Chapter 2

Danielle’s POV

“Wait what?” I looked at Jayden, my voice trembling.

“You heard me.” He said. Short and cold.

"Are you serious, right now?" I raised my voice, but feeling the droplets of the tears escaped my eyes. They fell on the divorce paper I held but I had no time for that, “Have you ever loved me? What about our baby?” 

It felt like my world was spinning yet there he was, calmly staring at me like he hadn't just told me he didn't want me and my child anymore. "Stop being dramatic, Danielle. You always knew I didn't want you."

Jayden was right. Yet I couldn't fathom why he waited until I was expecting a child - his child. To do this. “You’d leave your baby?”

He sighed, looking miserable, “I’m sorry. I’ll make sure that it is well taken care of financially. But I still want the divorce, right now.” 

It? My child was not an object. "Fuck you and your money Jayden, this child needs a father."

He heaved, looking up slowly at me. His eyes were cold as he began to speak. “You’re right, Katherine’s back, after years of  traveling abroad. For so many years, I tried so hard to reconnect with her but failed every time. I really thought she would never come back to me, but now she’s back."

“So what? I know what she means to you. When you were in your slump, she saved that day. Sure, I know.” I looked into his eyes, “But what about us? Your family?”

"So when my mom was sick with cancer and asked me to marry you, I agreed!” He said in an even louder voice, “Holy shit! You’ve always known, Danielle! That I didn't love you. I never have. You are an option. You are not my choice.”

I could feel my throat tighten as he continued to speak. 

I was the one who ruined his happy life with the one he truly loves.

I had always known this, but hearing it from him made it hurt more. 

With a whisper, I responded, "I have always loved you. I have always wanted to marry you, even when my parents said it was a mistake. I gave up everything for you, Jayden. Please don't do this.”

“I never asked you to sacrifice for me,” He replied, his voice rising. 

He was right. It was always me forcing myself down his throat. And even though I didn't want to continue doing that, I didn't see any other option.

“Why can’t we try again, for our baby?” I was sniffling. "We have come so far together.  Have you told your father yet?" I gazed at him, trying to calm myself down. "Is he in support of your decision?"

Jayden was silent. Ignoring me completely, I took a step towards him to remind him that I was still with him. 

"Your mom," I continued, "She wouldn't approve of a divorce, don't you think? Especially not one that would affect the baby. She is the one who wants us to build a happy family the most, remember?"

Once I was done with it, I knew I went too far. I didn’t want to sound sly but what I could think at that moment was one thing, my baby needs a father.

But it was too late.

He immediately looked up at me.  A frown appeared on his face.

"What is your problem?" It seemed I had pushed him too far because he instantly snapped. "You keep talking about my mother, what is your problem? Danielle, my mother is late. Don't you ever in your life include her in our conversations again."

I nodded, sobbing hysterically. "I'm sorry." 

"You're such a hypocrite," He hissed. "Always using the love I have for my mother against me, acting like you love me when in fact all you have ever wanted was fame and money. My mom was gullible, falling for your false innocence and trapping me in this hell called marriage. 

“What?…that’s what you’ve been thinking of me?” My eyes widened in disbelief, “No, you know that’s not the truth! Nancy said I would be a good daughter-in-law and I had a crush on you back then.”

I heard my sob grow louder, “ Katherine was still in France and w-we thought she would never come back. You know that, Jayden. It’s never about money. I decided to marry you because I love you!”  

From my blurred eyes, I noticed that Jayden had zoned out. He became unaware of my presence. His gaze was on his phone's screen.  

“Hey… are you okay?" He put his phone close to his ear, his tone softening as he answered the call. "Don’t worry, I’m on my way.” His voice was deep and gentle, it was easy to guess who was on the receiving end of the call.

My stomach churned as he stood to leave. "What’s wrong with her?” I asked bitterly.

“She’s sick,” Jayden replied without looking at me. “I need to go.”

“What is it this time? Asthma? Stomach ache? Panic attack?” I muttered sarcastically, walking closely behind him. 

“She collapsed for some reason, it might be the asthma,” There was deep concern in his voice as he responded, ignoring my tone. I watched him grab his coat and head for the door, leaving me standing in the living room, overwhelmed by sadness.

"Jayden!" I called out to him, darting forward. I was going after him. I was going with him to her house. I made a quick pause at the center table, bending over slightly to grab my keys. 

An excruciating and sharp pain shot through my abdomen, causing me to gasp loudly and stagger, almost to the floor. 

I moaned louder as the pain grew intense. My hand rubbed my waist gently, my eyes were shut tightly. Moments later, as the pain subsided slightly, I took hold of the key and limped towards the door. I needed to go after Jayden regardless of the pain that I felt.

By the time I stepped into the cold night air, Jayden was already getting into his car, the engine rumbling to life. “Hold on, Jayden!” I ran after him. He seemed to slow down. Probably because of the snow, making it seem easier for me to catch up with him. 

Just as I was about to reach him, a car’s headlights pierced through the dark night, revealing the ground covered with snow. I turned in time to see the car speeding towards me. I raced as quickly as I could away from it, I was fast enough to avoid it, but I slipped and fell on the cold, icy ground.

I felt pain explode through my body, blood trickling down my legs and instantly forming a pool on the floor. I clutched my stomach, crying out in pain. "Jayden!" But his car didn't stop. It drove farther down the street until it disappeared from my sight. 

My vision darkened and in a matter of minutes, I felt nothing more.