“It’s not up to me to tell you. If she wants to, she will.”
“Hmm. Well, anyway, thanks for helping her.”
“I have to live with the idea of having her around, so I better get used to her. But Jeremy, listen to me. I’ll never sleep with you two. At least respect that.”
“No problem.”
After the relaxing massage, I go to sleep. It has been a long day.
Hailey
Ifocus on work, on the new routine, and try every day to pretend not to see all the clues of Jeremy’s betrayal.
I don’t care about the betrayals. Instead, I care about the fact that he keeps me tied to him.
At least in these two months, he hasn’t been violent with me anymore.
I have Danny and our moments are unique even if we’re no longer pushed like that night, perhaps for fear of not stopping.
At least twice a week, I go to Alice’s. Yes, I know it’s just a grave, but it calms me to let off steam with someone who doesn’t think I’m weak.
I finish the therapy sessions with the psychologist. Of course, he makes it easy by saying to risk it all and get a divorce. Yes, but at what cost? I’m pregnant and afraid of the consequences and of Jeremy’s revenge.
I’ll wait for the baby to be born, and then I’ll decide what to do.
* * *
Only a week left until the five-month ultrasound. My tummy is now visible, and feeling the baby move is beautiful. I feel thrilled, mostly because I’m starting to be sure it’s a girl and because we’re finally going to pick a name.
The book is going really well. We’re thrilled. But, to be honest, Danny and I spend our time together on things other than writing.
Jeremy comes back from work late, so for most of the day, I’m alone with Zoë. She’s mine now.
I start making dinner when I get a text from Drew:
“Hello, Preciosa. Would you like to go shopping tomorrow? Just us. We’ll leave the boys at home.”
I smile. Andrew knows that Jeremy often checks his phone, so he always tries to get into the part.
“Hi sweetie,” I respond. “I think so. Where and when?”
“9:30 from Westfield and then we’ll go to the Promenade. At least if you’re not tired.”
“No biggie. See you there at 9:30. Kisses and good night.”
Zoë gets up and heads to the door. Shortly after, I hear Jeremy’s car. I look at the clock: 4.30 pm—what a strange time for him to be home.
He enters the house and is furious.
I can feel the bracelet warm-up, and I start to feel agitated. I’m in trouble.
He doesn’t even say hello to me, just comes toward me, picks me up, and puts me on the marble top. Then he forcefully kisses me.
I pull away, bad choice. Jeremy squeezes my wrists.
“Hey, what happened?” I try to calm him down.
“Must something have happened? I want my wife, I missed you,” he says in a stern voice.
