Chapter 7 Since that day , the silence between Steve and Evelyn grew longer , like an invisible chasm separating them .
Steve would often lock himself in his study , holding our wedding photo in his hands , sitting there all night .
Evelyns knocking seemed to come from another world unheard , and more importantly , unwanted .
One day , Evelyn brought home a filthy stray dog , brimming with excitement as she tried to make it a new addition to our home .
She casually grabbed a handwoven blanket I had made , intending to use it as bedding for the dog .
Give that back ! Steves voice cut through the air , cold and biting like a winter wind .
1/6 Chapter 7 + 5 Points Evelyn froze , startled by his sudden outburst , her hands suspended in mid air .
Whats wrong ? she asked cautiously , her voice tinged with hurt .
Steve ignored her question , striding forward to snatch the blanket from her grasp .
He dusted it off with surprising gentleness , before snapping at her with uncharacteristic anger , No dogs in this house ! Evelyn stood there , stunned , her eyes filling with tears .
But I want a dog ! she argued defiantly .
I love dogs , and I want one ! Steves head shot up , his gaze piercing .
You can have one , he replied , each word deliberate and cutting .
But not in the home Rita and I shared ! It was in that moment I realized Steve had finally come to terms with his feelings .
2/6 Chapter 7 + 5 Points Steve began bombarding me with messages , day and night , as though he could break through the phones screen with the intensity of his texts .
Rita , Im sorry .
Can we talk ? Rita , I dont want a divorce .
We cant separate .
Rita , Eve and I are just friends .
Im helping her because shes pregnant , dont read too much into it .
Rita , lets have a baby too .
When I read that last message , I couldnt help but let out a bitter laugh .
For years , I had longed to have a child with Steve .
Countless times , Id brought it up , only 3/6 Chapter 7 5 Points to be rejected each and every time .
Hed told me he didnt like children .
He didnt want anything or anyone stealing my affection away from him .
And I believed him .
I had gone out of my way to ensure we used protection every time , and on the rare occasions we slipped , Id taken emergency contraception , always putting his feelings first .
But now ? Now , because Evelyn was pregnant , Steve suddenly wanted a child ? I could just picture him , when Evelyn asked if he wanted a boy or a girl , smiling fondly as he replied , A son , to protect his mother .
4/6 Chapter 7 + 5 Points Or a daughter , he might add with a wistful smile , one as lovely as Rita .

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Steves smile would deepen as his eyes drifted to our wedding photo hanging on the wall .
As long as Ritas the mother , Ill love them no matter what .
I froze , the fragmented pieces of a forgotten memory slowly coming back into focus , piecing themselves together .
A crushing pain surged through my chest , as though a boulder had been rolled over my heart .
I slid down the wall , laughing and crying at the same time .
I remembered .
I was pregnant ! The reason I had rushed back after filing for 5/6 Chapter 7 divorce was because- He didnt want our child .