Chapter 7 Why are you sitting in the dark? Brenda asked softly, peering into their dimly lit bedroom.
She closed the door quietly behind her after putting Steve to bed, her eyes barely adjusting to the darkness as she searched for Ryan.
Ryan didnt respond.
He sat on the edge of the bed, his figure cloaked in shadow.
Brenda frowned, a chill prickling her skin.
She flicked on the light, the sudden brightness casting a harsh glow across the room.
Before she could ask again, Ryan threw a set of papers across the bed toward her, the sheets scattering, landing in a messy pile at her feet.
The tension in the room was thick, an unspoken anger radiating from him like heat.
Brendas stomach twisted as she bent down to pick up the papers.
Her heart pounded as she read the first page.
It was a DNA test result, one she hadnt seen before.
Her fingers trembled as she read the line that stated, in bold letters, that Ryan was not Steves biological father.
The words blurred before her eyes as she struggled to process the implications.
But before she could say anything, her gaze shifted to the next set of papers.
Photos of her with another man, laughing, kissing… moments she thought were hidden, exposed under the unforgiving light.
She looked up at Ryan, a mixture of guilt and fear tightening her throat.
Ryan… I can explain, she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
Explain? he repeated, his tone dripping with sarcasm, his expression hardened.
Explain what, Brenda? That youve been lying to me for years? That Steve isnt even mine? Brendas knees went weak as she took a shaky step forward.
Ryan, please… just let me explain.
Its not what you think.
Oh, its exactly what I think, he interrupted, his voice a low growl.
Ive been humiliated, made a fool in my own home.
And the worst part? I trusted you.
I gave you everything, and this is how you repay me? She reached out, desperate, her fingers trembling as she tried to touch his arm.
But he pulled back, his eyes cold and unyielding.
Dont, he said, his voice steely.
Dont even try.
Brendas eyes filled with tears, her facade crumbling.
Ryan, please, listen to me.
I never meant for things to get so out of hand.
I was scared, and I made mistakes.
But I love you Love? he scoffed, his voice harsh.
Do you even know what that word means? If you loved me, you wouldnt have done this.
You wouldnt have lied about Steve.
You wouldnt have turned my life into a lie.
She dropped to her knees, clutching his hand, her tears falling freely.
Please, Ryan, dont do this.

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Dont throw away everything weve built together.
Think of Stevehe needs both of us.
He loves you.
Ryans expression softened for a fleeting moment, but it hardened just as quickly.
Steve may need a father, but he doesnt need a mother who lies.
And I sure as hell dont need a wife who betrays me.
Brendas shoulders shook as she sobbed, her grip on his hand tightening.
Please, just give me a chance to make things right.
Ill do anything.
Ryan yanked his hand away, stepping back as though her touch burned him.
You want to make things right? he said coldly, his eyes narrowing.
Pack your things and leave my house.
First thing in the morning.
Brenda gasped, fresh tears streaming down her face.
No, please… Ryan, you cant mean that.
I have nowhere to go.
This is our home.
Ive given up everything for us.
He crossed his arms, his gaze icy and unforgiving.
You gave up everything? Really? Because from where Im standing, it looks like you gave up nothing.
You had a life outside of this house that I knew nothing about, didnt you? She tried to take another step closer, but he held up a hand, stopping her in her tracks.
I dont want to hear any more lies, Brenda.
You can save your breath.
Her voice broke as she pleaded, Ryan, I made a mistakea terrible mistake.
But please, dont do this.
Dont take everything away from me.
Ryan turned, his face a mask of bitterness.
Everything? Youve already taken everything from me.
My trust, my dignity, my family.
Youve left me with nothing.
So pack your bags and leave.
And dont expect any sympathy from me.
Brendas heart shattered as he walked past her, his shoulders tense, his footsteps heavy.
She reached out, as if to grab onto him, to pull him back, but he stormed out of the room, the sound of the door slamming behind him echoing like a gunshot.
She collapsed onto the floor, her sobs tearing through the silence.
The walls of the bedroom felt as if they were closing in, the once warm space now a prison of her own making.
As the finality of his words sank in, she buried her face in her hands, her body wracked with uncontrollable sobs.
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