Over the years, we lived simply. I worked at a construction site, took up odd jobs, even sold off my family’s heirlooms when money got tight. I was willing to do anything for her. But now, her betrayal cut deeper than anything I’d ever known. The child growing inside her wasn’t mine, and her cold words left no doubt that she’d been waiting for this moment.
“Ben’s child will be ours,” she’d told me once, her words almost too casual. “You always wanted a family, didn’t you? It doesn’t matter who the father is, Eli. When Ben’s gone, you’ll be there for us.”
Those words had felt like a slap then, but now, they were simply empty echoes. I had nothing left to give, and she had no need for my love.
….
Chapter 2
Once, Naomi and I had a chance at having a family of our own. It was years ago. When she found out she was pregnant, instead of joy, she looked at me like I’d crossed a line.
Her hand flew up, and I felt the sting across my cheek, right there in the middle of the hospital hallway, while others watched.