I lied.
Because I don’t want to have a child with a monster.
CHAPTER 17
Flyer
The doorbell rings about twenty minutes later. Dominic stands and walks to the door while I take out two plates from the cabinet. The smell of soy sauce and fried rice fills the kitchen as he brings the takeout bags to the table. We sit across from each other, he opens the containers while I pour wine into our glasses. For a moment it almost feels normal, the quiet clinking of chopsticks, the steam rising from the food.
“Mm,” Dominic says, taking a bite. “I forgot how good this place is.”
I nod, picking at my food.
“I went for a walk earlier,” I say casually.
“Oh yeah?”
“In the park.” He glances up. “I ran into Marcus.”
Dominic pauses for a second before continuing to eat.
“Yeah,” he says. “He’s off today.”He looks at me again. “Wait… like after your work?”
I shake my head slightly.
“No,” I say. “Early afternoon. I.. I left work early.”
Dominic’s brows knit together.
“Why? Are you okay?”
I nod quickly.
“Yeah…Just a headache.”
He reaches across the table and gently takes my hand.
“Drink lots of water, my love,” he says softly.
He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it.
“And please consider leaving your job,” he continues. “If we’re going to have a baby… you shouldn’t be stressed at all.”
I nod slowly and take a sip of my wine.
Dominic notices immediately.
“And no more wine once we start trying,” he says with a small smile.
I swallow.
“Marcus said you were supposed to be off today.”
Dominic freezes for a fraction of a second and his fingers tighten slightly around his chopsticks. He glances down at his plate, then rubs the back of his neck like he suddenly remembered something.
“Yeah,” he says after a moment. “Uh… Sophie’s out today.” He shrugs lightly. “I had to go in and cover her shift.”
I nod slowly, pretending the explanation makes sense.
