Revenge After Divorce by Black Rose

OLIVIA

I hoped Nick would come home early today. He hadn’t been around much since he started working with my best friend, Sandra. Things had been hectic at the office, but I still hoped today would be different, seeing how it was our fourth-year anniversary. I also had big news; I was finally pregnant, and we were about to have the family we’d always dreamed of.

I couldn’t wait to see his reaction when I told him, and I didn’t even want to think about my mother-in-law—she’d be thrilled. I’d call and tell her after telling Nick. I was sure they’d cut their trip short once they heard the news of my pregnancy.

I hummed as I moved around the kitchen, cooking. I was happy, despite knowing things hadn’t been the same between Nick and me lately. I hoped that after hearing the news of my pregnancy, he would become the man I fell in love with again.

Just as I placed the last dish on the dining table, the front door opened. My heart leaped with excitement, and I rushed to greet him. Nick was taking off his jacket when I reached him, but he didn’t look pleased to see me. I smiled and greeted him anyway. “Good evening, my love,” I said, then went to hug him as Sandra walked in, wearing a smile.

Why was she there? I’d told her it was my anniversary and that I wanted to spend the evening alone with Nick.

“Sandra, you’re here?” I forced a smile.

She hugged me. “Yes, friend. Nick and I still have a few work things to sort out, but I suggested we finish here.”

Fine. I would talk to Nick after dinner, once Sandra was gone.

already on the table. I’ll just grab the

decided to make some small talk. “Nick, how was your day? I hope things are calming

glanced at me. “You chose to stay home and take care of the house. Why do you care about work now?

words stung. He was my husband, and I thought I had the right to

a gift,” I said, standing

need anything,” he said with derision. “And why are you

did he talk to me like this? What had happened to my husband? He was becoming colder and more distant every day. I sat back down, feeling

misses you. She didn’t mean

together constantly, forming a bond? That

at her, a gentleness in his demeanor that I hadn’t seen in a long time. My heart ached. That affection and gentleness

end of dinner, I said, “I’ll clear the

my stomach, caressing it. Oh, baby, your dad’s not ready to hear about you yet.

the room, Sandra said, “Oh, did you

and went to the kitchen. Once I placed them in the sink, I gripped the edge, taking deep breaths, trying to calm myself and

followed me. “How does it feel, huh?”

face her, confused. “What are you talking