Chapter 19
The real coup came when I discovered Emily’s
pregnancy only a couple weeks after mine came to
fruition. She hadn’t even realized it herself, chalking
up her symptoms to depression. I’d been there when
she took the test, and when she looked at me, hope
and fear mingling in her eyes, I’d lied without
Chapter 19
hesitation.
+10 Bonus
“It’s negative,” I’d said, my voice steady. “You’re
probably just stressed.”
She’d nodded, her shoulders slumping in relief- or was it disappointment? Either way, the truth
stayed buried.
***
“I’m quitting,” I said, standing in Louis’s office with a carefully crafted expression of vulnerability.
Louis looked up sharply. “Maya, wait. Why?”
I hesitated, letting the silence stretch before speaking. “I just… I need to move on. After losing the baby, I can’t keep dragging you and Emily into my mess. She needs you more than I do.”
His face softened, guilt etched into every line. “Maya, you’re not a burden. You’ve been through so much-”
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“No,” I interrupted, my voice trembling. “I’ve
already caused enough damage. You don’t have to
worry about me messing up your life anymore.”
His silence was exactly what I’d hoped for.
When I leaned in and kissed him, he didn’t pull away.
That afternoon the café was buzzing with the
hum of conversation and the occasional hiss of the
espresso machine, but my focus locked on Emily the
moment she walked through the door. She looked
worn–her hair pulled into a haphazard bun, dark
circles under her eyes, her clothes a little less.
pristine than usual. I smiled to myself. The cracks
were growing.
“Emily!” I called out, my voice bright as I waved
at her. She tried to ignore me. “EMILY!”
“Maya,” she said curtly, not bothering to sit
down, embarrassed by the attention I’d drawn. Her
arms crossed tightly over her chest, a clear signal
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arms crossed tightly over her chest, a clear signal
she wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries.
I stood, tilting my head, feigning concern. “You
look tired. Everything okay?”
“Don’t speak to me, ever again,” she said curtly,
turning to leave. Her superiority made me burn with
anger.
“Don’t walk away from me,” I said softly, smiling
at her. “We’ve got something to discuss, Emily.”
She rolled her eyes, continuing to walk away to
order her coffee. I couldn’t imagine her turning so
bold, so spiteful. She was always meek, always
easily manipulated. This was going to take more
effort, but it was worth it.
“So, should I talk to the police then?”
She rounded on me now, glancing at the people
around my table, their own conversations
simmering low. They had heard.
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“Excuse me?” She whispered, moving close.
“I’ll keep this simple, brief,” I replied, leaning
closer. “Divorce Louis. Give up your assets from the
marriage. Disappear. Otherwise, I’ll press charges
for your assault and the murder of my child.”
I could feel her mood switch, see the stiffness in
her slight frame. How pathetic, how weak. She
didn’t say a thing, her eyes wide, full of sadness and fear, the exact reaction I was hoping for. She didn’t speak, turning from me toward the exit of the café. She understood even if she didn’t want to.
“Have a better day, Emily,” I called out to her cheerfully, sitting back down with my coffee. I would definitely have a better day.
