Page 39 of Plus-Size Pregnant Mate

My folks wanted to use me, and I couldn't rely on him. He had broken my trust before, and I couldn’t risk history repeating. Not with a baby in the picture, I couldn't fall apart all over again.

I remember the darkness I sat in for so long. I wished for death. I wished I had never met him, and then, over time, I wished death upon him. I couldn't get to that point.

I looked back at the computer and switched back to the apartments. As the page refreshed, a new apartment popped up.

My eyebrows went up, and I clicked on it. It was a simple two-bedroom apartment. It wasn't huge, but it had enough space, and a balcony was covered so I could just put my art outside.

I chewed on my lip as I flipped through the pictures. The kitchen was small, and the bathroom looked outdated, but the price was better than most. I could afford everything for about three months before it would be a problem. Three months should be enough time to get my life organized.

I swallowed and clicked the button that read ‘I'm Interested In This Apartment.’ I filled out a couple of questions and shut my laptop.

Well, at least maybe I found a place. It solved one of my problems on a long list.

I heard the front door open and shut, and I knew it was Owen coming home from work. I looked at the time, seeing that it was just a little past five.

"Hey, I sent you a text, but you didn't answer my question."

I looked over my shoulder and watched as he took a few steps into the living room.

"Sorry, I was busy," I said, pulling myself off the couch.

He looked down at the boxes sitting by him and then up at me. "Busy doing what? And what are these boxes for?"

I frowned. "Moving."

His eyes snapped up at me, and he looked confused. "What? You can't be serious."

"I am."

"Ashley, you can't move out."

I sighed, not in the mood to have another argument with him. "And I already told you I was going to."

"Why? I told you I was sorry about yelling at you. You can't be moving out. Why do you want to?"

"I'm moving out because it's what's best."

"How?" he asked, throwing his arms up.

I rubbed my eyes. "Owen, I don't have time to argue with you about this. I'm exhausted, and I just want a little quiet."

I was going to walk past him, but he stepped in my path. "I'm not finished. Ashley, you're pregnant with my child. I got mad before because I was worried. I'm sorry about yelling, but we have to make decisions together."

I'd heard those words before. Many times before.

"Owen, I need to figure my life out, and I can't stay here and do it."

"Why not!?"

I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes at him. "Because I can't trust you! Not entirely."

"Why?" he asked, throwing his arms out. "I've been the one here. I've been the one helping you and holding you together. So, why don't you trust me? Haven't I proven that I'm someone you can rely on?"

He had. But I'd thought that before.

"Owen, move out of my way."

He shook his head. "No, not until you give me a good reason."

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