sa

ival was a direct result of Cassidy's escalating manipulative behavior. My high-risk pregna

ed at our house. Kevin, against my pleas, had insisted she spend the day with us. He said I needed to "understand her strug

sort of amusement. "I hope it doesn't take all of Kevin's attent

deep. Kevin, oblivious as ever, had merely chuckled, telling her,

amed, stepping back in horror. A spray of crimson splattered onto my face, hot and metallic. The shock, the sudden violence, sent a jolt through my entire body. I stum

d our child's life in danger. His only focus was on his "emotionally fragile" ex-girlfriend. He scooped her up, his face a mask of terror, and car

peak with Kevin. He didn't say a word, just scooped me up. His movements were swift, decisive. He carried me to his car and sped to the emergency room. The doctors to

with Leo crying from hunger, Julian was the first person I thought to

. It was from the group chat Kevin had insisted I join-"Kevin's C

nd a steaming mug. The caption read, "Kevin knows just how to cheer me up after a toug

e corner of the frame, gently holding Cassidy's mug. It

. "Anything you want, babe. You earned it." That promise, like so many others, was now a hollow e

You're so brave. My heart aches for what you go through." My heart aches. He used those word

rned like acid. What about my heart, Kevin? What about me, lying here, eight days p

I pressed my lips together. I closed the app. I would not give Kevin or Cassidy the satisfaction