Chapter 3 - A Deliberate Choice
Claire held Blake’s sleeve.
“Please. Something isn’t right.”
Diane sighed.
“Every first-time mother thinks labor is an emergency.”
“It is high-risk,” Claire said.
“We know. You’ve reminded everyone for months.”
Frank stood near the entrance with his arms crossed.
“She’ll survive a couple of hours.”
Madison continued scrolling through her phone.
Blake looked from Claire to his mother.
He did not look confused.
He looked inconvenienced.
Claire’s next contraction forced her against the wall.
“Take me to the hospital.”
Diane adjusted her handbag.
“We have reservations after shopping. If Blake takes you now, the entire afternoon is ruined.”
Claire stared at her husband.
Their packed hospital bag sat near his feet.
The folder containing every medical warning rested six steps away.
Blake knew the risks.
He pulled his arm from Claire’s grip.
“Stay here until I get back.”
She nearly lost her balance.
“Blake—”
“You’re making everyone panic.”
“I can barely stand.”
His expression hardened.
“Then lie down.”
He opened the front door.
Diane walked out first.
Madison followed.
Frank gave Claire one brief look before stepping outside.
Blake was last.
For one second, Claire thought he might turn around.
Instead, he closed the door.
The lock clicked.
That sound ended their marriage before Claire understood it.
They had not misunderstood her.
May you like
They had not underestimated the pain.
They had looked directly at a frightened woman carrying twins and decided a shopping trip mattered more.
