Chapter 2

Charles saw my eyes were red and gently tried to pull me into his arms to comfort me.

But as soon as I caught the faint, musky odor clinging to him, I froze.

I shoved him away and bolted to the bathroom, retching into the sink.

"Sweetheart." Charles called out, rushing after me.

Charles followed me in, reaching out to touch my back, but I recoiled as if I'd been burned. I snatched up the glass ashtray nearby and threw it at him.

"Get away from me." I shouted.

The ashtray struck his forehead, and blood began to run down his brow.

Charles ignored the injury and looked at me anxiously, panic flooding his eyes.

"Is the baby acting up again?" he asked.

"Or is something else bothering you?" he asked again.

I sat there, watching him rush out of the bathroom in a panic.

He hurried to get me some water and medicine.

Blood dripped onto his white shirt collar, spreading into a small red stain.

He didn't even notice the blood. He held out the medicine, his gaze cautious and gentle.

"Open your mouth, sweetheart," he said softly.

"Why?" I asked.

I stared into Charles's eyes, so full of love for me.

Tears spilled out uncontrollably.

Just days ago, we were still picking out names for our baby together.

We imagined our family of three, taking our child to the beach, the grasslands, and every place tied to our love.

Not long ago, he was still getting jealous because I was a little too close to someone else.

"Why did you betray me?" I choked out, my voice trembling.

My eyes were so full of tears I could barely see him.

Charles froze, his grip on the medicine tightening suddenly.

"So you found out," he said.

I waited for him to explain.

I told myself that no matter what he said, I'd believe him. As long as he gave me an explanation, I could forgive him.

"I'm sorry," he said.

He took a step closer, his voice trembling.

"I know you'll be upset that I let the intern go without telling you, but I can't stand having some guy around you every day, watching you smile," he said.

He crouched down, looking up at me with a pleading, almost broken look.

"You have no idea how hard I fought to win you from Andrew, so I could finally stand by your side, out in the open. Why does he get to have it all without even trying?" Charles said.

"I know I'm crazy, I know I'm not normal, but I don't regret any of it," he said.

"Sweetheart, hit me, curse me, punish me however you want. Just do not hurt yourself or leave me. It would kill me," he pleaded.

He looked up at me, his eyes red and swollen, like a stray dog left out in the rain.

I looked at him, knowing I should walk away without a second thought.

But I couldn't let go.

I couldn't give up how gentle he was with me.

I couldn't give up these happy days.

So as long as I didn't see it for myself, I could pretend nothing ever happened.

As long as I didn't see it for myself, I could keep pretending.

I smiled at Charles.

"I want some tomato beef stew," I said.

Charles's eyes lit up, and he turned and headed for the kitchen.

But before he could get started, his phone rang.

He glanced at the screen, his face full of apology.

"Sorry, sweetheart, something urgent came up at work. I'll make it for you when I get back," he said.

Before I could say anything, he was already gone.

I got in my car and followed him.

Building 7, Willow Heights.

I stood under the shade of a tree, watching Emily link her arm with his, the two of them acting all sweet and close as they walked through the door.

As soon as the door closed, I pulled out my phone and dialed his number.

Through the living room's floor-to-ceiling window, I saw him stand up, making as if to leave.

But then Emily stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.

On the other end of the line, I could hear the wet sounds of kissing and his heavy breathing.

I gripped my phone so hard my knuckles turned white.

"Charles, my stomach hurts," I said, my voice cold and steady.

Charles abruptly shoved Emily away, grabbed his coat, and hurried out the door.

"Sweetheart, don't worry. I'll be right back," he said.

Suddenly, I heard a muffled groan from the other end of the line.

Emily crouched down.

The call ended abruptly.

Ten seconds later, a message popped up on my phone.

Charles: [Sweetheart, an emergency meeting came up. I called the doctor, and he will be home soon. Do not be afraid.]

I looked up.

Through the window, I saw him pick up Emily in his arms and head toward the bedroom.

Something inside me died for good. I pulled out my phone and called the hospital.

"Hello, I'd like to schedule an abortion," I said.