Her laughter came through the line, comforting yet bittersweet. “That Derrick… always so thoughtful. Make sure he takes care of you, okay? And don’t stay out too long; it’s getting chilly.”
Her words reminded me of everything I’d lost, the love I thought I’d had. My chest tightened, and I bit my lip, fighting to keep the tremor out of my voice. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be careful.”
“Good, sweetheart. Let me know if you need anything, alright? Love you.”
As I ended the call, gripping my phone tightly, the warmth of my mother’s voice faded, leaving me alone with the flood of emotions I’d been holding back. I wanted to scream, to shatter the quiet despair that surrounded me. But I couldn’t. My father is , bound by pride, and I was the mother to an unborn child who needed my strength.
Slowly, I turned, stepping out into the rain, each step steady and deliberate. I didn’t need Derrick anymore; he’d made his choice, and now I was making mine. He was no longer my mate, no longer the man I would share my life with.