Suddenly, I felt weak and collapsed.
I woke up in a hospital.
Aaron was there, looking worried.
"Honey, are you alright? Tell me where it hurts, I'll get a doctor."
His concern seemed genuine, but I was skeptical.
It wasn't until the doctor announced I was pregnant that I understood the charade.
Aaron had always said he didn't want kids.
Our pretend play in front of his parents was based on that lie.
Watching him dote on Lily and her child had always hurt.
I had even considered breaking our pact because I wanted a child with him.
I had been secretly preparing my body, waiting for him to change his mind.
When he found out I was taking prenatal vitamins, his cold response confirmed my fears.
"Jane, I won't have kids with you."
It was clear then—he didn't dislike kids, just the idea of having them with me.
What then was his sudden tenderness at the hospital?
He gently touched my stomach.
"Jane, we're having a baby. I'm about to be a dad."
I watched the IV drip emotionlessly.
"Aaron, it's just my baby."
Divorce was still on my mind; this child wouldn't change that.
"Jane, let me explain..."
He looked at me earnestly, but his phone interrupted us.
It was Lily, panicking, "Aaron, Emma's got a fever, and I'm really worried. Can you come over?"
He stood up without hesitation.
As he reached for the door, I stopped him.
"Aaron, please, just let me be."
He paused, not turning around, and said, "Jane, I'll be back."
Clearly, his priorities were still with Lily and her child.
After the IV, the doctor cleared me to go home.
I stopped by a bakery for some sweets.
The rain gently patted the windows, and I found solace in the sound.
That night, I slept more soundly than I had in years.
But the next morning, as I descended the stairs, I was stunned by what I saw.
