Chapter 8

The gala was a success the other night.  My boss was happy and sad that I was leaving the company.  He offered to transfer me to a new branch they are opening in another state and told me to consider it before my final day.  It’s in Colorado, and at least I could continue to make money.  I’ve talked to Jake and Ace about it, and they both feel it’s a good choice.  I accepted the transfer and revoked my resignation from the company this morning. 

Now I’m standing in the lobby of the OB waiting for Ace to arrive.  I know they were scheduled to leave today, but he promised to be here.  When Jake walks in instead, my heart sinks.  “It’s more appropriate for me to be here instead of our adopted brother, little sis.  Less potential scandal,” Jake explains.  “I gave him and you, my word.  Everything that’s happening in your personal life is completely under your control.”

“Thanks, Jake,” he hugs me and they call my name. I told the doctor about the emergency room visit and made sure they are aware I am in the process of a divorce and do not want any of my information released to anyone without proper identification.  I’ve had his mother calling places pretending it was me calling to find out things.  I made sure to tell the doctor that this is my third pregnancy, the other two never made it past week 12. Jake took in that information with a look of regret.

Outside the doctor’s building, Jake stopped me and asked, “Why did you keep the others to yourself?”

“Because they didn’t take,” I shrugged. “The first one we tried for, then right after the miscarriage, Mariah came back into the picture,” I admit. “Only I know about the second one. I figured maybe if I change who I tell, it’ll bring better luck this time around. I know the heartbeat sounds strong, but we are only at week 9. The others were the same way. Talk to me after week 13, and I’ll become more hopeful.”  My second one, I found out only for Zander to say he was going on a business trip.  I later found out he flew out to wherever she was to spend our fourth anniversary with her.  I miscarried three days later from the stress, but I’m not telling Jake about that. After the comment his mother made when she discovered I miscarried the first time, I never planned to tell Zander either.  She found out what office I was going to from him, then called, pretending to be me to get updated about my pregnancy when I refused to tell her anything. 

Jake hugged me goodbye, and I drove back to work.  We’re in the homestretch, just 72 more hours before the divorce papers go through to be processed.  If you don’t count the hours when the court is closed, it’s more like 48 hours, but I digress.  Everything except my clothes, makeup bag, and a small selection of jewelry has been packed and removed from the house over the past three weeks, and Zander hasn’t even noticed.  I’d be surprised if he even notices I’m gone when I leave, except when he’s horny.  Zander’s family never understood that I make just about the same amount of money as he does, yet they always looked down on me, except his grandmother, who understood I genuinely loved Zander.  I’ve overlooked and forgiven so many indiscretions Zander has made because I loved him.  The continued blatant disregard for me and my feelings caused me to stop loving him.  Something I never would have imagined ever doing, but a person can only take so much abuse from the one person they love and trust most in the world.

I return home from work ready to drop.  I cannot believe how much this pregnancy is taking out of me at only nine weeks. I find that Zander isn’t home, and neither is Mariah.  Good, I can slip upstairs and go to sleep.  I don’t have the energy to pretend right now.  I change into my pajamas and slip into bed, allowing the exhaustion to take over and close my eyes.

I wake up to Zander kissing my mouth and neck, moaning my name as he goes.  He hasn’t whispered my name during sex in two months.  I’m about to reject him, then I remember how upset she was the night she heard him raping me.  If she thought that was bad, if he wants me, actually me and not just my body, I’ll play along.  It’s disgusting, I know, his very touch makes my skin crawl, but with me leaving in 48 hours, I need to get in one last dig. 

I begin kissing him back, which excites him even more.  “I haven’t properly thanked you for being so understanding and accommodating this past month,” He murmured.  “I know our plans keep falling through, yet you haven’t complained once.  Can I please make it up to you tonight, Sara?”

“Yes, of course,” I smile, pulling him in for a kiss.  I make sure to moan with every touch, every kiss, and when he starts to fuck me, I get louder with every thrust, knowing she’s listening to it all.  She can have him after 48 hours, but for now, she can listen to him fucking me.  When he’s finished, he kisses me softly, then rolls over onto the bed. 

“Good night, Sara,” He sighs.

I roll over and cuddle against him like I used to do to be closer to him and nuzzle my face against his arm.  “Goodnight, Zander.”  He kisses my forehead, something he hasn’t done in over a year.