NoahAfter a night full of strange, vivid dreams, I woke up as a wave of nausea hit me. I was prepared for it this time. I threw up into the bucket I had placed next to the bed the day before. I was hoping to find that my period started last night. It hadn’t.I got up and had a long shower. My appointment at the hospital later this morning made me feel nervous. Although it would be good to finally get some answers.I got out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my body and another around my hair. I noticed the pregnancy test that I had tossed next to the sink yesterday. A nagging feeling of anxiety nestled in my chest. I hid the test in the back of a bathroom cabinet, then got ready for the day.“Morning,” I said to Raymond as I passed him in the hallway. He had been feeling a lot better lately. His rib was healing well. He even felt good enough to work from home. He spent a lot of his time in the study, on conference calls and working through emails that had built up over his si
NoahStaring at the screen of the ultrasound, I felt a wave of disbelief wash over me. The gynecologist was still speaking. She pointed to the faint image of a tiny life inside me. Her words seemed distant and muffled.How could this be true? My mind raced, trying to piece together my memories. In the last months of my marriage with Owen, we never shared intimate moments anymore.The only time… Oh, my God. It must have happened that night at the hotel. I counted back. Yes, that was about 6 weeks ago. That would mean…Raymond was the baby’s father.A fleeting image crossed my mind. Raymond and I sitting by his lake on a checkered blanket. Drinking champagne and snacking fr
NoahSuddenly, I became aware of my behavior and quickly put my phone down. What was I doing? My mind raced. I couldn’t just call Raymond. This wasn't the right time to tell him. We weren’t even in a relationship. A one-night stand? What did that even mean?I took a deep breath and forced myself to stand up. The hospital's fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as I walked to the exit. The world outside felt disorienting after the emotional whirlwind I just went through.When I got back to Raymond’s villa, the quietness of the place felt overwhelming. The spacious rooms, filled with memories of shared laughter and late-night talks, now seemed to echo my confusion and worry.The d
NoahOwen’s expression was a mix of frustration and desperation. His presence brought back a flood of memories. There was a time when he was the person I knew best in the world. But those days felt like a distant past. The trust between us had disintegrated into nothingness.I felt nauseous and tired, and just wanted to get this over with.“What is it, Owen?”“I came here to apologize for Josie,” he began, but his tone betrayed him. He wasn’t here to apologize; he wanted to justify her actions. Owen had always been like this, trying to rationalize everything and everyone. Even when it made no sense.“Josie said she was innocent,” Owen continued, his voice
NoahOwen’s response shocked me. Why did he think it was his baby? We hadn't been intimate for at least 3 months. I supposed he didn’t see the time period of my pregnancy on the report.“Owen…” I began. Curiously awaiting my response, he dropped the hand that held the piece of paper. I took the opportunity to grab it. With a swift motion, I folded the report and put it back in my bag. “Please stay out of my private matters. You had no right to look at this.” I said to him with a cold stare.I hesitated. Now was as good a time as any to tell him the truth. “You’re not my baby’s father, Owen. Now leave me alone. You're so sure about Josie’s good heart, so why do you keep bothering m
NoahWas this text another one of Josie’s tricks? It sure sounded like her - blackmailing me so I’d walk into another trap. But this time, I wouldn't fall for it. Not again.I had my chamomile tea and went back to bed. I tossed and turned for a while. Then I finally drifted off into a dreamless sleep, until I woke up late the next morning. I threw up again. When would this nausea finally be over?I went out for a walk along the river to clear my mind. It was icy cold, so I didn’t stay out long. Back home, I had a warm bath. I was having a light breakfast when I got another call from Owen. I answered the phone, “Hello?”Owen's frustrated voice answered. “Did you get my message? Why are you ignoring me?”“I did, but I figured it was another one of Josie’s tricks.” I replied with a frustrated sigh. If Owen sent the message, that might just be even worse. I couldn’t believe he would blackmail me in my vulnerable state.“It's not, Noah. I haven't told her... Yet. You have to meet me at my
NoahOwen's words sent a shiver down my spine. I broke out in a cold sweat. I stared at him, eyes wide and filled with shock. Did he suspect anything? How could he know that Raymond was the father? Owen’s face reddened. He cleared his throat, trying to cover up his embarrassment."Don't look at me like that," He said, his voice softer now. "It's just my frustration talking. I know Raymond can’t be the father. But how could you not tell me the truth?"His initial anger seemed to fade. It was replaced by hurt and confusion. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Owen didn’t suspect anything about Raymond. That was one less thing to worry about."Owen, you need to stop acting like a child," I said firmly. "Throwing tantrums doesn’t solve anything. My private life is none of your business anymore. If you harass me again, I won’t hesitate to call the police."With that, I turned and walked away. I left the villa I once called my home. His words had cut deep, but I couldn’t let him control
NoahI did have sex with Owen a few months before the divorce. It was a night I would rather forget. And yet, the memories kept creeping in.After a long drive filled with intense feelings, I arrived back home from the support group. I was nauseous again. I ran to the bathroom to throw up. After cleaning up and brushing my teeth, I sat down on the couch.I took a deep breath. Finally, some time to process all the feelings the support group meeting had brought up. My mind was still racing and suddenly took me back to that awful night with Owen. The memories were so vivid, it felt like I was reliving it… Owen came home to our villa, reeking of alcohol. I assumed he had been out at a bar. He’d been drinking a lot lately. He was distant and frustrated with me all the time since Josie’s housewarming party. I wondered what was going on.His eyes were bloodshot, and his movements unsteady. I handed him a glass of water to help sober him up. But as soon as he drank it, he turned on me. He t