LOVING HER TOO LATE

CHAPTER 017

Savannah's POV

I was sick the moment I heard his voice.

It was a voice note, short, sharp, cold. I was standing at the kitchen sink, with a spoon in my hand and looking out the window when it buzzed in. Daniel was in the next room, turning papers over or attempting to repair the broken lamp--who knows. However, when I hit the play button, all other things disappeared.

Lay down your pretensions, Savannah," said Ethan, in a smooth, poisoned voice. You want to pull me through the mud? Fine. However, should you continue, I will ensure that the custody hearing becomes public. I will have the baby, Savannah. And I will win."

My hand began to tremble.

It did not sound like a threat. It was like a promise. A cold, lifeless threat.

I hit play once more. And again. It struck more each time.

Daniel entered quickly at the sight of my face. “Savannah? What’s wrong?”

I gave him the phone and he listened. His jaw grew tighter with each second.

He is bluffing, he said, trying to keep his head cool. He will not win. You have evidence. You have people who will support you.”

But he is not bluffing about the fight, I whispered.

Daniel scratched his face. He will make this drag and be hell. You know that, doncha?”

I nodded. “Yeah. He wants me to be frightened. He wants me to resign.”

And what are you going to do?

I stared at my belly, at the life that was inside me. Then back to my phone. I had already lost too much. I was not losing this either.

I will reply to him.

Daniel blinked. “Savannah, don’t—”

I was already recording.

I replied, “You will not break me.” I did not speak loudly, but I spoke steadily. Do as you please. I am no longer afraid of you.”

I posted it.

The read receipt appeared within a few seconds.

Then he answered: two words only.

This is not finished.

I dropped the phone on the couch and went to the window. It was a heavy air, as though a storm were brewing. The road was still. Too quiet.

Then I caught sight of it.

On the other side of the road was a black car. Engine off. Windows tinted.

It was not there before.

My heart leaped. I recoiled.

Daniel also saw it. Keep off the windows.

You think it is him?

I do not know. But I am talking to somebody.”

I retreated until I struck the wall. I was tight in the chest. I heard my own breathing--shallow, quick, frightened.

It might be a coincidence, Daniel said, phone already to his ear. But I knew he did not believe that either.

I walked down the hall, turning, and had to do something, anything to quiet myself. I entered the bedroom, sat down on the edge of the bed, and put my palm on my stomach. The baby kicked gently, as though it were a voice saying to me, I am not alone.

Then the doorbell rang.

I froze.

The voice of Daniel was heard in the living room. Never respond to it. Don’t move.”

He approached the door slowly, cautiously, as though he was anticipating something unpleasant.

Another ring.

Who is it? he shouted.

No answer.

He looked through the peephole, swore, and moved back.

Who is it? I asked.

He was pale. Nobody is there. Nothing more than an envelope stuck on the door.”

My neck hairs rose.

He opened the door quickly, took the envelope, and closed it.

“What’s inside?”

He opened it gradually. There was a photo inside, one of me and Daniel last week, walking out of the clinic after a baby checkup. In heavy black ink on the back was written one word:

Soon.

I went weak in the knees.

Daniel intercepted me before I fell on the floor. No worries, I got you. I have you.”

No, that is not all right, I said, panic rising. He is spying on us. He was aware that we would be there.”

Daniel led me to the couch, his hand on my back. I will call the police. We will report it. We will install cameras. Anything to do it.”

However, I was aware that Ethan could not be deterred by a report.

He was cautioning me.

Reminding me.

That I was not out of his game.

And now, the betrayal of my mother did not seem to be the only knife in my back.

The world was breaking up.

I was not able to breathe.

I must have air, I said, getting up. Daniel attempted to restrain me, but I shook my head. The porch only.

The wind was colder than I had anticipated outside. It was a quiet night, too quiet. I gazed at the automobile.

Still there.

Engine off.

Something shifted in the front seat. I felt my stomach turn.

“Daniel!” I called.

In a few seconds he was out of the door. We both saw the car jerk into life and drive away, slowly, smoothly, as though it had never been in a hurry at all.

We waited a long time.

We did not say a word.

The silence accompanied us when we went back inside.

I was sitting on the couch, still gazing at the front door as though it would open by itself.

Do you suppose he will come here? I asked.

Daniel nodded. “Eventually.”

I balled my hands. “Let him.”

He stared at me as though I was mad, but I was no longer afraid. I was enraged.

Let him attempt.

Let him appear.

I am no longer hiding.

But what would happen in case that was not a scare tactic?

What happens when it is not just a car next time…?

What happens when Ethan is already in action and I am just waiting to be ruined?

And what of the baby?

Could I be strong enough to preserve this life?

Or was it too late with me?