His eyes flicked toward the bedroom, toward me, before he carefully made his way to the balcony, closing the door behind him.
I struggled to stand, pressing a hand to my belly as I leaned against the doorframe. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but I didn’t need to. The way his head tilted down, the way his lips curved into a quiet smile, the way his entire body language shifted, it was obvious.
Then, whoever was on the other end said something that made his brows pull together. But just as quickly, he let out a soft sigh, gave in, and agreed.
A slow, icy numbness spread through my chest. My fingers curled against the fabric of my nightgown as I turned away, my steps heavy as I climbed back into bed. The air in the room felt thinner somehow, pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe.
A few minutes later, I heard him tiptoe back in. The bed dipped slightly as he sat beside me, one hand resting on my belly, the other brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch was gentle. His voice even gentler.
“Honey, something urgent came up at work. I have to go in.”
I turned my head, meeting his gaze. “I don’t feel well. Can you stay?”
For a moment, I let myself hope. Maybe if he stayed, just this once, I could pretend. I could try to forgive.
But I had forgotten. A kite with a snapped string never finds its way back.
Sure enough, his face twisted into something almost guilty. “Babe, this project is important. The company’s counting on me.”
“I’ll call Mom to come keep you company, okay?”
A bitter taste filled my mouth. My skin prickled with goosebumps, a deep nausea twisting in my stomach. And yet, I still forced a small smile.
“Drive safe.”
I lay there, unmoving, as I listened to him get dressed, grab his keys, and walk out the door without looking back.
Then, slowly, I sat up.
Supporting my belly, I made my way downstairs, stepped into the cold night, and flagged down a cab.
“Parkview Apartments, please.”
