r Mar

ch step heavy. The air felt thick, oppressive. My mind was still reeling from Cole's wo

. He looked up as I entered, a gentle smile on his face. The sight of his composed facade s

en, his gaze tender. His voice held that familiar, soothing tone, the one he always used to mak

I made your favorite. Eat up, darling." He pulled out a chair for me, his hand resting lightly

rdboard. I ate mechanically, my eyes fixed on the plate, avoiding his gaze. I needed to act normal.

ught my eye. My gaze darted to it. My heart pounded. I did not want to see. But

ks for looking out for me, baby. My stomach feels better now. You're the best." The words twisted i

sting, foul. My throat clenched. I felt a wave of intense nau

athroom, my hand clapped over my mouth. I leaned over the toilet, dry heaving. Nothing

wrong?" He reached out to touch my arm. His voice was laced wit

" The words were sharp, guttural. My voice was raw, unfamiliar. The mask of calm I

"Sleep on the couch tonight. I don't want you in our bed." My voice was

. I felt a strange sense of relief, a brief reprieve from his suffocating pr

t among the living. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled the air. I felt a profound s

sible nature of my decision. "Are you absolutely sure about this, Ms. Marsh? This is a significant dec

oice gentle but firm. The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implication.

r-real or imagined, I couldn't tell. The words "I am sure" were on my lips, but they wouldn't come. I had come here to end this pregnancy, to sever the last tie to Cole. B

y voice cracking. "I thou

oftening. "It's alright, Ms. Marsh. This i

baby-a baby whose father had already planned its destruction. I walked out of the hospital, feeling physically drained