"Eleanor is ten years younger than you, yet she's gentle and understanding. She knows her position is difficult, but she never complains. She only wants to stay by my side and care for our child. She's done nothing wrong."
"She gave birth to my child, and now you expect me to take the baby from her and abandon her like she never mattered? I can't do it. I won't be that heartless."
His voice was calm, almost detached, yet every word struck me like a blade, cutting deeper than I ever thought possible.
I closed my eyes.
Twenty years ago, Charles and I had been inseparable, bound by love and shared convictions. We had believed in the same future where children had no place, not because we didn't care but because we weren't ready to shoulder the weight of parenthood so young.
I had feared the pain of childbirth, and without hesitation, Charles had undergone a vasectomy. We had taken every precaution, ensuring our choice remained unchanged.
Our decision sparked outrage on both sides of the family. His father had been livid, throwing us out without a second thought. But Charles hadn't wavered. He had stood by me, choosing to break away and build our own life.
Together, we had started from nothing, carving out a future with our own hands.
Ten years ago, when the pressure to have children reached its peak, his mother had even pressed a knife to her throat, demanding we give her a grandchild.
I couldn't pretend I hadn't been shaken. The sight of her so desperate had unsettled me, and for the first time, doubt crept in.
"Do you not want children?" I had asked, my voice unsteady. "Even seeing your mother like this, are you still sure? We could have a child…"
Charles had taken my hand, his grip firm, his eyes filled with unwavering love.
"Natalie, I don't want you to suffer through childbirth. And I don't want us to bring a child into this world because of someone else's demands. Do you understand?"
I had understood. Yet, I had still told him, "If one day you want a child, just tell me directly, and we'll decide together."
And Charles had agreed without hesitation.
Seven years ago, Isaiah, his father, inexplicably stopped being angry. Even his mother, Leah, had abandoned her under relentless pressure. They had suggested moving to another city and embracing retirement. At the same time, Charles would visit from time to time to check on them.