Chapter 10 - THE FATHER WHO RETURNED FOR MONEY
Z
Brody appeared outside my apartment on a rainy Tuesday.
I was returning from a prenatal appointment when I saw him leaning against the building.
My heart stopped.
“Emma.”
I froze.
“What are you doing here?”
He smiled.
“Visiting.”
I stepped backward.
“Leave.”
He laughed.
“Come on, baby.”
“Don't call me that.”
His expression changed.
“I hear you're living pretty comfortably.”
I stared.
“What?”
“Nice apartment. Rich friends.”
I gripped my bag.
“Go away.”
He stepped closer.
“You owe me.”
I felt sick.
“For what?”
“For helping you get where you are.”
I almost laughed.
“You abandoned me.”
He shrugged.
“Details.”
I took out my phone.
“I'm calling the police.”
His smile vanished.
“Don't be stupid.”
I stepped toward the florist's shop.
Mrs. Alvarez was standing near the door.
She saw my face.
“Emma?”
I hurried toward her.
Brody followed.
Mrs. Alvarez called for help.
Brody left before officers arrived.
But not before shouting:
“That baby's mine!”
I sat in the back office shaking.
Mrs. Alvarez brought water.
I called my attorney.
Then Lorenzo.
He arrived later that evening.
He didn't bring armed men into my apartment.
He didn't threaten anyone.
He sat beside me.
“Are you safe?”
I nodded.
“Mrs. Alvarez helped.”
He smiled faintly.
“Good.”
I told him what happened.
He listened.
Then said:
“Your attorney can help you document this and understand your options.”
I nodded.
I looked at him.
“Do you think I'm foolish?”
He frowned.
“For what?”
“For loving Brody.”
Lorenzo shook his head.
“No.”
I looked down.
“He was charming at first.”
“I believe you.”
“He promised everything.”
Lorenzo took a breath.
“Emma, trusting someone doesn't make you foolish.”
Tears filled my eyes.
He continued.
“What matters now is what you choose next.”
May you like
I looked at him.
And for the first time, I knew I was choosing a different life.
