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.

the table. I’ll just

decided to make some small talk. “Nick, how was

home and take care of the house. Why do you care about work

I thought I had the right to ask

gift,” I said,

with derision. “And

did he forget that, and since when did he talk to me like this? What had happened to my husband? He was becoming colder and

Nick. Olivia just misses you. She didn’t mean

I was annoying him? Was it because she was closer to him now than I was? Because they worked together constantly, forming a bond? That bond shouldn’t interfere with my marriage. Nick should still love

that I hadn’t seen in a long time. My heart ached. That affection and gentleness was supposed

of dinner, I said, “I’ll clear

He just pushed his plate toward me, while remaining focused on Sandra. My hand went to my stomach, caressing it. Oh, baby, your dad’s not ready to hear about you yet. But

the room, Sandra said, “Oh, did you want

placed them in the sink,

me. “How does it feel,

turned to face her, confused. “What are you