Goodbye, Lover

I finished packing the last of my things into a suitcase and started looking for places online. After some browsing, I found a house in Bridgeside District that seemed perfect.

I booked a viewing with the landlord for the next day, hoping it was a good fit so I could move in right away.

Later that evening, Charles came home. When he saw the two suitcases on the floor, his face instantly dropped.

"Sydney, you're really leaving?" He sounded guilty, like he finally realized how messed up he had been staying out all night these past few days.

I just nodded. Seeing my calm reaction seemed to throw him off.

He stepped closer, wrapped his arms around me like he was trying to fix things. "Sydney, don't be mad, okay? Jenna's just like a sister to me. If it makes you upset, I won’t see her anymore once she's feeling better."

I looked up and saw the red lipstick mark on his collar. My stomach turned. I pulled away from him and said flatly, "No, I wish you happiness, though."

He stumbled back, clearly annoyed. "How long are you gonna keep this up?"

In the past, a softer tone from him would’ve been enough to get me to back down, but not this time. He tried again, his patience running out. "So, what’s it gonna be? Are we getting married or not?"

I just stared at him, quiet. I thought about everything; the way he had spoiled me, the way Jenna had pushed my limits.

I could’ve brought up the photos she sent, but what would it matter? He would find an excuse, like always.

I wasn’t in the mood to argue, so I just turned and went back to the bedroom without saying another word.

Charles was fuming, chasing me into the bedroom as he let it all out. "Can you stop being so cold? Jenna is like a sister to me. She’s upset because her boyfriend hurt her. I can’t just ignore her!"

He stormed around the room, clearly frustrated. "I went to the Town Hall right after comforting her. I waited for you for two hours, but you didn’t show up. I don’t even get what the problem is. I’ve already set everything up. Next Monday is a good day. We’ll go to the Town Hall, get the certificate and name your baby."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt so angry, tears just started pouring down.

My baby bump hadn't shown yet since I was only two months pregnant, so even though I had lost the baby, Charles had no idea.

But I couldn’t forget that he hung up on me three times when I was in that car accident, leading to the miscarriage. And now, he was standing there talking about naming the baby.

I shot him a cold look and said flatly, "I already had the abortion and we’re done. Please stop bothering me."

Charles froze, staring at me like I’d just slapped him. "What? You did what?" His voice was sharp with disbelief. "Are you serious?"

His emotions completely flipped and he nearly shouted, "I told you to get rid of the baby before, but you said it was a blessing and we’re the right age for marriage, so I agreed. We’ve talked about it forever and now you’re telling me you had the abortion? What the hell is going on with you?"

Each word cut deeper. I had spent all these years bending over backward for Charles, hoping to marry him, build a family and live that perfect life. I dropped hints about wanting a big proposal, but he didn’t care.