Rapid Breakdown

Carl remembered everything about Cynthia: her birthday, her period as well as all her likes and dislikes. He even remembered their various anniversaries.

When it came to me, I did not think he even knew my favorite food.

The last time we had a gathering with his friends, they put me on the spot, and I got mad. After the gathering, he told me not to take it too seriously because everyone had just been joking.

Yet, when someone teased Cynthia, he would smash a bottle against their head. He would not look as tolerant and unbothered as he did when I was mocked.

I thought about arguing back, but to my dismay, I realized that I had never won against Cynthia.

Hence, when he rebuked me again, I only felt emptiness in my heart. “Yes, you’re not wrong. I am. I shouldn’t have fallen in love with you or been with you. Congratulations, you’re free now.”

When Carl saw me dragging my luggage bag behind me, he finally realized that something was wrong.

He let go of Cynthia and stopped me. “What’s going on with you? We can talk about this. You’re still pregnant. Can’t you be more careful? Stop giving me trouble.

“Look. I’ll tag along during the next prenatal checkup. Stop being so willful already.”

I had already miscarried. What was the point of him saying these things anymore?

I broke free from his grasp. “No need. That won’t be necessary anymore.”

As Cynthia stood by the side, her eyes were full of jealousy. She pouted in displeasure and rolled her eyes with disdain. “Carl, she’s just kicking up a fuss because she wants your attention. You’re acting like a typical pregnant woman, Natalie. You’re even using your baby to your advantage.”

My mind went blank.

I did not want to talk with these two pieces of trash because I would just be wasting my time and energy. However, Cynthia should not have mentioned my baby.

Fury erased the last shreds of rationality I had left. When I finally returned to my senses, I found myself grasping Cynthia’s hair and slapping her nonstop.

Since this had happened too suddenly, both Carl and Cynthia did not manage to react in time.

Cynthia was stunned as she fell to the floor and cradled her cheek. Tears spilled out of her eyes. “Carl, I’ve never been hit before! You have to defend me!”

I did not expect my rage to give me such great strength. Her fair cheeks were swollen. That image, along with her pitiful expression, just made me want to laugh.

Carl immediately pulled a long face. “Natalie, apologize to Cynthia now.”

I flung my hurting hand and met his gaze squarely. “You want me to apologize to her? Dream on!”

Cynthia cried even harder. “Carl, look at her! I didn’t say anything wrong! If you hadn’t bothered Carl so much, he would’ve never gone to that prenatal checkup with you! What happened was all your fault!”

That fateful day, I had indeed pestered Carl into accompanying me to the prenatal checkup. He had only been slightly happy when he heard about my pregnancy. After that, he was indifferent toward the entire thing.

I did not want my baby to grow up in such a neglected state. So, while Carl was free, I convinced him to go with me for a prenatal checkup before going around to relax.

I wanted to strengthen my relationship with him, but in the end, I lost my baby.

When Carl saw that I was not yielding, he became displeased and warned me, “Don’t make me repeat myself. Apologize to Cynthia.”

However, I stubbornly refused. “Fine. Then, don’t!” Carl sneered and slapped me hard.

This was the first time he had ever slapped me.

My rage exploded. Who did he think he was? What gave him the right to hit me?!

“You slapped Cynthia several times, and I only hit you once because you’re pregnant. You’re even now!”

When I finally registered what had happened, I saw Cynthia’s smug face.

Carl’s actions did not surprise me. He would do anything for her.

So, I immediately slapped him twice.

He was stunned. Once he finally realized what I had done, he blew up. “You hit me?! I already gave you a chance! Don’t ever come to me about the baby again! It’s dead to me!”

He was threatening me with my dead baby again? The emotions that I had been bottling up instantly burst forth.

I broke down and yelled at him, “The baby’s gone, Carl!”