Unspoken Truths

With a heavy heart, I got up and started to get ready for the day. As I showered and dressed, I tried to push away the hurt and focus on the positive. Leonard had promised to take me out for our anniversary dinner. Maybe there, in the romantic atmosphere of a nice restaurant, I could finally tell him about the baby. Maybe this would be the turning point we needed.

As I applied my makeup, I caught sight of myself in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looked older than my twenty-five years. Dark circles rimmed my bloodshot eyes, my face haggard and much too thin. Where was the bright-eyed, hopeful girl who had fallen in love with Leonard Parker? I took a deep breath, straightening my shoulders. She was still there, underneath it all. And today, on our anniversary, I was determined to make her shine through.

I spent the rest of the day at Luxe where I had begged for an emergency appointment. Despite all the spa treatments, I stayed in a state of nervous anticipation. My heart leapt when Leonard called briefly in the afternoon to confirm out dinner plans even though his voice seemed distant and distracted. I clung to the hope that once we were face to face, things would be better.

As evening approached, I dressed with care, choosing an elegant dress that Leonard had once complimented. I tucked the pregnancy report into my purse, my heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. This night could change everything.

I arrived at the restaurant right on time, my eyes scanning the tables for Leonard. But as the minutes ticked by and he didn't appear, that familiar sinking feeling returned. I tried calling him, but the calls went straight to voicemail.

Just as I was about to give up and leave, a waiter approached with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. "From Mr. Parker," he said with a smile. "He called earlier to arrange this."

I looked at the flowers, a mix of emotions washing over me. On one hand, it was a thoughtful gesture. On the other, flowers couldn't make up for his absence. Not today, not on our anniversary.

With a heavy sigh, I picked at my food, the doctor’s report burning a hole in my purse, unread and unshared. As I left the restaurant, I handed the flowers to a young couple just arriving. Let someone have a truly happy anniversary, I thought. Because despite my hopes and dreams, it seemed that mine was destined to be just another disappointment in a long line of letdowns.

I mustered a half smile for our driver as I climbed into our waiting car to go home—alone. My head rested against the soft leather of the headrest and I closed my eyes. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was truly all there was. Would I always be second best in Leonard's life, always being runner up to Charlotte? And if so, was I willing to bring a child into this situation?

When I arrived home, the house feeling emptier than ever. As I changed out of my dress and removed my carefully applied makeup, I made a promise to myself--something had to change. I couldn't keep living like this, always waiting, always hoping, always being let down.

For the sake of the baby growing inside me, if not for myself, I had to find the strength to demand more from my marriage. The question was, would Leonard be willing to give it? And as I lay in bed, one hand resting protectively over my stomach, I realized with a growing sense of unease that I wasn't sure I knew the answer anymore.

The next morning, I woke from a light sleep to the sound of the front door closing. My heart raced as I glanced at the clock - 7:30 AM. Leonard was home. I quickly got out of bed, throwing on a robe as I made my way downstairs.

I found him in the kitchen, looking immaculate in a fresh suit, and a crisp white shirt, a stark contrast to my disheveled appearance. He was fiddling with the coffee maker, his movements brisk and impatient.

"Leonard," I said softly, causing him to look up. "Where have you been?"

He barely glanced at me as he replied, his tone clipped. "I told you, Claire. Charlotte needed me. There was an emergency."

I bit my lip, fighting back the urge to point out that he hadn't actually told me anything. "Is she okay?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.

Leonard nodded curtly. "She's fine now. Just a false alarm, but you know how fragile she is."

I moved to help him with the coffee, our hands brushing as I reached for a mug. For a moment, I remembered how it used to be between us - the spark, the connection that had drawn me to him in the first place. Now, the brief contact felt more like an accident than an intimate gesture.

"I have something for you," Leonard said suddenly, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box, holding it out to me, almost as an afterthought. "Happy anniversary, Claire. Sorry I missed our dinner."

I took the box, opening it slowly. Inside was a beautiful diamond necklace, sparkling even in the dim light of the kitchen. It was exquisite, exactly the kind of gift you'd expect from a billionaire CEO to his wife. But as I looked at it, all I could think was that I would have preferred his presence over any piece of jewelry.

"It's beautiful," I said, because that's what was expected of me. "Thank you, Leonard."

He smiled, looking relieved. "I'm glad you like it. I know I've been busy lately, but I want you to know that I appreciate you, Claire. You're important to me."

His words, so close to what I longed to hear, made my heart ache. I wanted to believe him, to throw myself into his arms and pretend that everything was okay. But the memory of the past night - of our missed anniversary dinner, of Charlotte answering his phone - held me back.

"Leonard," I began, gathering my courage. "I need to talk to you about something important."

He looked at me, his expression suddenly guarded. "What is it?"

I took a deep breath, ready to tell him about the pregnancy. But before I could speak, he continued.