lle'

onths

to remind me of how much of a disgrace I was. I was trapped in a cruel paradox-forced to keep the life growing inside me while being tormented for carrying it. I tried to act strong,

ng house filled with judgment and resentment. That dream, however, had shattered into a million irreparable pieces.

had to make things right for my baby. I couldn't s

ubtly yet unmistakably. My bump wasn't visible yet, but my face told another story-pale,

sound of laughter. It was coming from Bella's room. Her fiancé must have arrived. The maids had whispered about him-how hands

as I reached my father's study. I he

oice echoed from

oor behind me. He barely glanced up

nt?" he asked,

o talk to

nd on the arm of his chair. "Go a

ou're making me keep this baby, at least t

o a humorless smile

o I raise a child when you won't ev

colder than ever. "So you can

composure. "I need a job, Dad. I ne

ead your legs like a slut. You brough

opened, and my stepmother walked

of water on my father's desk before leaning down to place

she added, her voice dripping with fak

hen turned to my father. "She's right, though.

ace the world, knowing my daughter got pre

g to them debate my future li

wasn'

sn't thei

ment, I knew-I

" my stepmother's voi

satisfaction of seeing me break again. I had shed en

anted burden, I've already made my decision," I said, my vo

heel and walked out of the office, my father's

m against my chest, feeling the wild rhythm of

toward my room. My mind was a blur of anger and

the person sai

s, trying to mask the pain written all over my face.

One I never expec

whispered, my voice

"What do you mean,

fingers curled into fists as the weig

reason I'm i

oss his face. But I didn't wait for a response. My

st possible thoug

ven reme