“I told you never to come here! Do you know what will happen if someone sees you? My daughter is upstairs, asleep, for God’s sake!”

“Please, listen to me—”

“No. You need to go, right now. Our valet will be back any minute.” He then went to grab me.

“I’m pregnant.”

He stopped. The rage that had been fueling him was replaced by panic.

“No …”

“I am.”

For the first time, I saw fear in those blue eyes.

Then, he grabbed my arm and began violently dragging me off the porch. I screamed at him to let me go but he wouldn’t. I was able to free my hand and struck him across the face. He went to grab my wrists, but in our struggle, grabbed the butterfly necklace. It came away from my neck in his hand. He hurled it towards the bushes and finally succeeded in grabbing my wrists. He held my hands at my side and pulled his face close to mine. I could smell liquor on his breath.

“Listen to me; you are not pregnant. There is nothing between us. There never has been. You delivered those items to my house and went home. That is all. If you say one word of us, or if anyone finds out, I will kill you, do you understand?”

I screamed at him to let me go.

“Say you understand me!” His face was contorted with anger. He was no longer in control.

“Daddy?”

We looked back towards the house. His daughter was standing in the open door, wearing a nightgown.

“I can’t sleep,” she said.

The fear, rage, and fury that had been building in him exploded. He hurled me to the ground with such force, my head struck the stone path. I was dazed. My vision swam. I was barely aware of him running away. I heard the girl scream as she fled back into the house. I pulled myself to my knees. My balance was thrown. I tried to stand but stumbled onto the grass. I had to get out of there. I crawled on my hands and knees to the bicycle. I heard the girl scream again. It sounded like it was coming from the backyard. Finally, I was able to get to my feet. Slowly, my balance returned enough that I started walking towards the road. I heard another cry from the girl but it was cut short. I picked up the bicycle and on the second attempt, I was able to throw my leg over the seat. I began to pedal but the road swayed beneath me. I crashed to the ground, picked myself up, and tried again.

I heard him roar my name from the side of the house.

I was able to gain speed. My head cleared and I quickly glanced over my shoulder.

He was standing in the road, watching as I hurriedly rode away.