Chapter 1
Balie Lambert and I had been child–free by choice for twenty years. Then, out of nowhere, he suddenly appeared with a seven–year-old son, and after careful digging. I learned the woman he’d been seeing was pregnant again. Even his mother, who was supposed to be enjoying her retirement at home, had moved in with them to help through the pregnancy.
When the truth came out, I lost it I screamed and fought with Baillie until my voice was row.
Everyone around us–older relatives, friends, even my own peers–tried to talk me down.
“Why go to such extremes over this? After all, you and Baillie have been married for twenty years. And honestly, we can understand why he did it. He’s a man, after all, Men need someone to carry on the family name. He’s not like a woman, drifting through life without
tools
Tears stung my eyes as I looked at Baillie, who sat silent across from me. He was in his early forties now, but his face was still. handsome, well cared for
“You can bring the child home, I managed to say at last. “That’s as far as my forgiveness goes.“)
Baillie picked up his car keys and headed for the door. For a moment, I thought he’d accepted my compromise. But just as he was leaving, he paused at the entryway and took down our wedding photo.”
“Jenifer went through ten long months of pregnancy for me,” he said flatly, giving me a cold look. “I can’t just abandon her out her own.”
His eyes held not a trace of love.
וד
you
there on
can’t accept them–her and the kids–then from today onwards, I split my time. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays I’m with them; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, Il come back here to be with you.”
I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms. All hope of any reconciliation between us vanished.!!
“In that case, let’s just get a divorce.“)
The room fell deathly silent at my words. Even Baillie froz
froze, his hand still on the door!
He looked at me, stunned, his lips pressed into a thin line, a mess of emotions flickering Veronica Don’t be ridiculous.”
I wiped away my tears, even as my heart twisted in pain
Tim not being ridiculous, Baillie. Let’s end this marriage.”
His face darkened, disappointment and accusation in his eyes.
across his face.)
“Veronica, it’s been twenty years. How can you still be so stubborn?“)
He took a deep breath, almost pleading Jenifer’s ten years younger than you, and she’s gentle and understanding. She knows her situation is awkward, but she’s never once complained. She just wants to stay by my side, raising our children. She’s done nothing Wrong”
“She’s given me children, and now you want me to rip th His words were cold and casual, but each one hit me like a stone, sending ripples through my heart &
them away from her leave her alone out there… I can’t do that. I can’t be that cruel.”
I closed my eyes 1
Twenty years ago, Baillie and I fell madly in love.
Back then, we agreed neither of us felt ready, in our twenties, to take on the responsibility of raising a child. I was terrified of childbirth, so Baillie took the initiative and got a vasectomy. We were always careful, always used protection
Our families were furious. No one understood Baillie’s father was so angry, he kicked us both out
So Baille and I struck out on our own. We started a business from scratch, building a life together Ten years ago, the pressure to have a child was extreme–she once threatened to hurt herself if we didnt give her a grandchild it shook me. I asked Baillie, “Do you really not want kids? Even seeing your mom like this, are you still sure? We could have a baby, if you want.“)
its peak. Both sets of parents were relentless but Baillie’s mother was the most
Baillie held my hand, looking at me with nothing but love (
pressure or
“Veronica, I don’t want you to suffer through pregnancy for me. And I don’t want us to become parents just because of pre because the timing is wrong. Do you understand?“)
I understood, but I told him anyway. |
