The Night We Both Went Into Labor

I once toyed with a college boy. When he fell in love with me, I ended things.

Years later, after he made something of himself, he married me in front of everyone who thought I was lucky to have him. My family had fallen from grace, and to the outside world, I had won the jackpot.

What they never saw was what happened behind closed doors.

Every night, he brought a different woman home.

I never cried. I never made a scene.

That only seemed to enrage him more.

So he went further. He got his first love, Natalie, pregnant on purpose.

When I still stayed calm, he pinned me against the wall and demanded, "Stella, do you even love me?"

Later, Natalie and I went into labor on the same night.

I dropped to my knees and finally admitted I loved him, begging him to take me to the hospital.

He held me tight, almost giddy with satisfaction.

"I knew it," he said. "You liar."

Then he shoved me aside, picked Natalie up, and walked away without looking back.

"I'll take you to the hospital later. The pain of childbirth can be your punishment."

The last thing I saw was my husband's back as he rushed out the door.

The pain in my lower abdomen drained the strength from my body. I collapsed onto the floor, and warm fluid poured down my legs, spreading across the carpet in a dark, frightening stain.

I lifted a trembling hand toward the housekeeper nearby and forced out a hoarse plea.

"Get me to the hospital. Now."

The housekeeper looked terrified.

"Madam, Mr. Whitmore specifically said we had to wait until he came back. I don't dare…"

"Don't dare?" I clutched my stomach, my voice shaking from the pain. "If anything happens to me or the baby, Graham Whitmore will never forgive you. Take me now!"

She was finally frightened enough to move, but she had barely reached the doorway when Graham's personal assistant, Parker Hale, stopped her.

"Mr. Hale, Madam is in labor. She needs to go to the hospital immediately," the housekeeper said nervously.

Parker glanced at the fluid on the floor, then at my twisted expression. His voice stayed calm.

"Mr. Whitmore said to wait until he returns. Madam is only using the pregnancy to make a scene. Help her back to bed."

"If you delay any longer, the baby will die. Can you take responsibility for that?"

I used every bit of strength I had to push myself up and point at him.

Parker gave me a respectful-looking smile, but his eyes were cold.

"Madam, Mr. Whitmore is at the hospital with Miss Vale, protecting her pregnancy. He said you are to wait until he comes back.

"You know his temper. No one dares disobey him."

"I am giving birth. The baby cannot wait!"

Another contraction tore through me like a blade twisting through my abdomen. I curled in on myself, sweat soaking my clothes in an instant.

"What