When I went home with my husband, David Caldwell, for the New Year, it was like he became a completely different person. The man I thought I knewthe man I marriedwas gone. He didnt stand up for me, not once.
It started with Cindy Jackson, his cousin. Shed secretly taken my perfume, but she turned the whole situation around before I could even confront her.
Youre accusing me of stealing? Seriously? she spat, her voice dripping with fake indignation.
The kicker?
I hadnt even said a word yet. But somehow, David thought I was the immature one.
Then came Ryan, David’s nephew and Cindy’s son. That little brat thought it would be hilarious to shove me from behind. I fell hard, scraping my hand and barely managing to protect my belly. And what did he do? He laughed. Laughed! I just wanted to see if Auntie would have a miscarriage, he said with a grin like it was some kind of twisted joke.
I lost it. I slapped him hard. And yeah, Ill admit itI kicked him too. But before I could catch my breath, David swooped in, not to defend me but to scold me.
Hes just a kid, Elaine. Why stoop to his level? he said, shaking his head like I was the one in the wrong. Then he added, Besides, its partly your fault for not standing firm.
That was the moment something inside me broke. I looked at him, his smug, dismissive face, and felt my last shred of respect for him disappear. In that instant, I saw the real Davidthe one Id been too blind to notice before.
I didnt even hesitate. I grabbed my phone and texted my mom:
[Mom, you were right. Ill listen to you. Im not keeping this child.]
Fast forward to the second year of our marriage. David suggested we spend New Years in his hometown in Texas.
Babe, he said, we went to your place last year. Can we go to mine this time? My moms getting older, and shes not used to living in the city. Plus, I want to introduce you to my relatives. Weve been married for so long and havent visited yet.
I never imagined that trip would be the final nail in the coffin of our marriage.
It all started with Cindy. Again.
She had her eye on my anniversary perfumethe one David had given me.
Cindy, if you like it that much, I can buy you your own set, I said politely, trying to keep things civil. But this one its a gift from David, so I cant really
Before I could finish, she slipped the bottle into her bag, like it was no big deal.
I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe Id misunderstood. But then she caught me watching her and immediately got defensive.
Oh, come on, Elaine! Dont get the wrong idea, she said, her eyes darting around. I just thought the scent was nice and wanted to show it to my daughter. She can buy one for me later. I wasnt planning to take yours!
I forced a tight smile, trying to ease the tension. I understand, Cindy. Feel free to look around. If theres anything else you like, just let me know.
Her expression darkened. Whats that supposed to mean? Are you being sarcastic? I told youI was just looking. Dont be so stingy. Its just this perfume I like. Hand it over.
But I tried to explain.
No buts! she snapped. You said David bought it for you. That means I want this one!
Right then, David walked in, holding a plucked chicken.
Whats going on here? he asked, looking between us.
Cindy wasted no time. Hands on her hips, she launched into her story. David, you married a real piece of work! I barely touched her bag, and she accused me of stealing. Then she acted all high and imposing like she was doing me a favor. And when I said I liked the perfume, she wouldnt even give it to me! She looks down on me because Im from the countryside!
I opened my mouth to defend myself, but David cut me off.
Elaine, just give it to her if she likes it. Its not a big deal.
I stared at him in disbelief. But its the perfume you gave me for our anniversary
Its the New Year, he said, his tone patronizing. Family harmony is what matters most. You can always buy another one. Cindy has done so much for me over the years. I cant let people think Im ungrateful.
My stomach churned as I stared at the plucked chicken in his hands. The sight of it made me nauseous, and I bolted to the side, throwing up.
Cindy jumped back, disgusted. Whats your problem? City folks are so delicate. Forget about eating this chicken now.
After she left with my perfume, David came over, patting my back like nothing had happened.
Honey, dont take it personally. Shes family. Just tolerate her a little, okay? Thanks for being so understanding. Ill make you some chicken soup to cheer you up.
As he rambled on, something clicked.
Why was it that, no matter what happenedeven when it wasnt my faultI was always the one blamed?
Why was I always expected to be the bigger person, bear the burden, and keep the peace?
Looking at David now, I felt like a fool. How had I ever thought this man was someone I could count on?
After setting off the firecrackers, the New Years Eve dinner was served. A spread of meat and vegetarian dishes that looked so good it could have been straight out of a food magazine.
Since I was pregnant, I got hungry quickly. After a long day of traveling, I was starving. I kept my head down, focused on eating, and didnt bother engaging much with the chatter around me.
But Cindy, of course, couldnt let me enjoy even one moment of peace.
David, dont you think your wifes being a little rude? Cindy sneered, her voice loud enough to cut through the chatter. Look at herjust sitting there, stuffing her face without saying a word to anyone. People who know us might think were chill, but strangers? Theyll probably assume you married someone who doesnt even know how to speak!
Her words cut through the festive atmosphere like a knife. I froze mid-bite, slowly put my fork down, and glanced at David, silently pleading for him to say somethinganythingin my defense.
To my utter shock, he sided with her.
Well, shes not wrong, Elaine, David said, barely glancing in my direction. My grandparents are here. You should greet them before you start eating. People are watching, you know.
I froze, stunned, but when I looked around, I caught the sharp, judgmental stares of his relatives. Their eyes bore into me like I was some kind of zoo exhibit. The suffocating discomfort settled heavily in my chest.
Reluctantly, I stood up and did as David suggested, offering a few polite greetings to the elders. Then, desperate for an escape, I made a quick excuse about feeling full and wanting to rest.
As I turned to leave, the whispers began.
She calls herself a city girl? She doesnt even know basic manners. Even my dog barks to greet people when they come over, but she acts like were invisible!
I paused mid-step, my fists clenching at my sides. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. It wasnt worth it. All I had to do was wait for David to finish eating, and then we could leave.
But then another voice chimed in, sharper and more cutting than the last.
You dont get it, do you? Shes doing it on purposegiving us the cold shoulder because she looks down on us country folk. Bet you didnt know that!
That was it. I couldnt help but laugh out loudnot because I found it funny, but because I was so done.
Where did these people even come from?
They were masters at turning nothing into the most dramatic soap opera imaginable.
I turned and started heading upstairs, determined to ignore them. But then, out of nowhere, I felt a hard shove from behind. Before I knew it, I was falling.
The force sent me stumbling forward, my feet slipping out from under me as I tumbled onto the stairs.
Pain shot through my hands as they scraped against the rough edges, and my heart raced with panic. Instinctively, I curled in, shielding my belly. Thankfully, I managed to protect it just in time.
Behind me, the triumphant, gleeful laughter of a little boy echoed through the room.
Clutching my stomach, I struggled to steady myself and get back on my feet.
Right away, David rushed over in concern. He turned to his nephew, Ryan, and snapped, What the hell are you doing? Dont you know your aunt is pregnant?
Ryans chubby face twisted into a smug grin, his squinty eyes narrowing until they nearly disappeared.
I know. I did it on purpose, he said, his tone so casual it made my blood boil.
David froze, clearly caught off guard by the boys brazen confession.
When he finally spoke, his voice was hesitant and weak, like he didnt know how to handle the situation. What you did is dangerous, Ryan. What if you hurt her? You cant do that again, okay?
But Ryan wasnt done. He shrugged and added, I read in a book that if a pregnant woman falls, shell have a miscarriage. I wanted to see if Elaine would have one.
My head spun with rage. Without thinking, I slapped him across the face, the sharp sound slicing through the air and silencing the room. Then, fueled by anger, I kicked him in the stomach. He doubled over, clutching his belly, and started crying.
When Id been shoved down the stairs, not one relative had moved to help menot a single one.
But now?
Now they swarmed me like vultures, their outrage deafening.
How could you do that? Hes just a child! David’s aunt said.
Exactly! Did you have to hit the kid that hard? Youre heartless! Linda, David’s mom, added.
Cindy interjected, You didnt give birth to him, so you dont care, huh? Look at what youve done to poor Ryan. Let me tell yousiblings or not, debts need to be settled. Youre going to pay for his medical expenses!
The loudest voice, unsurprisingly, belonged to Cindy. Her face was twisted with anger, and she looked ready to rip me apart with her bare hands.
That was it. That was my breaking point.
They could insult me all they wanted. Judge me. Whisper behind my back. Throw their petty little remarks my way.
But harming my child? That was a line no one crossed.
Medical expenses? I said, my voice cold, trembling with fury. Fine. Lets call the police right now and see how they handle your sons deliberate assault on me!
I was shaking with rage as I yanked my phone out of my pocket. My hands trembled so badly that I nearly dropped it. But I didnt care anymore.
They wanted to play games? Fine. Lets see who came out on top.
I trembled as I dialed 911, my finger hovering over the call button. My whole body shook, but I was determined to report what happened.
Cindys face went pale the moment she realized I was serious. Her panic was palpable as she waved her hands frantically.
Are you seriously calling the police? Come on, Elaine! Is this really worth it? Its just a small thing!
Her words didnt faze me. My resolve was unshaken, and my hand was steady as I prepared to hit the final buttonuntil David snatched the phone out of nowhere.
Just forget it, Elaine, he said, his voice dripping with condescension. Were all family. Besides, its partly your fault for not standing steady. Hes just a kidhow much harm could he possibly do?
I froze, stunned as if Id been struck by lightning. ‘Did he really just say that were all family?’
Was this the same man who had stood beside me at our wedding, promising to love and protect me? The same man who now brushed off the fact that his familys negligence had almost cost us our child?
Do you even hear yourself? I demanded, my voice trembling with anger and disbelief. Our childour child almost didnt make it! And now youre telling me to just let it go? Do you even have a heart?
Davids response was calm, almost rehearsed, as he reached out to steady me. I know, honey, I know this has been hard on you. But its the New Year. Cant we just move on? Give me some face, okay? Ryans just a kidplayful and a little careless. Ill make sure to teach him better next time. Nothing actually happened. Youre fine now. Lets not blow this out of proportion.
It hit me thenhe didnt care about my feelings at all.
I closed my eyes as tears slipped down my cheeks. In that moment, the reality of who David truly was became painfully clear. He wasnt my partner or my protector. He was just another person who expected me to endure, to compromise, to suffer in silence for his convenience.
One thought burned in my mind: ‘I want a divorce.’
The events that had brought me to this breaking point replayed in my mind like a cruel highlight reel.
…
I remembered falling onto the stairs, the sharp sting as my hand scraped against the wood.
My mind had raced with panic, but somehow, Id managed to shield my stomach. Behind me, the sound of triumphant, gleeful laughter echoed.
Clutching my belly, I struggled to stand. David rushed overbut not to help me. His attention was on Ryan.
What the hell are you doing? David barked. Dont you know your aunt is pregnant?
Ryans chubby face twisted into a smug grin, his squinty eyes narrowing.
I know, he said with a casual shrug. I did it on purpose.
David froze, his anger replaced by disbelief.
When he finally spoke, his words were hesitant. What you did is dangerous, Ryan. What if you hurt her? You cant do that again, okay?
Ryan smirked, the audacity of a spoiled child radiating off him. I read in a book that if a pregnant woman falls, shell have a miscarriage. I wanted to see if Elaine would have one.
Rage boiled over in me, hot and uncontrollable. Without thinking, I slapped him, the sharp sound cutting through the room.
Then, fueled by fury, I kicked him in the stomach. He doubled over, clutching his belly, and started crying.
When Id fallen, no one had moved to help me. Not one of them.
But now? Now they swarmed me like vultures, their outrage palpable.
How could you do that? Hes just a child!
Exactly! Did you really have to hit the kid that hard? Youre heartless!
You didnt give birth to him, so you dont care, huh? Look at what youve done to poor Ryan. Let me tell yousiblings or not, debts need to be settled. Youre going to pay for his medical expenses!
Cindy was the loudest, her face twisted with outrage as she stepped closer, her voice rising. It was as if she wanted to rip me apart with her bare hands.
That was it. That was my breaking point.
Medical expenses? I said, my voice cold and trembling with fury. Fine. Lets call the police right now and see how they handle your sons deliberate assault on me!
Enraged, I pulled out my phone, my hands trembling.
…
As I thought back to that moment, I prepared to press the call. Right then, Cindys panic hit a new level.
Are you seriously calling the police? Come on, Elaine, dont overreact! This isnt worth it!
Before I could respond, David grabbed the phone out of my hand, his patience clearly worn thin.
Let it go, Elaine, he said, his tone low and dismissive. Were all family. Besides, its partly your fault for not standing firm. Hes just a kidhow much harm could he really have done?
I stood there, frozen, like Id been struck by lightning. Did David really just say, Were all family? The words echoed in my head, each one more absurd than the last.
How could he be so dismissive? He had nearly caused harm to our child!
Do you even hear yourself? I snapped, my voice trembling with anger and disbelief. Our childour child almost didnt make it! And now youre telling me to just let it go? Do you even have a heart, David?
He reached out and steadied me as I wavered, my emotions threatening to knock me off balance. His tone was calm and patronizing, and it made my blood boil.
I know, honey, I know. This has been hard on you, he said like he was reasoning with a child. But its the New Year. Please, give me some face and let it go, okay? Ryans just a kidplayful, thats all. Ill talk to him, I promise. Youre always so healthynothing really happened. Lets just move on. Be good, alright?
His words confirmed what Id been trying to ignore. He didnt care about how I feltnot even a little.
I closed my eyes, letting the tears spill over. At that moment, I saw him clearly for what he was. He wasnt my protector, my partner, or my safe place. He was someone who expected me to endure, no matter how much it hurt.
That same thought rang clear in my mind: ‘I have to get a divorce.’
But I couldnt fight them head-on. Not here, not in this remote, isolated place. Id read too many stories about people disappearing in small villages to risk it. If I made the wrong move, Id be the one paying the price.
So, I softened. I pretended to let it go.
Just make sure it doesnt happen again, I murmured, keeping my voice even. I was really scared this time.
Davids face brightened like Id just handed him a trophy. He wiped the tears off my cheeks with a smile. Thats my girl. I knew youd understand. Alright, everyone, lets go back to eating.
But Cindy wasnt finished.
What about Ryans medical expenses? she piped up, her voice sharp.
David shot her a warning glare. Thats enough.
…
Later that night, upstairs, I sat on the bed, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms.
But I didnt feel the pain. All I felt was feardeep, bone-chilling fear. My hands wouldnt stop trembling, and tears streamed down my face in an endless, silent flow.
This family was terrifying. I had to leave. I had to get out of here and end this marriage.
David came upstairs a little later, holding a bowl of chicken soup.
Here, babe, he said with a smile that sent shivers down my spine. You didnt eat much earlier. Drink this, itll warm your stomach.
I took the bowl, forcing a small, shaky smile.
Thanks, David, I said, the word catching in my throat.
David, my stomach doesnt feel right, I added after a pause, keeping my voice soft and hesitant. Can we go back tomorrow? Im worriedI want to get checked at the hospital.
He didnt seem suspicious, but he wasnt budging either.
Its rare for us to come back for the New Year, he replied, setting a hand lightly on my belly. Lets stay a few more days. The babys healthyitll be fine. Dont stress.
After he left, I grabbed my phone and sent a message to my family group chat:
[Mom, you’re right. Ill listen to you. Im not keeping this child.]
My mom had never liked David. She used to say he was too cunning, too manipulative, and that Id regret marrying him.
But Id been stubborna fool blinded by the idea of love. I thought I was fighting for something meaningful.
Her reply came quickly: [As long as youve made up your mind, thats all that matters. Mom will always support you.]
Tears blurred my vision as I stared out the window. The forest outside was pitch black, the trees like looming shadows ready to swallow everything whole.
If I hadnt forgotten my glasses, I wouldve driven myself out of there that very moment. But for now, I was trapped. I couldnt leave, and I couldnt provoke him.
I needed a plan.
…
The next morning, David tried to wake me up, but I didnt respond.
He came into the bedroom and pulled back the covers. His face paled as his eyes landed on the large red stain on the sheets beneath me.
Elaine! Baby, wake up! he yelled as he shook me frantically. Are you okay? Come on, dont do this to me!
David shook me awake.
I groaned weakly, letting out a faint, trembling whisper. David, my stomach hurtsso much. Please… take me to the hospital.
I let my body go limp, collapsing back onto the bed, playing the part of someone too weak to move.
Davids composure cracked instantly. He scrambled to throw on his coat and bolted toward the door.
Mom! Stop whatever youre doing! he yelled. Elaines bleedingshe needs to go to the hospital!
Moments later, my mother-in-law barged into the room. She yanked the covers back just enough to take a look, her sharp eyes darting over the blood. Her expression flickeredhesitation, then something darkerbefore she turned and walked out without a word.
Downstairs, I heard the rumble of the car engine as David backed out of the driveway. Relief swept over me. If I could just make it to the city, Id finally have the chance to bring up the divorce.
But then the car stopped.
My heart sank as David appeared in the doorway, his glare icy and cutting. His expression was no longer panickedit was predatory.
Keep pretending, Elaine. Why stop now? he sneered. Do you really hate staying in my house that much? What exactly are you trying to pull here?
He took a step closer, his voice dripping with venom. If my mom hadnt told me that the blood on the bed was chicken blood, I might have actually fallen for your act. Why, Elaine? Do you hate my family so much that youd stoop to this?
I forced myself to stay calm, even as my mind raced. I just wanted to go to the hospital for a checkup, I said softly, my voice steady. I told you yesterday, but you didnt listen. I didnt know what else to do. Im sorry, husband. I wont do it again.
His expression softened slightly, and his tone shifted into something that almost sounded like tenderness. Thats all this was about? I told you, its rare for us to come back for the New Year. Stay a few more days. If you really want to leave, you can drive yourself back.
My heart leapedI couldnt believe my luck. This was exactly the opportunity I needed.
But before I could make my move, another problem appeared: his mother.
David, youre spoiling her too much! she snapped, her voice sharp and grating. Its the New Year, and shes rushing to leave? Maybe she has someone waiting for her back in the city!
Mom, shes not feeling well, David said, trying to defend me.
Oh, please, she scoffed. Shes faking it. When I was pregnant with you, I fell off a ridge and I was fine!
David hesitated, caught between his mothers words and my plea.
I stepped in, forcing my tone to remain calm. I just want to go for a checkup. If everythings fine, Ill come back right away. Its the New YearI want to spend it properly with the family.
If you want a proper New Year, she snapped, then stay here. Theres nothing wrong with youI know because I have experience. Now stop standing there and go wash the dishes! Theres a pile from yesterday, and I need a break. What kind of daughter-in-law doesnt help out in her in-laws home? Move it!
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to grab the nearest shoe and slap that smug look off her face.
David glanced at me and said, Go on, help Mom out. Shes been working hard.
I stared at him, my mouth slightly open in disbelief.
‘This is the man I married?’ I thought. ‘How could I have been so stupid?’
But I couldnt lose my coolnot yet.
Ill wash the dishes, I said, my voice steady. But after that, can I go to the hospital? This is our first child, and Im really worried. David, please help me explain to Mom. Ill come right backI promise.
David nodded. Alright.
As I climbed out of bed, I pretended to stumble, falling into him just long enough to swipe the car keys from his pocket.
‘Wash the dishes? Not a chance.’
Moments later, I was in the car, gripping the steering wheel as I navigated the winding mountain roads. My knuckles were white, and I didnt dare glance in the rearview mirror. I didnt want to see that house again.
I called my mom, my voice shaking as I told her everything and asked her to schedule the abortion.
Barely ten minutes later, my phone buzzed.
It was a text from David: [Did you take my car? Stop messing around and come back. The mountain roads are slippery.]
‘His car?’
The audacity. The registration was in my name, not his.
When I didnt reply, my phone started ringing.
Elaine, David growled when I picked up, his voice low and threatening. What do you think youre doing? Leaving without saying a word? Do you even see me as your husband anymore?
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