As happy as Eddie seemed about the baby, my changing body was a different story. He no longer saw me as a woman. He didn’t touch me. We hadn’t had sex since before I found out I was pregnant.

Not that I minded.

“I supported you through college,” he continued, casually pacing the room. “I’ve been the one taking care of you. The only one. I thought, at some point, you’d stop being so ungrateful.” Getting gradually closer. “That you’d appreciate everything I do for you.” And closer. “The sacrifices I make being with you.” He darted for me suddenly, grabbing my arms before I could make a run for it.

But where would I even go? I had nowhere else. No one else.

“I thought once you were my fiancée, pregnant with my baby, you’d focus on me. You’d be better.” His hands gripped me so hard, my fingertips began to go numb. “I don’t even know why I bothered with it. You’re the same stupid, selfish bitch,” he used his hold to shake me as he screamed, my head snapping back painfully, “who can’t even cook a simple dinner!”

He released me with a rough shove, and I slipped on the sauce, falling forward. I rolled to the side so I wouldn’t land on my belly, my shoulder slamming painfully into the tile.

“Jesus, Jane, you’re a mess. What would people think if I told them how you can’t take care of yourself? How you can’t cook without starting a fire? You’re a danger to yourself. Do you think they’ll let you raise a baby?” He crouched next to me, stroking my hair from my face. “Especially since you have no one else to help. And you never will. You’re used goods. You’re lucky to have me.” His gaze traveled along my prone body, and my heart stopped. When he met my eyes again, his were filled with pity as he scowled at me. “Go get cleaned up. Even though this was supposed to be my day, I’ll let you pick dinner.”

“Thank you,” I pushed out, forcing my tone to stay nonchalant.

He gave me a single nod before standing and walking toward the kitchen.

At his dismissal, I carefully scrambled up, nearly slipping again on my shaking legs. I rushed toward the stairs and clutched the banister as I forced my sore body to continue moving.

Once I was at the top, Eddie called, “Jane.”

Jolting, I winced but schooled my features before I turned around.

“You need to be more careful, honey.” His pointed stare slowly traveled down the steps. “You have a baby to think of.”

He was right. I did.

* * *

Two Days Later

I walked to the door.

Then I walked back into the hall.