “Of course,” I said softly. “But first, I need you to sign something.”
Zack frowned, his irritation evident. “What now?”
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“It’s for our mortgage. Just some formalities,” I lied, pulling the divorce papers from my purse.
He barely glanced at the documents before scrawling his signature at the bottom.
“Happy?” he snapped, handing them back
to me.
“Very,” I said, clutching the papers tightly.
Later that night, I booked the earliest flight I could find. The twins would not grow up in this life.
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