Page 210 of Unhinged

He shrugs and licks his lip. “I did a lot of thinking last night, and I saw it as more of a miracle just by the method we used to create a life together. It’s a part of both of us. I crave that connection with you, but now it’s gone. I won’t deny you becoming a mother, and I want to be the man to make you one. Let’s try for another to start our family to deepen that bond.”

I swallow, my mind and heart losing their grip on my fortitude. I want that life with him so much. “No. I changed my mind.”

“About having kids with me?”

The tears start anew, but I stay strong, though I whisper, “About everything.”

“Simone…?”

“You broke up with me, Greg. Yesterday was an eye-opener. You didn’t just spout random shit to me. You were the most brutal you’ve ever been. You said your trauma spoke for you, but your trauma traumatized me. My husband, soulmate, best friend, and favorite person called me a whore, a liar, an opportunist, and you dumped me. I just had learned I miscarried, and I needed you. I asked for a hug, and you refused. You held nothing back. The father of the baby I lost demanded a fucking paternity test. I don’t like to lie. I lied for you with Morgan the first time, but I told her the truth the second time. I wanted to have all your babies. I guess I came close.”

“Simone, I’m sorry.” Greg’s voice squeaks as alarm returns to his face, like earlier. “Hadley and your brother split up because of a misunderstanding. I’m telling you now, I was just mad.”

“Mad? Your words slashed me beyond repair. I’m going back to Richmond to straighten out my school shit. I’ve already spoken to my professors and the registrar. I may then go to Dover to finish it.”

“I’ll go anywhere with you.”

“No.” I shudder as the pain tears through me.

“Simone, I want our marriage.”

“I need distance from you for now.”

“You’re really leaving me?”

“You left me yesterday.” I bite my lip and squeeze my hands into fists. I will not cry anymore.

“I didn’t mean what I said! I’m sorry!” As I glare at the dashboard, planning my exit, Greg’s sobs wrench my heart. “So, you were going to leave without telling me about our baby? What the fuck?”

I nod, shake my head, and then shrug. “I don’t know. Yes, but I would’ve told you.”

“Over a text? Are you serious?”

“After everything you said, I thought you wouldn’t care!”

“Christ, Simone! Is that who you think I really am?”

“Yesterday, you were nothing like who I thought you were.”

“I fucked up, but I love you!”

“Not always. Sometimes you hate me, and I can’t live like that.”

“I never hated you!”

I glare at Greg. “Don’t fucking lie to me, Rodwell. You hated when I showed up here. You hated me working at the bar. You hated me yesterday. You’re on the verge of hating me right now.”

“No! You can’t fucking do this! First, you tell me our baby died, and now you’re breaking up with me?”

“As much as it hurts, our baby most likely didn’t have a heartbeat yet. I can’t imagine what Finn and Hadley went through.”

“I don’t give a fuck about their pain! Our loss doesn’t hurt any less! We all started with no heartbeat, and we’ll end without one!”

“My brother wasn’t even there when Hadley lost their first baby, but Finn Wilder never denied being the father like Greg Rodwell denied mine! You did that and so much more!”

“Now, you’re comparing me to your fucking brother? He’s no goddamn saint, either! He cheated on Hadley! I’d never do that to you!”

“What you did to me is worse!” I rub my cheeks as more tears drop. “People were right! We’re no good for each other! I’m not your soulmate or best friend! Try Kleo!” I look away from his temporary devastation, so I don’t feed my permanent one. “I was only helping you with dating her.”

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