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She noticed me hesitating in the doorway.
“Liv? Don't just stand there. Come in.”
I shuffled inside, feeling like a guest in what was once my own home.
We sat in an awkward triangle formation.
Ethan broke the silence first. “Ev, about the divorce... we're putting it on hold…”
“What?!”
She exploded off the couch like a hissed cat.
I was startled—again.
This pregnancy had my nerves on edge.
Before Ethan could explain further, Evelyn turned on me. “You bit*h! You changed your mind!”
I shook my head frantically in denial.
“It's not her,” Ethan said, his voice calm but firm.
“It's for Grandpa's health. The stress of a divorce right now could be too much for him.”
Evelyn's face softened into pleading.
“Ethan, we can marry right after! Seeing you happy would be good for his health too!”
He frowned. “Ev, let's not rush this.”
“Why?!” Her eyes welled with fake tears.
“Don't you love me anymore? We already lost five years! Do you have any idea what I went through?”
Ethan hesitated, his resolve clearly wavering.
Finally, he softened.
“Okay. We'll finalize the divorce next week.”
My nails dug into my palms.
Evelyn beamed, immediately clinging to his arm.
He hugged Ev in his arms.
He glanced at me over her shoulder.
His eyes didn't convey anything,there is neither sadness nor happiness.
I looked away, my heart aching like it had been physically wounded.
Monday morning arrived, and the divorce finalized.
Outside the sterile courthouse steps, Ethan stopped me.
“Liv. Listen,I'm sorry.”
“She suffered so much. It's neither of our faults, It's. I have to take care of her now.”
I managed a fragile smile. “So, These five years were always borrowed time from her.”
“Thank you for your time, Ethan.”
His eyes held something complex and unreadable.
Mine burned with unshed tears. “Can you… just hug me? For the one last time?”
He searched my face for a long moment, before pulling me into his arms.
I buried my face in the familiar warmth of his neck and finally let myself cry.
He trembled slightly.
It was done.
Our relationship.
My youth.
And many things, hard to explain or describe.
People, expressions, feelings I guess.
They are not what used to be.
I left San Francisco that afternoon.
Ethan had left millions in my account. I didn't touch a single cent.
I moved to Seattle and bought a tiny one-bedroom condo with my own savings.
I made it cozy, slowly preparing for the baby's arrival.
The early pregnancy was brutal.
I could barely drink any water down.
Multiple hospital visits followed as my weight dropped alarmingly.
My doctor frowned during one appointment. “May I ask you somthing?? Where's your husband? He should be here with you!”
I forced another smiled. “He's... very busy.”
“Busy?” She huffed in disapproval.
“You need support! Especially with pregnant vomiting this severe!”
I dodged further questions.
In the hospital. other couples in the maternity ward,husband and wifes.
I felt that familiar pang of loneliness.
I touched my growing bump. “You're the best baby. We don't need Daddy.”
Thought that was it.
Peace.
I waited peacefully for the birth of this child.
...
Then, four months pregnant, my phone rang again.
It was Ethan.
