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.

food’s already on the table. I’ll just grab the

room table. I decided to make some small talk. “Nick, how was your day? I hope things are calming down now at the

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

thought I had

a gift,” I said, standing

need anything,” he said with derision. “And

heart sank. Had he forgotten our anniversary? Since when did he forget that, and since when did he talk to me like this? What had happened to my husband? He was becoming

just misses you. She didn’t mean to annoy you,” Sandra chimed

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.

talk as if I wasn’t there. Nick smiled more 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 table. Are you both

hand went to my stomach, caressing it. Oh, baby,

did you

plates and went to the kitchen. Once I placed them in the sink, I gripped the edge, taking deep

it feel, huh?” she asked, her

face her, confused. “What are you