Husband is Lovelorn: I am Not the One He Wants to Break Up with

18

"Ella, what's with the theatrics?"

19

"Hospital's just down the road."

"Catch a cab."

"But Vanessa, she's too young."

"She needs me."

20

Even when I finally made it to the hospital solo, couldn't snap out of it.

My mind was racing, trying to make sense of all Jack's words.

I looked down, and peered at the pregnancy test in my hand.

Maybe it's the whole "baby brain" thing. My brain cells were on holiday.

Trying to decode his words became tough work for me.

Tears dropped and blurred the ink on the paper.

Then, like a rainstorm, they just kept coming.

21

After that day, Jack guessed he'd overstepped.

He spent the next few days cutting out early to be with me.

He even picked up a bunch of gifts, aiming to win me back.

"Babe, your favorite coffee."

"Snagged your fav coffee on the way home."

Jack moved closer to hug me.

We were super close, and I caught a whiff of some sweet perfume.

Not mine.

My stomach turned over.

I stepped aside.

"Hmm." My response was thin.

Seeing my chill, Jack's smile dimmed.

He backed off some distance.

And then he clammed up.

I knew he was ticked.

Used to be, I'd be all over him, cuddles and kisses, dialing up the charm.

"What was up with her that night?"

Jack hesitated, then figured out who I meant.

His lips twitched into a smirk, quickly stamped it down.

"Vanessa's all good."

"Just got spooked by the dark, that's all."

I watched Jack's face closely.

No lies there.

But pure adoration.

Just not for me.