Chapter 4

He clutched his cheek, and there was even grievance in his eyes.

"You can hit me. But don't you dare say divorce."

"I told you—I never wanted to cheat. Our marriage is fine—"

His phone rang.

He hesitated for a few seconds, then walked away to answer.

When he came back, his eyes held conflict.

"Emergency at the office. I need to go."

I didn't respond.

"Just... cool down. We'll talk when I get back."

He took a step toward the door, then turned back.

"Given her condition, I have a responsibility to look after her right now."

"She's about to give birth. I won't have time for you these next few weeks. You'd be miserable anyway, heavily pregnant with nobody around."

"Better to do it while it's early... You'll suffer less."

"Once her babies are born and registered under your name, you'll still be Mrs. Morrison. The children will be legitimate. Between us, nothing will change."

He looked at me, waiting for me to nod.

But I had no energy left to deal with him.

He sighed and left.

The door closed. I stared at it and laughed.

He made such perfect sense.

She was giving birth. He had no time for me.

I'd be alone, pregnant, with nobody.

So better to terminate first?

The night outside was deep. I sat motionless until dawn.

The doorbell rang. I finally moved to answer it.

Leon's mother stood there with my sister-in-law Olivia, who'd just married into the family.

"Elena, sweetie."

Olivia grabbed my hand immediately.

"Mom got the call last night and couldn't sleep. We came at first light to check on you."

The old Mrs. Morrison pulled me to sit on the couch.

"I know you're hurt. I'll talk to Leon. But Elena, you need to understand his position too."

"That girl is carrying twins. Two lives."

I looked at her kind face, listening to her talk about "understanding" and "compassion."

"Mom." My voice came out hoarse.

"So you agree with Leon? I should abort my baby?"

Her expression didn't change.

"They're all my grandchildren. Of course I'd rather not lose any. But that girl threatened suicide. One wrong move and it's three deaths."

She patted my hand.

"The Morrison family can't do something so immoral."

Immoral?

Making me kill my own child wasn't immoral?

I yanked my hand back and stood.

"I can't do it." My voice was firm.

"This is my baby. Three months along. He has a heartbeat. I won't abort him."