15

I mean, come on, I've always had a bit of a spark, a total diva at times.

Jack's had me on cloud nine forever.

How could I not snap sometimes?

He pulled me in close, his grin all lovey-dovey, "Honey, you'll always be my princess."

So when Jack started those marathon work nights, I threw tantrums and sobbed my heart out.

I did whatever to pull him back early.

I wanted more of him.

But I'll never shake off that look he gave me when he was plastered.

No warmth, no softness.

Just an icy dismissal.

At that instant, He felt like a stranger.

"Ella, you ain't a princess anymore."

See?

When you're not cherished, you don't even get to be headstrong.

Just like right now.

16

I shifted gears, "Stomach's in knots."

"Get me to the ER."

Jack paused but then got it, and turned the car toward the ER, "Time of the month?"

"Got some sweets in the car, try one."

I kept mum, unwrapping and popping the candy.

Eh.

My period had gone for days.

Besides, I'm not one for sweets.

17

We never made it to the hospital, and pulled over halfway.

I bailed out.

A hint of guilt flickered in Jack's eyes, but his phone rang, and he steeled up.

"Trouble with Vanessa."

"Need to check on her."

"What about me?" That was my follow-up.

Jack didn't expect that.

His brow creased, his tone chilled, "Ella, this ain't the time for your drama."

I was dumbstruck, barely squeezed out, "So, for another gal."

"You'd strand me roadside."

"Right?"

18

"Ella, what's with the theatrics?"

19

"Hospital's just down the road."

"Catch a cab."

"But Vanessa, she's too young."

"She needs me."

20

Even when I finally made it to the hospital solo, couldn't snap out of it.

My mind was racing, trying to make sense of all Jack's words.

I looked down, and peered at the pregnancy test in my hand.

Maybe it's the whole "baby brain" thing. My brain cells were on holiday.

Trying to decode his words became tough work for me.

Tears dropped and blurred the ink on the paper.

Then, like a rainstorm, they just kept coming.

21

After that day, Jack guessed he'd overstepped.

He spent the next few days cutting out early to be with me.

He even picked up a bunch of gifts, aiming to win me back.

"Babe, your favorite coffee."

"Snagged your fav coffee on the way home."

Jack moved closer to hug me.

We were super close, and I caught a whiff of some sweet perfume.

Not mine.

My stomach turned over.

I stepped aside.

"Hmm." My response was thin.

Seeing my chill, Jack's smile dimmed.

He backed off some distance.

And then he clammed up.

I knew he was ticked.

Used to be, I'd be all over him, cuddles and kisses, dialing up the charm.

"What was up with her that night?"

Jack hesitated, then figured out who I meant.

His lips twitched into a smirk, quickly stamped it down.

"Vanessa's all good."

"Just got spooked by the dark, that's all."

I watched Jack's face closely.

No lies there.

But pure adoration.

Just not for me.

22

It felt like a knife to the heart.

A raw, bleeding kind of hurt.

I kept my game face on, though.

Over time, Jack's focus had shifted away from me.

When did I first catch wind of it?

Was it when I barged into his office and caught that young, hot secretary making moves on him, then "accidentally" falling right into his arms with a kiss?

Or when a tipsy Jack came home escorted by some random chick with her lipstick all over his collar?

Or now, with the shy newbie snagging all his attention?

...

Too many red flags.

I didn't even need detectives or snoops.

Looking at Jack now felt like staring at a stranger.

He was always generous, and never tightfisted with me.

And I was all happy to play along.

Love doesn't numb the pain.

Money does.

23

But lately, money's lost its appeal.

I found myself gently touching my belly.

My unborn baby, now my only true kin.

I dreamt of giving her a warm, stable home.

Not this icy, suspicious one.

I hardened my expression.

"Jack, it's time we get a divorce."

24

"That's not on the table."