“I will once you admit the truth and spend the rest of your life making it up to me.”
“I’ll never admit to something I didn’t do.”
“Then you have your answer.”
“It’s not healthy to hold a grudge for this long.”
“Neither is eating a juicy sirloin saturated in butter, but I’m still going to fucking eat it.”
This man is so goddamn infuriating, but I love him with my stupid ass, even after everything he’s done. I’m an idiot.
Peering around the table, I anxiously watch my mom and Anneli as they enjoy brunch. I suggested we go out under the guise of having girl time, but in reality, I felt the need to disclose the news of my pregnancy in public so they’d be forced to keep their voices low. The engagement ring is hidden in my bedroom away from their prying eyes.
“Are you going to eat or spend the entire time looking at your mother and me?”
“Just spit it out,” Mom says.
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt.
Neither one responds to the announcement.
“Say something, please.”
“How long have you known?” Mom asks.
“Just two days.”
“Art is the father.” The disappointment in Anneli’s voice is clear.
Though it’s not a question, I answer anyway. “He is.”
“This is unbelievable.” Anneli slams her fork down. “I thought you were on birth control.”
“It didn’t work.”Because Art paid the doctor to sabotage the shot.
“What’s going to happen now?” Mom asks.
“We’re getting married.”
“Don’t be stupid.” Anneli throws her arms up in frustration. “I kept my mouth shut about the six-month agreement, but enough is enough!”
“Cin, what is Anneli talking about?”
The clawing cat is finally out of the bag. “We’ll discuss it later, Mom.”
“I refuse to witness your self-destruction. Art is like a parasite. He latched onto you and is slowly filling your body with poison.”
“You promised to be here for me.”
“I was hoping you’d come to your senses!”
“I’m going to have his baby.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to marry him!” Anneli yells.
“I love him.”
“Love is truly blind.” Anneli storms out of the restaurant.
