Chapter 2
“After Sherry Ritter became pregnant, her body swelled significantly, and her hands became as puffy as pig trotters. It was nearly impossible to fit the diamond ring on her fingers, and when she did, it looked awkward and unflattering. “It’s perfect for you, Dora. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get it,” Angelo said reassuringly. Hearing his words, I felt my blood boil. My voice trembled as I forced myself to speak. “Angelo, isn’t the child I’m carrying yours?” He ignored my question entirely, instead demanding, “How long will it take you to get here?” I couldn’t bear to argue anymore and hung up the phone. Moments later, it buzzed again—a text from him. [You’d better show up within half an hour, or you’ll have to go home alone to celebrate the New Year. Imagine going back with a big belly—your parents will be furious!] Though I had resolved to go through with inducing labor, his message cut deep, and tears streamed down my face. I clutched my phone so tightly my knuckles turned white, crouching on the side of the highway as sorrow consumed me. Unable to hold back any longer, I sobbed uncontrollably. At some point, someone must have called the police. A patrol car pulled up, and a young officer stepped out. Gently, he helped me into the car and drove me home. When I entered, the house was pitch dark. I curled up on the bed, exhaustion finally overtaking me as I fell into a restless sleep. But it wasn’t long before I was jolted awake—dragged forcefully to the floor. My eyes snapped open, meeting Angelo’s furious gaze. “Where were you yesterday?” he roared. “Dora and I waited at the office for hours, and you never showed up! She didn’t have the diamond ring on her hand, and her relatives laughed at her all night!” His voice rose with anger. “How dare you sleep peacefully here?” He flung me to the ground, and my stomach hit the edge of the bed with a sharp thud. Pain radiated through my body, and cold sweat instantly drenched my forehead. For a fleeting moment, guilt flickered in Angelo’s eyes, and he hesitated as if to help me. But when I instinctively recoiled, shrinking away, his expression darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he barked. “Just because I asked you for the diamond ring, now you don’t want me near you? Don’t forget—the child is mine, and that diamond ring was bought with my money!” Seeing my pale face and obvious pain, Angelo took a deep breath, as if forcing himself to be patient. “Dora is young. She can’t handle the pressure of marriage, so I stepped in to help her. You’re older and still acting like a child,” he added, his tone bordering on condescension. I clenched my fists, suppressing the urge to retort, but before I could speak, Dora burst through the door. Her gaze landed on me sprawled on the floor, and though a flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes, she hurried forward with feigned concern. “Angelo, no matter how upset you are, you shouldn’t let my sister sit on the floor. She’s still pregnant,” Dora said softly. Angelo stopped her with a wave of his hand. “You’re too kind, Dora. After what she did last night, you’re still thinking about her feelings?” He turned back to me, his tone hardening. “I have to take Dora home this afternoon, so hurry up and give her the diamond ring.” He paused, adding with mock generosity, “If you behave, I’ll take you back to your parents in two days.” He clearly believed I couldn’t make the trip alone and was using it to manipulate me. Yet, I couldn’t forget how he’d begged me to keep the baby just a few months ago. “Sherry, please keep the child,” he’d pleaded back then. “I’ll come to your family during the New Year to propose.” Blinded by his sweet promises, I had chosen to keep the pregnancy. But in just six months, everything had changed. Now, seeing that I hadn’t moved, Angelo’s patience snapped. He crouched down, grabbed my hand, and yanked it roughly.