I believed having a baby would change his behavior. I arranged a gender reveal party to bond. A surprise guest changed the celebration, forcing me to make the hardest decision of my life.

Someone who is wretched enough will seek escape, they say. Walking away isn’t easy when love is involved in the agony. I learned this from my own life, not books or fiction.

For years, I thought I was in love. I thought love justified invisible injuries that pierced more than slaps. I believed patience and devotion would win men over.

His name was Carl. Carl and I were together for five years. I believed he was the one then.

He didn’t drink, never touched me, and helped with housework. I felt lucky compared to some women’s spouse horror stories. Never expecting perfection, I wanted someone who would love me back with the same compassion I gave.

Carl was different. He avoided marriage conversations. He always said “not the right time,” “we need more money,” or “let’s wait until things settle down.” Years passed while I hoped he would propose.

One day, my world changed. Shaking hands, I glanced at a pregnancy test. Two pink lines.

Baby. My heart raced. Carl might have been beaming or crying.

Perhaps he would now want to marry me, settle down, and mature. A baby would alter everything. I put the test in a nice gift box, lighted the table, and cooked Carl’s favorite meal that night.

After entering, his first words were annoyed, not loving or intrigued. “Why all this?” He frowned at the dining arrangement and mumbled. “Just sit,” I whispered, pulse pumping.

He smelt like perfume as he kissed me, and I was bitter. Not my. Nothing I owned.

Why do you stink? Asking carefully. Carl sneered and retreated.

“You talking about what? Maybe you sprayed yourself. You constantly want to fight.”

It was not the first time he came home with weird fragrances or lipstick stains on his collar, so I knew he was lying.

But I swallowed the suspicion, wanting tonight to be different. “Here,” I handed him the small box. Just briefly, his eyes brightened.

Hope it’s fishing-related.”

He lost his smile when he opened it. “What the hell?”

A pregnancy test! We’re having a baby!”

Instead of excitement, he recoiled.

You peed on this and gave it to me? What a disgust! “It doesn’t matter, Carl,” I muttered; my voice broke.

“Our baby is coming. Aren’t you glad? Shrugging.

Yes, sure. Happy. Probably why you’re so big lately.”

The words hurt, but I took solace in the fact that he hadn’t left.

As the weeks went, I hoped fatherhood would change him. Everyone thought women became moms when they got pregnant, but men didn’t feel like fathers until the baby was in their arms. It might happen to Carl.

Still, his late nights and weird perfumed clothing persisted. Hardly noticed me. Then the doorbell rang one afternoon.

I opened it expecting Carl but discovered Victor, his younger brother. Victor stood with grocery bags. “Hey,” he murmured cordially, entering without reluctance.

“I heard good news. I brought some nutritious food and snacks in case you’re hungry.”

Nervously, I laughed. It wasn’t required.

But how did you know? Carl and I hadn’t planned to tell anyone.”

“He told me,” Victor said. Though not as you may assume.

He boasts. Declaring that your baby will bring Grandma’s fortune. He even joked he hopes she dies soon.”

I froze.

“You mean what?”

Victor relaxed. Grandma’s will gives her whole estate to the firstborn. Your baby.”

The room tilted.

Before I could react, Victor softly inquired, “How are you holding up? Is Carl treating you well? I quickly answered, “He’s never hurt me,” despite my voice wavering.

Victor’s pity-filled eyes watched me. “I have my first ultrasound today,” I whispered. Carl was meant to arrive but is busy.

I don’t want to go alone.”

“I’ll take you,” Victor said quickly. “I couldn’t ask you—”

“No need to ask. “I want to be there,” he said, beaming.

So he came. One of my most profound moments was that appointment. I heard a small heartbeat and saw a glimmer of life on the screen.

I was crying. Victor was pretending to wipe his eyes with his sleeve when I looked at him. It wasn’t nothing.

Meant everything. However, Carl barely glanced at the ultrasound photo I showed him. Cool, I suppose.

You can’t tell what’s in those things.”

Months passed. My belly increased. Victor continually brought medicines, baby clothes, and other sweet gifts to tell me I wasn’t alone.

Carl solely made body-shaming comments. He mocked, “You’re getting huge,” one night. “Slow down eating.”

I bit my tongue and shielded my tummy.

I asked the doctor to keep the baby’s gender a secret. I wanted a party with family and friends. Carl’s reaction was explosive when I suggested it.

“A gender reveal party? You kidding me? Who needs that?

I said, “I do,” gently. “What money? You stay home all day and want to spend my money on a silly party?

“You told me to quit my job,” I whispered. He snapped, “Because women can’t handle real work anyway.”

I blinking hard, pushing back tears. Victor, who had dropped off something, stepped forward.

“Carl, may I speak privately?”

“Avoid it!” Dog Carl barked. Victor was authoritative in his calmness. “A minute.”

They argued as I leaned against the kitchen door.

“She’s carrying your child,” Victor insisted. “Be respectful.”

“I’m not wasting money on that nonsense,” Carl raged. Then I’ll pay.

But act like a respectable man,” Victor replied. Carl’s voice dripped hate. Yes, I understand.

You want her. Trying to kidnap my woman.”

“She’ll leave you alone if you don’t change,” Victor said calmly. Just moments later, they returned.

Carl growled, “Fine. Have your ridiculous party.”

The gender reveal day arrived. Carl declined hosting, so Victor offered his backyard.

My parents and Carl’s family came. Despite the laughter, tension simmered. Carl lingered over an unfamiliar woman.

She was beautiful, well-dressed, and too comfortable on his arm. My stomach twisted. I joined Carl to cut the cake.

The odd woman pushed me away and covered Carl’s hand before I could contact the knife. Like I didn’t exist, they cut the cake. Pink filling splattered the dish.

A girl. Joy should have swamped me. My heart boiled with uncertainty and wrath.

“Who are you?” I demanded. The woman smiled. Of course I’m the surrogate.

Right, baby?” she cooed to Carl. “Yes, Serena,” Carl said calmly. Tilted world.

“Surrogate?!” My voice broke. This is my child! I carry her!”

Carl’s eyes were frigid.

Do not overreact. You didn’t imagine I’d raise this kid with you, right? Examine yourself.

Your self-control is gone. Your beauty has faded. Your condition will worsen after birth.

Beautiful Serena. We’ll call her mother even if she won’t give birth. We’re taking the child.”

Stumbled back.

Can’t do that. She’s mine!”

Carl scoffed. “You have no job, money, or home.

Who lets you keep a baby when you can’t care for yourself? You’re our proxy. With the baby, I acquire Grandma’s inheritance.”

The crowd gasped.

His grandmother’s rage stiffened her features. Victor advanced behind me. He spoke steadily.

Alison, will you marry me? I’ll raise this child myself.”

Time froze. I remembered Victor wiping tears at the ultrasound, bringing groceries, offering transportation, and protecting me when Carl didn’t.

All his subtle ways showed up when Carl failed me repeatedly. Looking into his eyes, I whispered, “Yes.”

Next came a delicate, hesitant kiss full of certainty. Carl burst.

“Are you both insane? My baby! I still inherit!”

His grandmother’s voice sliced his wrath.

“A real father loves and raises a child. Never trust a penny.”

Face twisted, Carl. “This was intended to rob me!”

Victor approached, his voice calm but angry.

“Unlike you, I don’t care about money. I care for her. Now leave before I toss you out.”

Carl grumbled and left with Serena, cursing.

Shaking, tears blurred my vision, I sank into Victor’s chest. “Thank you,” I muttered. I was kissed on top.

“Always.”

I finally believed it after years.