Just as I stepped into the room, I saw Jack.
But what happened next left me completely shocked. His eyes were filled with anger as he marched straight toward me.
Before I could understand what was happening, he grabbed my hair and started dragging me across the floor. My heart was pounding, and every second felt like the ground was slipping away.
Then, with one harsh shove, he pushed me out of the hotel door.
Everything went black.
My name is Helen. My first job after college was as an assistant at Smith and Jacob’s law firm in Hartford.
It was always busy there, phones ringing non-stop. I loved the fast-paced environment. It kept me on my toes while I was still learning.
That’s when I met Jack.
He worked in the purchasing department, which was close to the legal offices. One day, I noticed him arguing on the phone about a delayed shipment.
After hanging up, he caught me watching and said, “Suppliers,” rolling his eyes.
“Rough day?” I asked with a smile.
“Every day is a battlefield here,” he replied. “You’re new, huh?”
“Yeah, I just started this week. I’m Helen.”
“Jack. Welcome to the madness. Don’t let the chaos scare you off.”
Soon, we started having lunch together. Navigating the big cafeteria was easier with someone who knew the place.
Jack was easy to talk to, had a quick sense of humor, and wasn’t afraid to share his opinions. One lunch turned into many, and before long, we were grabbing drinks after work.
Our conversations shifted from work to more personal topics. Jack told me he was an only child, adored by his mother, but constantly criticized for not living up to her expectations.
“You haven’t met my mom yet,” Jack said one evening, “but brace yourself when you do. She has this image of the perfect woman, and trust me, no one is ever good enough.”
After a while, our friendship turned into something more. A year later, Jack proposed.
We had a small wedding, just the way we wanted, and bought an apartment together with the help of my grandmother’s savings.
Life with Jack was mostly good. We had our share of small arguments, things like forgetting to buy milk or whose turn it was to clean.
Nothing serious. Just normal couple stuff.
Then everything changed.
I was constantly exhausted, and the smell of coffee, something I loved, made me feel sick.
One morning, barely able to get out of bed, I decided enough was enough. I booked a doctor’s appointment, thinking I might have the flu.
Sitting in the waiting room, flipping through a magazine without actually reading it, I finally heard my name called.
Dr. Scott, always straight to the point, asked me some questions, ran a few tests, and then said, “Well, Helen, congratulations are in order. You’re pregnant.”
“Pregnant?” I repeated, stunned.
I repeated the words, feeling shocked. “Are you sure?”
“Quite sure,” Dr. Scott said with a kind smile, handing me the test results. “But you need to be careful. Your body is showing some warning signs. Nothing too serious, but you need rest and less stress.”
I nodded, though my mind was racing.
Pregnant.
How would Jack take the news?
I couldn’t tell him over the phone. This was something we needed to talk about face to face.
When I got home that evening, I found Jack sitting on the couch, focused on his phone. My hands felt shaky as I said, “Jack, we need to talk.”
He looked up at me. “What’s wrong?”
“I went to the doctor today,” I began. “We’re going to have a baby.”
Jack’s face changed, but it wasn’t the happy reaction I had hoped for.
“A baby? Helen, this… this isn’t great timing. We haven’t even traveled yet like we planned, and a baby is such a huge change.”
A pain hit my chest.
“I know it’s unexpected,” I said softly. “But isn’t it also kind of amazing? We’re going to be parents.”
Jack ran his hands through his hair, something he always did when he was stressed.
“I don’t know, Helen. It’s too much. Too soon.”
“Too soon for family with me?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“No, that’s not what I mean,” he said quickly. “I just thought we’d have more time. More time for just us.”
The conversation went around in circles. Jack kept saying the timing was wrong, and I kept trying to focus on the positives.
By the end of it, Jack shut down completely, leaving me feeling more alone than ever.
What should have been a joyful moment was driving us apart.
The next day at work, I went to see my boss, Mr. Brian. I needed to make changes as per the doctor’s advice.
“Mr. Brian,” I said nervously, “I need to ask for something. I’m pregnant, and there are some complications. Could I work from home for a while?”
Mr. Brian, always more understanding than I gave him credit for, didn’t even hesitate.
“Of course, Helen. We’ll set up whatever you need. Take care of yourself and that little one.”
Hearing his support gave me a little hope.
But when I told Jack about the work-from-home arrangement that evening, his reaction was cold.
“So you’re just going to be home all the time now?” he asked.
“I thought you’d be happy,” I said, trying to stay calm. “This will help me keep the stress down.”