"Relax. You're my only real wife. Once she gives birth, she's served her purpose."
Their silhouettes tangled together, and the sound of heavy breathing drowned out everything else.
I was shaking all over. I ripped the ring off my finger and hurled it across the room. It struck the framed photo of us, the one already yellowed with age, and the glass exploded.
So that was it. My only value was to carry on the Simmons family line. No wonder my parents had never been so thrilled about anything as they were when they heard I was pregnant.
The rage at Frederick's betrayal, at my parents' favoritism, at every swallowed grievance, all of it came pouring out at once.
By midnight, I sat hollow and spent, one hand resting on my swollen belly, dried tear tracks streaking my face.
Once I'd made the decision to raise this child alone, I sent an email to my former business partner, Joseph.
Dawn broke, and Frederick finally came home. The moment he saw me curled up on the couch, he pulled me into his arms.
"Baby, why do you look so worn out? Is the little one giving you trouble?"
He rubbed my frozen hands between his, his eyes brimming with concern.