2
The family doctor stitched the cut on my forehead and treated the bruises on my legs.
The pain in my body was nothing. The hollow in my chest kept widening.
As soon as he left, I pushed open the study door. Time to print the divorce papers.
I just needed Benjamin’s signature. Then I could finally leave this life that was never mine.
The computer screen lit up. My hand froze.
The wallpaper was a family photo.
Ethan and Olivia had just turned one when it was taken.
Back then, they clung to me like little shadows, refusing to let go no matter what the photographer tried.
Even with their favorite toys dangling, their big round eyes stayed locked on me.
Their chubby faces, all love and devotion.
And Benjamin? He wore that soft smile, his arm wrapped around us like we were his world.
The same look he gave me when he first brought up IVF.
“I envy people with kids, Ellie. Would you… would you try IVF with me, so we can have a family?”
And I believed him.
When I learned I was pregnant, I cried with joy.
Even when morning sickness had me heaving, or when my swollen belly made the final months unbearable.
Even when the twins only wanted me, and I went two years without a full night’s sleep.
Not once did I regret it. I cherished every second.
My own childhood was a disaster. All I ever wanted was to give my kids the love I never had.
And they gave it back. Every day, it was “Mommy’s the best” and “I love Mommy so much.”
Until they turned three.
Until Benjamin hired them an Italian tutor.
That’s when they started changing.
Suddenly, I was just a stay-at-home mom who knew nothing.
They mocked me, then buttered me up after, and I brushed it off as childish tantrums.
But today, when they shoved me down the stairs with their own hands, I finally understood.
The kids I loved like my own heart despised me to my core.
Those warm family photos? That bond?
All an illusion.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and hit print. Divorce papers slid out.
Just as I was about to shut the computer, a blinking avatar caught my eye-
Benjamin’s burner account, left logged in by mistake.
I clicked.
12.30
0.3%
It was all about Sophia.
The kids’ Italian tutor.
Benjamin had been feeding them lies. Telling them Sophia was brilliant, that their mother was stupid.
In the latest video, he’d rented out a seven-star hotel, gathered his friends-for Sophia’s welcome party.
Ethan and Olivia clung to her, giggling.
“Aunt Sophia, you’re prettier than in the videos!”
“Yeah! Aunt Sophia’s better than Mom at everything. Olivia loves you so much!”
Benjamin didn’t stop them. His hand hovered at Sophia’s waist… then settled there.
I watched until my hand shook, until I slammed the window shut.
They were a perfect little family of four.
And me? Just the unwanted extra.
That night, Benjamin came home with the kids.
“Mom, I didn’t mean to push you.”
“Yeah, Olivia was accidental too. Don’t be mad, okay?”
They blinked up at me, expecting forgiveness like always.
I just nodded, my face blank.
They froze. Benjamin frowned, brushing my cheek.
“Still hurts?”
I flinched at his touch, remembering that same hand on Sophia’s waist. Bile rose in my throat.
His expression darkened.
“Pregnant again?”
“We used protection. Are you doing this on purpose?” His tone was sharp, accusing.
“I told you, I don’t want more kids! Ethan and Olivia deserve all our love!”
He dragged me toward a pregnancy test.
I stumbled, crashed into a vase, shards cutting into my bruised leg.
I gasped, but he didn’t even notice.
Pain wrapped around me, suffocating.
But my heart hurt more.
Because this wasn’t the first time.
When the twins were three, I’d gotten pregnant by accident.
I was overjoyed, ready to welcome a new life.
Benjamin had said, “I can’t stand seeing you suffer through childbirth again. Let’s not keep it.”
The twins had thrown tantrums too, so I gave in.
I went through with the abortion, tears streaming down my face.
12:30
0.3%
Back then, Benjamin stayed home, gentle, comforting:
“We already have a boy and a girl. Don’t be sad.”
But it was all a lie.
He wasn’t grieving with me.
He was making sure the children he’d one day have with Sophia wouldn’t be neglected.
And in the end, he got his boy and girl with her.
While I lost my only kid.
The memories cut through me like a dull blade.
And on the test stick in my hand, the result was already there.
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.