Chapter 4 Save My Baby

The room fell into complete silence. It was so still I could almost hear each heartbeat, and every pair of eyes fixed on me.

But I only cared about Taylor's reaction. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he stared at me, searching for any sign that I might be lying.

"Yes," I whispered, my voice trembling as I looked straight into his eyes. "It's true. I found out yesterday. That's why I called you so many times. I wanted to tell you the news, but you didn't pick up. And when I texted, I said it was something important. That's what I wanted to share with you."

My heart pounded as I waited, hoping, praying that he'd believe me. His gaze softened, just a fraction, as he scanned my face, and I dared to hope. Maybe, just maybe, he'd see the truth in my eyes.

But before he could respond, Veronica's voice cut through the room, dripping with venom. "You can't actually be falling for this, Taylor. After everything this woman's done, do you really think you can believe a word out of her mouth? She's lying! She's only saying this to keep you from divorcing her."

"I am not lying!" I said fiercely, my voice shaking as I held back the tears. "When I found out, I told Sarah. She knows!"

Sarah's face twisted with disdain as she replied sharply, "Stop dragging me into your lies, Nicole. You didn't tell me anything about a pregnancy."

The betrayal in her voice was like a physical blow, and though I'd half-expected it after everything, the hurt was no less intense. She'd been my best friend, my confidant, and now, she was turning on me along with the rest of them.

Taylor's face hardened, his gaze transforming back into that cold, unreadable mask. His voice was icy as he snapped, "Get out of my house, Nicole."

My breath caught in my throat, and I could barely speak. "Taylor, I just told you I'm pregnant. You're really throwing me out?"

His laugh was cold and hollow. "I'm done with your lies. I want you out of my life. I don't just hate you, Nicole, I despise you."

The words sliced through me like knives, and I bit down hard, trying not to cry. "Fine," I said, wiping my eyes as I forced myself to stand taller. "Give me the papers. I'll sign them."

In silence, Taylor thrust a pen toward me, not even looking me in the eye. I grabbed it, walked to the center table, and signed the divorce papers in every place he'd marked.

The pain felt sharper than anything I'd ever known, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

Once done, I handed the papers back, looking into his eyes one last time. "Here," I said, my voice flat, drained of any emotion. "You got what you wanted."

Taylor took the papers, his expression unreadable. "Let me know where to send your things."

He turned and walked away, never once looking back. I stood there, alone, surrounded by the satisfied faces of his family except Sarah, who wouldn't even meet my gaze.

"What are you still doing here?" Tyler sneered, "It's over. Johnson, get her out of here."

The security guard stepped toward me, grabbing my arm, but I pulled free, my head held high. "I know my way out."

I walked toward the door, ignoring their stares, but as I reached Veronica, she grabbed my arm, leaning in close enough for only me to hear. "Do you actually think I'll let you have that bastard and pass him off as my grandson?"

A shiver ran through me, and though I wanted to respond, I felt too weak, too drained to fight back. I pulled my arm free and walked out of the house that I'd once dreamed of calling my home.

Outside, the mansion loomed cold and distant, and all I felt was numbness. Two years of enduring Taylor's distance and Veronica's contempt, all while trying to make my marriage work and now, I had nothing to show for it. Nothing but a broken heart and an uncertain future.

As I walked down the empty street, lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the figure following me until it was too late.

A hand gripped my arm from behind, yanking me into a narrow alleyway between two buildings. I tried to scream, but a rough, gloved hand clamped over my mouth, stifling the sound.

"Don't even think about screaming," a low, menacing voice warned. Panic surged through me as I looked up into the eyes of a man hidden behind a black mask.

My heart pounded as I struggled against him, but his grip was unyielding. No, I thought desperately. Not like this.

With every ounce of strength I had, I bit down hard on his hand. He cursed and pulled back, giving me a moment to twist free. But before I could escape, he slammed me against the wall, pressing his arm against my throat, his face inches from mine.

"You should have known better," he sneered. "People like you don't belong in places like that. They made it clear they want you gone."

I gasped, terror clawing at me as I tried to reason with him. "Please, I don't want any trouble. I'm pregnant. Just let me go, please."

A twisted smile spread across his face. "Pregnant, huh? That makes it even better. They'll be pleased to know I got the message across."

Before I could react, his fist connected with my stomach, and a sharp, stabbing pain shot through my abdomen. I doubled over, clutching my belly, as the world seemed to spin around me.

"Stop!" I choked out, the pain making it hard to breathe. "Please, stop."

He laughed, a cruel, hollow sound. "Why should I care?"

Another blow to my stomach left me gasping, struggling to stay upright. The pain was overwhelming, and as he shoved me to the ground, I knew I had no chance against him. Tears streamed down my face as I cradled my belly, desperate to protect the tiny life inside me.

But he kept coming, each kick sharper, more brutal than the last. Every time I begged, he seemed to hit harder, ignoring my cries until, finally, he stopped. The sound of his footsteps faded, leaving me alone and broken.

It took me a moment to realize he was gone. My whole body ached, but the stabbing pain in my abdomen was the worst of all. A cold dread settled over me as I felt something warm and wet trickling down my legs. I looked down, horrified to see blood soaking through my clothes.

No, I thought, panic taking over. My baby!

Using every ounce of strength left in me, I crawled out of the alley, my vision blurring as I weakly called out, "Help me... please, someone help me."

A woman passing by froze when she saw me, her eyes widening in horror. "Please," I whispered, reaching out. But she turned and ran, leaving me alone in the cold street.

I tried to call out again, but my voice was barely a whisper. My vision dimmed, the world spinning around me as I slumped forward, my hand still clutching my stomach.

And then, everything went dark.