Chapter 2
When I stumbled out of the operating room, the sky had opened up. Rain lashed against the pavement.
You look like you're about to collapse, Lesley said, frowning. Do you want me to call someone Family
Family My first thought was Andrew.
But he hadn't come home last night. He was likely feeding Jessica soup and wiping her tears.
I looked out at the storm, the lightning tearing the purple sky apart. My heart felt just as stormy, just as broken.
I'm fine. I can handle it.
From this moment on, I wouldn't beg for scraps of love.
The moment I stepped into the foyer, dripping wet, Andrew emerged from the shadows of the living room.
He looked frantic. He grabbed me, pulling me into a crushing hug. Where the hell have you been I've been calling you nonstop. Do you have any idea how scared I was
I didn't answer. I peeled his arms off me and walked toward the stairs.
Andrew froze and scrambled to follow.
Are you still sulking Look, I know Jessica staying here is complicated. You can be mad at your dad for the arrangement, but Jessica is innocent. She didn't choose this.
He didn't notice my ghostly pallor or the way I was trembling. He was too busy launching into his defense attorney act for her.
You're both pregnant. I only stopped you physically last night because I was terrified you'd hurt her or yourself. It won't happen again. Can we please just move past this
I stopped on the landing and turned to face him.
Andrew. Do you love her
His brow furrowed. She's like a sister to me. You know that.
A sister My eyes glazed over.
Two weeks ago, he bailed on visiting my mother's grave, claiming a work emergency, only for me to find out he took Jessica on a trip abroad.
Ten days ago, I nearly got flattened by a truck walking to my prenatal appointment. He didn't answer his phone because Jessica had the sniffles.
And last night, on our wedding anniversary, he hit his pregnant wife to protect the venomous woman as she tried to hurt me and our baby.
No, it wasn't like a sister. Because I loved him, I saw the truth he refused to admit he was in love with her.
Andrew finally seemed to notice my pale face. His expression softened into panic.
Vivian, stop fighting the past. All this stress is bad for the baby.
He used to talk about our baby all the time, his eyes shining with plans for the future. Since Jessica got pregnant, he had barely mentioned it.
And now, while he was so worried about her and the child in her belly, ours was gone.
I swallowed the scream building in my throat and forced a dry smile. I know my body, Andrew. Don't worry.
I wasn't fighting anymore. I was done.
The only reason I hadn't already left was my grandmother, Judy Grant. She was the only one in the world who had ever truly loved me, and she was dying. I needed to see her one last time.
After that, I would file for divorce right then and there.
Let's not fight, Andrew murmured, mistaking my silence for surrender. He took my hand.
He flinched at the icy cold of my skin. God, your hands are freezing. Are you sick Let me get you some soup. You need to warm up.
He went to the kitchen and returned with a tray of my favorite foods and two steaming mugs of a nourishing broth.
It's a special recipe, full of collagen and minerals, he explained softly. It's supposed to be incredible for you and the baby.
He lifted the spoon to my lips, the way he always did.
I turned my head away. That was the last straw. His patience snapped.
Do you have to be so petty She's pregnant. She's alone. Of course I have to look out for her. There is nothing else going on!
What could she possibly threaten you with Why can't you just be the bigger person
My heart stuttered.
Why was I always the one who had to let things go
I had already given up my home, my father, and my husband to her. I had nothing left to give.
Wasn't it enough
Just then, his phone buzzed. It was Jessica.
I watched his face transform from annoyance to tender concern.
Okay, shh. Don't cry. I'm coming.
He shot up, starting for the door before pausing.
He looked back at me, guilt warring with duty. But seeing my cold stare, he hardened his jaw and walked out without another word.
I let out a broken laugh and dragged my bleeding body upstairs.
Not long after, my phone buzzed with two new messages.
Jessica [Vivian, sorry to steal him away. I had some spotting and got scared. Drew insisted on staying over for a few days to watch me. Hope you don't mind!]
Jessica [Crazy coincidence, right Our babies were conceived the exact same day! But technically, mine's a few hours older.]