Chapter 2

2

Back at our place, while Mark was in the shower, I scheduled an abortion and booked a flight for three days from now.

When he got out, toweling his hair, Mark casually said, "I have to go on a business trip to Europe in three days. It'll be about a month."

A month―just enough time for a wedding and a honeymoon.

"Mark, I haven't been feeling well. Could you stay home with me?"

His face hardened.

"Sarah, we've been together a long time. You know I don't like my wife interfering with my work. Just be good and wait for me. I'll bring you a present."

My last hope died. I nodded, defeated.

"You're right. I'm being selfish. Have a good trip."

Mark smiled, pulling me onto the bed.

His breath smelled of wine.

"The nutritionist says you're doing better. Why don't we try for a baby tonight? I really want to watch our kids grow up."

I felt a surge of bitterness.

I pushed him away gently.

"Not tonight. You've been drinking. It's not good for the baby."

Knowing how much I cared, Mark didn't argue, kissing my forehead before falling asleep.

I grabbed his jacket while he slept.

I never knew Mark had another phone.

The lock screen was a picture of him kissing Emily.

Of course, the password was Emily's birthday.

Their texts were right there, with photos of my dead babies:

"Emily, I got the specimens. Sending them by helicopter this afternoon. Fresh, so they won't mess with your data."

"Need more specimens? Don't worry. Sarah's pregnant again. I'll make sure she has another early miscarriage. You'll have new samples soon. You're such a hard worker. You'll be an amazing doctor."

"When are you coming home? I'm saving the 'wife' spot for you. Sarah's just a tool for my urges."

My hands shook as I touched my stomach, tears burning.

This baby shouldn't exist.

His photo album had thousands of pictures of him and Emily growing up.

Each had some love note from Mark.

For seven years, he was always "traveling".

But he was with Emily.

He would fly across the world to deliver a luxury gift to her.

And I just got the left overs.

On our wedding day, Mark didn't even get me flowers.

We passed a flower shop, I looked at them, but Mark said:

"That is for young girls. You are mature."

But he bought a place for Emily with all kinds of flowers.

Seeing them kiss, I laughed and cried.

I found our fake marriage certificate.

Mark said it would be less stress to do it at home.

Turns out it was an actor.

I ripped it up and threw it in the trash.

I looked at Mark's face and felt nothing.

Just sadness, all night.