Chapter 3: The Man Who Chose Pride
For the first time since entering the corridor, Richard's expression cracked.
His eyes fell to Catherine's trembling hand resting over her stomach.
"Pregnant?"
His voice sounded almost unfamiliar.
"You never told me."
Catherine gave a tired smile that carried years of disappointment.
"When could I?"
"You stopped listening a long time ago."
Richard opened his mouth.
No words came.
Lily looked back and forth between them.
"I was going to have a baby brother?"
"A brother or a sister," Catherine whispered.
Another wave of pain struck.
She bent forward, unable to hide it anymore.
Maria immediately grabbed her phone.
"I'm calling an ambulance."
Richard stepped forward.
"No."
Everyone looked at him.
"I'll drive."
Catherine stared at him with empty eyes.
"No."
One word.
Cold.
Final.
"I don't trust you with my child."
May you like
The sentence landed harder than any slap.
Richard stood frozen while the distant sound of approaching sirens echoed through the city below.
