“You’re overreacting,” Jason said, his arms crossed as he stared me down. “Talking about a divorce over this? Come on, Paige.”
“Overreacting?” I shot back, my voice sharp.
“Yes,” Leslie added. “Please, don’t be mad. It’s clearly my fault. Don’t say divorce because surely Jason will get hurt. He loves you. He just cares for me and I don’t want to be the reason you’re getting a divorce.”
“Is that so? Then, tell me, why were you at the hotel together?”
His face froze, the deflection he had ready dying on his lips. Leslie shifted uneasily beside him, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
Jason’s silence spoke louder than words.
Leslie glanced between us, her lips parting as if to speak. “It’s because…” She hesitated, then blurted, “Jason was comforting me. My boyfriend broke up with me, and I didn’t know who else to call.”
“Comforting you?” My voice cracked with disbelief. “Why him, Leslie? Why not me? I’m supposed to be your sister.”
She avoided my gaze, her tone turning defensive. “You were busy,” she said quickly. “I didn’t want to bother you, and I was scared—”
“Scared of what?” I demanded.
Her mouth opened and closed, her face pale. “Scared of you. I thought you’d get mad if you found out…” She trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper. “That I’m pregnant.”
Her words hit like a slap, leaving me stunned. “Pregnant?” I repeated, my voice cold. “Why would I get mad? That doesn’t make sense! Unless, did Jason get you pregnant?”
Leslie let out a nervous laugh, the sound too forced to be genuine. “Of course not,” she said, glancing at Jason. “It’s my ex-boyfriend’s. Please, sister, don’t stay mad at me. I’m sorry.”
Her attempt at an apology rang hollow, her eyes darting to Jason for support. Something in her tone snapped the thin thread of restraint I had left.
My palm connected with her cheek, the sharp crack echoing in the small hospital room.
Leslie gasped, stumbling back as she clutched her face. “Jason!” she cried, her voice trembling with exaggerated pain. “She hit me!”
Jason lunged forward, his hand grabbing my arm. “What the hell is wrong with you, Paige?” His voice was furious. “What if something happens to her baby?”
I yanked my arm free, glaring at him. “I don’t care. I’m just done with your pathetic lies.” My words were ice, cutting through the air between us. “Do whatever you want. Stay with her, take care of her, hell, raise her baby together for all I care. This is the last time you’ll see me.”
I turned on my heel, my chest burning. Behind me, Jason’s voice rose, but I didn’t listen. Leslie’s sobs filled the air, but I didn’t look back.
They didn’t seem to hear me as I walked out, the door clicking shut behind me.
When I reached the clinic, the cold air was biting at my skin.
I pushed the door open and walked inside. It was time to let go.
There is no way I’ll let a child be born in this world with a father who cheated on her mother.
Two days later, I lay in the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. The sterile white walls felt suffocating, but not as much as the silence. Not a single call or text from Jason. Not even a token message to ask if I was okay.
That was the final straw.
I reached for my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I found the number. “Hi,” I said when the attorney picked up. “I need to finalize my divorce papers.”
The words came out cold, detached, but inside, I felt the weight of years crumbling away.
“Of course,” the attorney replied. “I’ll prepare everything and send it to you for review.”
I hung up, staring at the blank screen. The emptiness was suffocating, but not for long. My phone buzzed, breaking the silence.
“Miss Hill?” a polite voice said on the other end. “Your request to rent a yacht has been approved. When would you like to set sail?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Tomorrow evening.”
“Very well. Everything will be ready.”
