Chapter 6 - The Closure
Three weeks later, the rain was pouring down in sheets outside my window. I was sitting on the couch, drinking decaf tea and reading a book on motherhood, when a frantic knock came at my front door.
I checked the security camera. It was David. He was soaked to the bone, shivering on my porch.
I opened the door, leaving the security chain attached.
"Lauren, please," he begged, his voice cracking. "Please let me in. Peyton left me. She took whatever cash she could and disappeared. I have nothing. I'm living out of my car."
I stared at him, feeling a strange sense of detachment. There was no anger left in me. No sadness. Just a profound, quiet emptiness where my love for him used to be.
"I know I messed up," he sobbed, pressing his face near the crack in the door. "I was stupid. I let her poison my mind. But I love you. I love our baby. Please, Lauren, give me one more chance to be a father. To be your husband."
I took a deep breath, the cool, rain-scented air filling my lungs.
"David, when you thought I was pregnant with someone else's child, you didn't just leave me. You tried to destroy me. You tried to ruin my career, my reputation, and my financial security. You dragged me through hell when I was supposed to be celebrating the happiest moment of my life."
"I was manipulated!" he cried.
"You were a willing participant," I corrected him softly. "You threw away a diamond to pick up a rock. And now you have to live with the consequences."
"Lauren, please—"
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"The divorce will be finalized next month. You'll get your visitation schedule through Eleanor. Do not come to my house uninvited again, or I will call the police."
Without waiting for his response, I closed the heavy oak door. The click of the deadbolt locking into place was the most satisfying sound I had ever heard. I walked back to my living room, sat down, and placed a protective hand over my growing belly. We were finally safe.
