"Eleanor is ten years younger than you, yet she's gentle and understanding. She knows her position is difficult, but she never complains. She only wants to stay by my side and care for our child. She's done nothing wrong."
"She gave birth to my child, and now you expect me to take the baby from her and abandon her like she never mattered? I can't do it. I won't be that heartless."
His voice was calm, almost detached, yet every word struck me like a blade, cutting deeper than I ever thought possible.
I closed my eyes.
Twenty years ago, Charles and I had been inseparable, bound by love and shared convictions. We had believed in the same future where children had no place, not because we didn't care but because we weren't ready to shoulder the weight of parenthood so young.
I had feared the pain of childbirth, and without hesitation, Charles had undergone a vasectomy. We had taken every precaution, ensuring our choice remained unchanged.
Our decision sparked outrage on both sides of the family. His father had been livid, throwing us out without a second thought. But Charles hadn't wavered. He had stood by me, choosing to break away and build our own life.