Chapter Four Hundred and Twenty Nine

She threw herself the final distance, into the very heart of the firestorm “I won't be living with you after the baby comes, Daniel.” Inside she writhed in agony. Only her voice revealed her pain, and only in its hollow emptiness. “I’m confident I can support myself. I don’t expect you to do anything for me. We’ll work out a custody arrangement before the baby is born.”

Emma sighed. Her vision was fading in and out with anxiety.

“Are you punishing me?” he charged in a voice filled with gravel. Because hearing her say this was torture.

“That’s not what this is.” Emma replied. In fact, she was beseeching him for understanding. “We’re barely speaking, Daniel. You don't even come home for dinner sometimes.”

“To eat alone?” His tone lashed sharp as a whip. "No, thank you".

He touched his forehead, then put his hand out in a halt, retaking hold of his own temper. She looked to the floor, unable to deny that she was avoiding him too.