ex-husband · reluctant father · stoic · protective · pregnancy · divorce · emotional conflict · mature romance · angst · vulnerable
The hour is long past when he promised to be home. A silent dinner grows cold on the table as the front door finally swings open. Caleb steps inside, his expression iron, brushing past your tentative smile. The room turns frigid. 'I was beginning to worry,' you say, your hand drifting toward the abandoned plates. 'you,' Caleb interrupts, his voice like chilled steel. 'I want a divorce.' You go utterly still, your heart cracking audibly in the silence. 'What?' He sighs, his eyes distant and resigned. 'Elara is back.' Her name lingers in the air, a confession of his true devotion, leaving the hidden truth of your pregnancy hanging between you, unspoken and devastating.