Chapter 1
The day I found out I was pregnant again was the same day Trevor Ziegler promised me he’d quit gambling–for good.
I was so happy I cried. I took the crumpled envelope from under our mattress, the money I had scraped together over the past year driving cabs and skipping meals. I placed it in his hands like a prayer, hoping he’d finally build a future for us.
He smiled, kissed my forehead, and told me I was the only woman he’d ever love.
Ten minutes later, I found out I was the biggest joke of all.
I chased after him, thinking he’d forgotten two bills on the table. But just outside, I saw him laughing with the very creditors who used to beat him bloody. They no longer looked like wolves. They looked like friends.
“Mr. Ziegler,” one of them chuckled, slapping his back, “so no more door- breaking, huh?”
Trevor rubbed the back of his neck and glanced at the ring I had saved six months to buy. Then he said–without shame-
“She proved her loyalty. Hell, she even aborted our baby last year to help pay off my debt.”
My body froze. My stomach churned. But it wasn’t over.
A woman’s voice chimed in sweetly. “That’s not enough. Maybe she just cares about money. We won’t know until she gives birth again.”
She leaned into him, pretty as a doll, lips curled into a smirk I knew all
0.00%
23.423
Chapter 1
too well. Emma Howard–his precious childhood sweetheart.
208 Voucher
Trevor laughed softly and tapped her nose. “Fine. I’ll keep the act going for another year. She won’t leave me anyway.”
And that was the moment everything in me broke.
I looked down at my belly–barely showing–and clutched the cash in my hand.
He thought I’d stay no matter what. He thought I was too weak to leave.
But if I could give up a child once for him, I could do it again–this time, for me.
***
After spending half the day at home, I finally booked the abortion appointment. But just as I confirmed it, the front door burst open.
Trevor stepped in, brushing rain off his jacket and complaining, “Didn’t I tell you to pick me up? Why didn’t you come?”
The living room went quiet. He paused, confused by the silence, and looked at me.
Back then, I would’ve rushed to ease his anger with gentle words.
But now, I had nothing to say. He watched me for a moment and then stepped closer
Before he could speak, I said, “Trevor, I don’t have money for a prenatal checkup. Can I have my money back?”
His face went blank, and I knew the reason.
He gave the money away because he believed it was filthy. But I had
43.06%
23:42
Chapter 1
saved it little by little. That cash carried more than other people’s fingerprints–it carried my sweat and effort.
I kept my expression steady, though I was falling apart inside.
11 284 ouchers
Silently, I begged him in my heart, “If you care, even just a bit, please be honest.”
But in the end, he let me down. Looking into my eyes, he mumbled, “I’m sorry, Chloe. I blew all the money gambling.”
The spark in my eyes slowly disappeared.
At that moment, I almost felt grateful for how heartless he’d always been. It finally made my decision clear.
82.13%
