Chapter 4

After I left the hospital, I booked the abortion for the next day.

Around ten, just as I was crashing in my apartment, Desmond called.

"There's still some of your stuff here. My girlfriend doesn't wanna see it. Come get it."

I kept my voice chill. "Just toss it. None of it matters."

Anything real? I'd already taken. What was left was either junk or haunted by him.

He scoffed. "Why should I deal with your crap? Get over here or I'll report you for trespassing and theft."

I rubbed my temples. He was exhausting.

When I got to the house, I saw our wedding photos and other photos with five years of his fake smiles.

Desmond grinned. "We looked like we were in love. Who knows, maybe I'll fall for you again."

I forced a smile, but yeah, no. I couldn't play along.

I grabbed a pair of scissors and started slicing through the photos.

Desmond's face changed. He lunged to stop me.

I didn't flinch. The scissors nicked his hand.

He yelped, eyes wide. "You stabbed me with scissors!"

I met his gaze and smiled. "You're the one who reached for it."

Juliet stormed in, full drama. "Rhea Wayne, how cruel can you be? Desmond forgot you, and now you're trying to kill him? Anyone who marries you is cursed!"

Her words hit—just for a second.

But I kept cutting.

Once every photo was split, I grabbed the halves with my face on them.

One last glance to make sure I didn't leave anything behind.

"There's nothing of mine here. Don't ever call me again."

***

Next morning, I went in for the abortion.

Lying on the bed, getting wheeled into the OR, I spotted two people tangled up nearby.

Under a blanket. In birthday suit.

Juliet's voice was all sniffles. "This is your fault, Desmond. You had to try that stuff. Now look—we're both stuck here. It's so embarrassing."

Desmond couldn't stand girls crying.

But this time? He held her close, kissed her forehead like they were some tragic romance couple.

"Relax," he whispered. "Blanket's on. No one can see. Isn't this kinda hot?"

Gross.

I turned my head.

The doctor leaned in. "Ms. Wayne, are you sure you want to terminate the pregnancy?"

Eyes shut. "Yeah. Do it."

Just as they pushed me through the OR doors, I heard Desmond freak out behind me.

"Rhea? Was that you? Are you getting an abortion? You're really pregnant? That baby's mine—I'm not letting you do this!"