I Lost Our Child Chapter 07
His face was grim.
“Alessa, do you have any idea what you’re saying?”
I nodded.
“I do.”
He looked at Ben, then at everyone else at the table.
“Ben, I’m married.”
“Alessa is my wife.”
Thatcher forced a smile.
“We didn’t have a wedding, but we’ll make up for it. When we do, you’re all invited.”
Everyone at the table froze. After a moment, they recovered, forcing smiles and greetings.
“Oh, right. Well, hello, Alessa.”
“You’ll have to invite us when the time comes.”
Thatcher nodded.
“Of course.”
I hadn’t expected him to announce it like that.
Ava sat beside us, her hands clenched into tight fists, her eyes cold as she stared at me.
After the banquet, Thatcher took my hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
He said goodbye to the others.
“We’re heading out.”
Ava called after him.
“Thatcher, you’re not leaving with us?”
Thatcher paused, then shook his head.
“No. We’re leaving.”
He pulled me toward the exit. I spent the entire walk trying to shake his hand free.
He didn’t let go until we were at the car.
His expression was unreadable.
After we got in, he asked what I wanted for dinner.
I said anything was fine.
It was as if the scene at the wedding had already been forgotten.
After we got home—
Thatcher asked me, “Did you put medicine on your back?”
“Do you want me to help?”
Without looking at him, I continued what I was doing.
“No.”
“I can do it myself.”
He suddenly stepped in front of me, looking down at me.
“Let me see how bad it is.”
I clutched my robe closed and took a step back.
My patience was wearing thin.
“You’re not a doctor. Looking won’t help.”
He just kept staring at me.
After a long moment, he finally said, “We’re husband and wife. If something’s wrong, you can tell me.”
I gave a small, sarcastic laugh.
Then I asked calmly, “Thatcher, when are we filing for divorce?”
“Pick a time. How about next Monday?”
He went silent for a few seconds, his expression freezing over.
“I said that in the heat of the moment.”
I looked at him.
“But I meant it.”
His voice shook slightly.
“I don’t want a divorce.”