Damn Richard, damn party, damn Olivia, damn dressing room, damn me. I didn't protect you, baby. Sorry, so sorry...
"Mrs. Winston," the doctor came out with the report, face serious, "I'm afraid the embryo's viability is unstable. We've detected signs of threatened miscarriage. We need to administer progesterone injections immediately to sustain the pregnancy, but it requires family consent."
I didn't hesitate, dialing Richard.
It rang several times before he picked up.
"What is it?" His background was noisy, like some bustling spot.
"I'm at the hospital. I need you here now—"
"I'm busy, Natalie." He cut me off.
Then a woman's voice came through, close to him.
"Richard, do these earrings match my outfit today?" Olivia said on the other end.
"They're fine," Richard replied. High praise from him.
"Thanks for coming with me. You're the best shopping buddy ever."
"Natalie."
He remembered me?
"I'll send David to the hospital," Richard said and hung up.
I stood in the bright corridor, phone in hand, ears ringing. Nothing else registered.
Richard was shopping with Olivia. Buying her earrings. Would they kiss next, fuck? While our baby might never make it into the world.
"Natalie? Oh my God, what are you doing here?"
I heard a familiar voice and turned to see Gina. Her white coat over a sharp shirt and pencil skirt, signature red hair in a messy ponytail.
She was my best friend, Ethelred Hospital's dean.
She looked like she'd just left a meeting, folder in hand. Seeing me zoned out in the hallway, she rushed over and grabbed my arm.
"Honey, you look like a truck hit you and backed up... What's this?" She glanced at my test results, eyes widening in shock, voice jumping, "You're pregnant?! God, where's Richard? How could he leave you alone like this?"
I shook my head, tears streaming.
Not sure if for the baby we might lose or the marriage I sensed was crumbling.
"Gina, help me. I need the shots to save this baby. They want a signature..."
"OK, don't panic. The report looks manageable. I'll handle it. Breathe." Gina took the sheet, scanning it while soothing me.
She steered me into the doctor's office. "Give her the progesterone now! Right away!"
After the injection, I lay on the observation bed. When Gina heard why Richard hadn't shown, she looked madder than me.
"That bastard Richard did this to you? That arrogant, cold-blooded prick! Let him and his Olivia rot in hell!"
I opened my mouth, but my phone buzzed.
A text from Richard.
