Arielle stood frozen in Leonard's office, still shaken by what he said.
"I don't want it."
"You. The baby. Any of it."
But she wasn't ready to give up.
Not yet.
She stepped forward, her voice trembling.
"Please, Leonard. This is real. I'm carrying your child…"
He turned away, his expression unreadable.
"You should've ended it before coming to me."
"Ended it?" she echoed, confused.
"Yes," he said coldly. "Abort it. Before it becomes a problem."
The words hit her like shattered glass.
"No," she whispered. "I won't."
"That wasn't a question, Arielle."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"How can you say that? How can you look me in the face and act like this baby means nothing?"
"Because it doesn't mean anything," he replied. "We had rules. You broke them."
"But we—" her voice cracked, "we shared something that night. I know you felt it."
"It was a mistake. One night. Nothing more."
Arielle stepped back, as if physically pushed.
"So what now?" she asked, barely above a whisper. "You throw me away because I'm no longer useful?"
Leonard's phone buzzed.
He didn't hide it this time.
Samantha's name lit up the screen.
Samantha: I'm outside. Can't wait to see you ❤️
Arielle's eyes filled with pain.
"She's back… that's why, isn't it?"
Leonard finally looked at her.
"Samantha is who I want. She always has been. I don't need you anymore."
Her tears spilled over.
"What about this baby? What about us?"
"There is no us."
His voice was so cold it could've shattered the floor beneath her.
Arielle fell to her knees, sobbing.
"Please, Leonard… please don't say that. Don't make me do this alone."
He said nothing.
Just stared at her.
Then turned—and walked out the door.
Left her there.
Shattered.
---
Upstairs – Later That Night
Arielle stood in her bedroom, a small travel bag on the bed.
She moved silently, packing a few clothes.
Her hands trembled.
Her eyes were empty.
She looked out the window, then down at her belly.
"You're not a mistake," she whispered. "I don't care what he says. I'll protect you. I'll love you enough for both of us."
And without a sound, she slipped out of the house.
Gone.
---
End of Chapter 10