When Love Became a Nightmare

uge and empty, haunted by the future that had been stolen from me. I was packing a small bag, so

eality of people buying shampoo and greeting cards. As I rounded the corner into the stationery aisle, I saw he

a," she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "I' m

flat. I just wanted to get my tape and

ard about the baby. It' s a tragedy. But maybe it' s for the best. Mark says y

s own betrayal against me, it reignited the fire I thought had died out. I turned to face her

e him happy." She took another step, her face twisting into a mask of smug pity. "It

rd, catching her heel on the edge of the display rack behind her. She let out a sharp cry and

ook of genuine panic and pain on her face was real. People started to turn, their heads swivel

tears streaming down her face. "S

t me, the grieving wife, and at her, the hysterical pregnant woman on the floor. It was an easy s

for her outside. He saw Olivia on the floor and his face contorted with rage. He didn't ask what happene

stinging pain spread across my cheek, but it was nothing compared to the hot, searing shame that washed ov

s voice low and menacing, his face inches from mine.

ly into his arms. "It' s okay, Liv, I' ve got you," he whispered,

they loaded her onto a stretcher. I later found out from a venomou

n the bedroom. He was in the living room, tearing our home apart. "This is your fault!" he roared, his voice ec

ted to whine. He sensed my fear and Mark' s rage. He crept out from under t

. "Even this stupid dog loves you more than me!" he yell

rward, grabbing Buddy by the scruff of his neck. The dog yelped in pain and s

front door open, revealing the raging thunderstorm outside. With a final, guttural roar of fury, he hurled Buddy out into t