Chapter 2 Bills and insults

EDINA'S POV

After he left, I went to sit in the kitchen, the only thing breaking the silence was the quiet hum of the refrigerator.

Maxwell had left without a word or even a moment to process the news of my pregnancy. I placed my hands on my stomach, feeling the small life within me, and wondered how he could be so

cruel.

My phone vibrated, placing Maxwell's name in the caller ID. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to hope he had changed his mind. But as usual, his voice was harsh and had no feeling.

"Edina, I need you at the hospital. Kourtney's bills need to be settled," he said, his voice as emotionless as ever.

I felt a lump in my throat.

Kourtney's bills? How could he demand I do something like that?

He expected me to take the little money my father had given to me before his death. That money was my hope, my future and he knew about that.

But none of that mattered to Maxwell; I was just a tool for him.

"What about..." I started to say, but my voice trailed off. I wanted to speak about our child and our family. But his impatience crackled over the line.

"Edina," he snapped, "don't complicate this. Just do it. I don't have time for your whining."

The call ended, leaving me feeling empty. There was no room in his heart for me or for the child I carried.

I felt powerless to refuse. I had always complied, hoping that he would someday love me unconditionally.

When I arrived at the hospital, I felt a hollow pang in my chest as I approached the reception desk, aware of the nurses' knowing glances about Maxwell and Kourtney.

I entered her room, handled the bill, and as I turned to go, I met Maxwell's furious glare in the hallway.

"What's the matter?" he roared, gripping my arm, his fingers digging into my flesh, his eyes burning with anger and hatred.

"You look like you're sulking. Can't you be more happy that I'm welcoming my first child?"

I flinched. "I... I'm just tired, Maxwell," I muttered, my voice trembling.

"Tired?" He scoffed, tightening his grip. "What have you got to be tired about? I'm the one facing real issues, not this pathetic mess you've created."

My heart shattered into a million pieces, so this was it? Three years of marriage down the drain.

"Maxwell, please..."

"Shut up." He growled raising his hand.

Just then, a voice interjected.

"Is everything okay here?"

I turned to see a tall, handsome doctor in a white coat, his calm authority pushing Maxwell's fury aside.

He noticed Maxwell's grip on my arm and his expression hardened.

Maxwell released me instantly, irritation etched on his face. "This isn't your concern," he muttered, brushing past the doctor as he walked away.

The doctor turned to me, his gaze softening. "Are you alright, ma'am?" he asked gently, making me feel more human again.

"I... I'm fine," I lied, but he seemed skeptical.

He smiled, showing perfect dentition. " You look tired, you should have a seat.

You seem like you could use a break and some food."

Kourtney had already been taken to another ward leaving I and the doctor alone

I felt myself blush, embarrassed that this stranger could see what Maxwell overlooked. Before I knew it, he was leading me to the hospital café, ordering a sandwich and coffee for me.

"You didn't have to do this," I said quietly, though gratitude swelled within me.

"Everyone needs someone to help sometimes," he replied, his tone compassionate. "I'm Dr. Cole."

"Edina," I whispered, giving a soft smile.

He nodded slightly and when I bit into the hamburger, I realized how hungry I was, very hungry.

"Hey Edina," he said in a small cool voice. " I don't know what you are going through or who that man is, but you should be treated with respect, do not be bothered by anyone who doesn't like you."

I glanced down, feeling tears welling up.

"Thank you, Dr. Cole."

He nodded, his gaze reassuring. "Take care of yourself, Edina. You're worth it."

As I walked out of the hospital, his words stayed with me, bringing a feeling of comfort in the midst of my everyday struggles.

It was late when I got home and as soon as I entered inside, that comforting feeling disappeared.

Maxwell was waiting, his expression hardened as he looked at me in disgust.

"Princess Edina has decided to return home," he said ." Had a dinner date with your newfound boyfriend, huh ?"

"No...that's not.." I stammered.

"Save it," he snapped. "You've been nothing but a disappointment, Edina. Do you even realize that?"

I clenched my hands into fists, but I didn't look up because I was scared to see his cold eyes.

His voice cut deep, icier with each word.

He stepped closer, looming over me. "You can't even give me a child, Edina. All this talk about family and love...you're barren. Worthless."

Anger surged within me, stronger than I had ever felt. "I'm not barren," I whispered, struggling to make my voice loud

"What was that?" he demanded, his gaze fierce.

"I'm not barren," I said again, my voice steadier now, remembering Dr. Cole's words. "I'm pregnant, Maxwell. With your child."

For a brief moment, he looked like he might feel guilty at what he said, but then he laughed and thought it was silly.

"Oh, come on," he scoffed, looking away. "Even if that's the case, it doesn't make any difference, Edina, I don't want you or your sorry excuse for a family."

He reached into a drawer and tossed a stack of papers at me, which scattered across the floor.

My eyes landed on the bold word "DIVORCE" glaring up from the papers.

"Sign these," he said coldly. "I'm done with this thing called marriage."

My heart sank, the weight of that final blow crushing any remaining hope I had.

"Maxwell..." I choked out, tears once again threatening to fall. But he simply looked at me with disdain.

"Get out, Edina," he said, his tone colder than ever. "I want you gone. Leave my house."

He opened the door, the night air stinging against my skin as I stepped outside, clinging to my thin cardigan. I looked back one last time, but he slammed the door shut, the sound echoing through the chilled silence.

I was alone.

Alone, with a shattered heart and a child, I wasn't sure I could take care of. But as the cold chilled me to the bones, I recalled Dr Cole's kind words and his warm smile.

I had been weak for too long, living in Maxwell's shadow.

But tonight would be different.

Or maybe not.