We started a company together. Ethan
complained I was too naive, too emotional,
too childish for the business world. Too
clingy, too distracting. So I learned to be
tough, to hide my vulnerabilities, to be
independent. The company thrived, and my influence grew, surpassing his. He became resentful, accusing me of being too dominant, of always challenging his decisions. I wanted to marry him, to have a family, not endless
arguments about work. So, I left the company.
I thought if I changed, became the woman he
wanted, he would marry me. But in the end,
he just fell for someone else, a carefree,
innocent girl. As they kissed, did he
remember that I used to be that girl, too?
I moved out that night, staying with Chloe. I didn’t have to worry about Ethan’s sensitive stomach anymore, or wake up at every sound, wondering if he was home. Chloe and I ordered spicy crawfish, fried chicken, and kebabs, enjoying a late–night feast before
falling asleep. I hadn’t felt this free since I was twenty.
The next morning, Chloe went with me to the
clinic. I’d found out I was pregnant two weeks
earlier. But Ethan was always “too busy,” so I
hadn’t even had a chance to tell him.
As we left the clinic, Chloe said, “Ethan’s
been blowing up my phone. He’s blocked by
you. I told him you were having an abortion.”
As if on cue, Ethan arrived. He stared at me,
his voice trembling. “The baby…?”
“Gone.”
His eyes reddened. “Ten years, Sarah! What
did I do wrong? You couldn’t even answer my
calls before… before doing this?”
I laughed bitterly. “Should I have kept it? So Tina could be its stepmom?”
He flinched. “Sarah, she’s just an intern…”
“What kind of intern makes out with her boss
in a private room at a club?” My voice was
soft, but firm. “Ethan, I saw you both
yesterday.”
The color drained from his face. He mumbled
apologies.
“She… she looks so much like you. I couldn’t help but notice her. You’ve changed, Sarah. You’re so… strong now. You don’t need me like you used to…”
L
But he was the one who wanted me to be
independent!
I didn’t want to argue. “If you feel that bad, give me a bigger share of the money.” I might not be able to keep the man I’d shaped, but I wouldn’t lose the profits. I deserved that
much.
I knew he felt guilty. Now was the time to get what I wanted. Once he was fully invested in Tina, I might end up with nothing.
His voice was hoarse. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
His lips moved, but seeing my expression, he
just nodded. “Unblock me. We need to
discuss the details.”
