“I have things to take care of,” he said shortly.
I nodded. “I understand.”
He paused, studying me for a brief moment. Then, without another word, he turned and left.
Just like that. As if he hadn’t just returned after humiliating me in front of the entire pack. As if nothing had happened.
---
He came back late. Again. The scent of alcohol clung to him as he slipped into bed beside me, his movements slightly unsteady. Without a word, he pulled me into his arms, pressing his face against my neck as if seeking comfort.
Within minutes, his breathing evened out. He was asleep.
I stared at the ceiling, wide awake. The weight of his arm around me felt suffocating.
Time passed slowly.
Until a soft glow caught my attention. His phone. It lit up on the bedside table, the screen illuminating the dark room.
I shouldn’t look. I knew that. Some part of me understood that whatever I saw would only hurt me more. But my body moved before my mind could stop it.
I reached out, my fingers hovering over the device for a brief moment before picking it up.
The screen unlocked easily.
A message. My heart began to pound. And then I read it.
[I’m so happy you came with me to the OB-GYN today.]
My breath hitched.