And it made me realize—this was far more terrifying than I'd imagined.
With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and made several calls in quick succession.
Half an hour later, my parents, my mother-in-law Margaret, and my sister-in-law Sophie Abbott had all rushed over.
"What's wrong, Celine? You called us all here so suddenly—did something happen?"
The four of them sat by the sofa, watching me with worried expressions.
I looked at them for a long moment, then told them everything—Edward's affair, and how he'd tricked me into agreeing to abort my baby.
The moment I finished, Margaret shot to her feet, trembling with rage.
"That animal!"
"How could he do this to you and the baby?"
"Celine, don't you cry over him. I'm going to find him right now and—"
My mother caught Margaret's arm, holding her back.
She turned to me, cautious. "Celine, could there be some kind of misunderstanding?"
My father nodded slowly. "Everyone can see how much Edward loves you and the baby. How could he possibly have an affair?"
Sophie shook her head in disbelief.
"Exactly, Celine. You're the only woman my brother has ever loved—his whole life."