Over the years, we lived simply. I worked at a construction site, took up odd jobs, even sold off my family’s heirlooms when money got tight. I was willing to do anything for her. But now, her betrayal cut deeper than anything I’d ever known. The child growing inside her wasn’t mine, and her cold words left no doubt that she’d been waiting for this moment.
“Ben’s child will be ours,” she’d told me once, her words almost too casual. “You always wanted a family, didn’t you? It doesn’t matter who the father is, Eli. When Ben’s gone, you’ll be there for us.”
Those words had felt like a slap then, but now, they were simply empty echoes. I had nothing left to give, and she had no need for my love.
….
Chapter 2
Once, Naomi and I had a chance at having a family of our own. It was years ago. When she found out she was pregnant, instead of joy, she looked at me like I’d crossed a line.
Her hand flew up, and I felt the sting across my cheek, right there in the middle of the hospital hallway, while others watched.
She accused me of doing it on purpose, as if I had any control over such a thing. The moment was seared into my mind, a mix of confusion and hurt, and then she spoke the words that still haunt me.
She told me a child would ruin her life, destroy her body, and that she’d be nothing more than a house-bound wife, chained to a life she despised. Her words were cold and flat.
I should’ve listened harder to what she was saying then, but love has a way of making us deaf.
Eventually, I agreed. We went through the motions, terminated the pregnancy, and “DINK” became our unspoken rule—Double Income, No Kids.
That was the lifestyle she said she wanted.
But it turned out to be a lie. It wasn’t that Naomi didn’t want to give birth. She just didn’t want to carry my child.
After the callous way she’d tossed my love and loyalty aside, I didn’t want to drag out the agony any longer.
I called my parents to let them know I was filing for a divorce and that I’d be coming back to take over the family business, a part of me that I’d left behind for her. My mom’s voice was a soft comfort, filled with surprise and a tinge of relief.
She’d always been concerned, but she never intruded. And now, hearing the change in my plans, she was quietly hopeful.
She paused and asked, “Eli, what will happen to the apartment I bought for you two?”