3
375words
I'd learned early: no love, no strings. That's how you walk away clean.
If my marriage was doomed, I'd better have no attachments in this relationship.
That way, I could leave with no regrets.
The door clicked open. Mom wiped her tears and composed herself.
John brought the roast chicken, urging me to eat.
But the smell turned my stomach, and I bolted for the bathroom.
Mom frowned, "Emma, are you alright? Are you... pregnant?"
Knowing I couldn't hide it, I told Mom about my pregnancy.
Mom cried with joy, hugging me.
"With a baby, David would never divorce you."
Excited, she called David immediately.
...
David and I had a cordial marriage, but our sex life was… functional.
I'd always used protection.
He'd joked, "I'm the one who didn't want kids, but you're even more careful."
He never knew I didn't want them either.
The only real division between us was this: I never let him kiss me.
He'd complained, but I held firm.
Once, I'd considered opening up, but Chloe sent a photo of him dining with her family.
The betrayal stung, and disgust killed the impulse.
After that, a chasm lay between us.
One night, drunk, he'd climbed into bed, demanding a kiss. I shoved him away.
He reluctantly pinned me down, breathing hot on my ear.
"A kiss is basic respect, but you won't even give me that."
"Some women guard their lips like territory. You're one of them, Emma."
"Do you really love me?"
I just turned away.
Enraged, he bit my lips, then forced his tongue into my mouth.
I gripped the sheets, my heart freezing.
He held me tight, whispering,
"Give yourself to me, Emma. I'd never betray you."
His promises were so cheap.
...
After Mom's call, David rushed over.
He didn't look surprised — just smug.
He always wanted a baby to chain me to him forever.
"Emma, for the baby's sake, forgive me." David took my hand, apologetic.
"If Chloe bothers you, I'll transfer her."
"We'll be a family of four. Together forever."
The room fell silent. Mom pulled me aside, serious.
"Emma, the baby's innocent. Single-parent homes are hard."
