Then I uploaded two photos — my ultrasound and the miscarriage certificate. Tears blurred my vision as I hit send, a haunting ache settling deep within me, leaving me to wonder if I’d ever be whole again.
My caption read: “My dad didn’t want me, so my mom let me go. I hope you’re happy.”
Within moments of posting the photos, my phone erupted with notifications. Messages poured in from family—my parents and in-laws— but none from Alexander. I waited an hour, foolishly hoping he might reach out, thinking there could still be a chance for reconciliation. His silence, however, only deepened my regret.
Finally, I texted my mom: "I'll be home later. I'll explain everything then."
I hurriedly packed my things and drove to my parents' house. As soon as I walked in, they cornered me with a barrage of questions. Mom’s eyes were puffy and red from crying, and even Dad looked shaken, though he tried to mask it.
When I shared the news about Alexander's "sperm donation," Mom pulled me into a tight hug, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed, "I warned you he’d hurt you!"
Dad remained silent, smoking a cigarette, his hand resting on the gun tucked in his waistband. After a long pause, he finally muttered, "Good riddance."
My parents had never liked Alexander. I had pursued him for seven years, and when he finally agreed to date me, I ignored all the warnings, believing I could make him fall in love. I was clearly mistaken.
I learned the hard way that love cannot be forced. A decade of my life taught me that painful truth all too well.
A day later, I saw Alexander pulling into my parents' driveway. He jumped out of the car and stormed over. The men guarding the house moved to stop him, but I waved them off, letting him approach.
"Veronica, what the hell is going on?" He looked me over, his eyes landing on my stomach. "You had a miscarriage? How did this happen?"
I stared at him, numb.
"And why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?"
His questions made me nauseous, but I wasn’t in the mood to argue. Ignoring his anger, I turned to close the door.
He grabbed my arm, gripping it tightly. "Is this about Colleen? I told you, once the baby’s born, I’m cutting ties with her! I’ve made sacrifices for us. What more do you want?"