Her silence had never meant peace.
It meant fear.
He led her upstairs slowly, helped her sit against pillows, removed her sandals, and immediately called her doctor.
After describing the swelling, exhaustion, dizziness, and stress, the obstetrician’s voice turned serious.
“She needs strict rest immediately,” the doctor warned. “At this stage of pregnancy, that level of exhaustion can become dangerous.”
Ethan stared at Olivia after ending the call.
She looked exhausted enough to collapse.
“Stay here,” he said softly.
She grabbed his wrist weakly.
“Please don’t start a fight because of me.”
Tears filled his eyes instantly.
“I should’ve defended you a long time ago.”
Then he walked downstairs.
The television still blasted through the living room.
Madison laughed at something on her phone.
Courtney complained about online shopping delays.
Vanessa scrolled social media.
Diane looked perfectly comfortable.
Ethan walked directly to the entertainment center and yanked the television cord from the wall.
The room fell silent.
“What is wrong with you?” Madison snapped.
Ethan slowly turned toward the four women he had financially supported for years.
“The real question,” he said coldly, “is what’s wrong with all of you?”
Part 2: The Medication They Tossed Away
Nobody spoke for several seconds.
The silence felt sharp enough to cut skin.
Diane stood first.
“You don’t speak to your family like that.”
Ethan pointed toward the kitchen.
“Who made my pregnant wife clean all of that alone?”
