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
RaymondI was in Paris for a crucial business trip. The city was vibrant and lively as always. Paris in winter was a magical place. The city sparkled under a blanket of frost. The Eiffel Tower glistened like a jewel against the gray sky. The streets were lined with twinkling lights. The Seine flowed silently, reflecting the city’s charm.From my hotel room, I had a perfect view of this winter wonderland. I often found myself gazing out at the Eiffel Tower, dreaming about bringing Noah here one day. She would love the beauty and romance of Paris.My days were filled with back-to-back meetings, negotiating deals and attending conferences. The latest conference was particularly important. I was immersed in the discussions when my phone buzzed.It was Owen calling. I didn't think he had anything urgent to discuss, so I ignored the call. But he called again after only five seconds. I apologized to my colleagues and stepped out of the conference room. I felt annoyed at the interruption. Esp