Chapter 5: A Love Tested by Fire

Elissa sat on the edge of their bed, her hands resting protectively over her growing belly. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a bedside lamp, casting long shadows on the walls. She listened to the rhythmic ticking of the clock, a stark contrast to the chaos in her heart.

Jackson was late again.

She used to wait for him eagerly, preparing his favorite meals, dressing up just to see that familiar spark in his eyes when he looked at her. Now, she no longer had the energy to pretend everything was fine. The house was silent, the warmth that once filled their home replaced by a cold emptiness.

Her fingers traced slow, absentminded circles over her stomach. You are my hope, she whispered internally to the child growing inside her. Even if your father no longer sees me… I see you.

---

The Unraveling

When Jackson finally stumbled in, the scent of alcohol filled the room. His shirt was slightly wrinkled, his hair messier than usual. He barely spared her a glance before dropping onto the bed beside her with a heavy sigh.

Elissa turned to him, her voice soft but firm. "Jackson, we need to talk."

He groaned, rubbing his face tiredly. "Not now, Elissa. I'm exhausted."

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "You're always exhausted. You never have time for me anymore."

Jackson sat up abruptly, his gaze sharp. "I work hard to provide for you, for this family. Is that not enough?"

Her fingers clenched into the sheets. "Providing isn't just about money, Jackson. I need you here. With me. For me."

He scoffed, standing up and pacing the room. "You're being dramatic. I married you, didn't I? I gave you my name, my home. What more do you want?"

Elissa felt her heart crack at his words. This was not the man who had once kissed her forehead before bed, who had whispered I love you like a prayer.

She pressed a hand to her stomach, steadying herself. "You're slipping away from me, Jackson. And I don't know how to hold on to you anymore."

For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes—regret, sadness? But then, it was gone.

He sighed heavily. "Just get some sleep, Elissa."

And with that, he turned away, leaving her feeling more alone than ever, even as he lay beside her.

---

A Mother's Worries

Elissa visited her parents the next morning, hoping to find solace in the familiarity of her childhood home. The moment she stepped inside, her mother's eyes scanned her face, reading between the lines of forced smiles and weary eyes.

"Elissa, what's wrong?" her mother asked, concern lacing her voice.

Elissa hesitated. She wanted to say nothing, to pretend that her marriage was as perfect as everyone believed. But she was tired—so, so tired.

She exhaled shakily. "Jackson… he's not the same anymore, Mama. He comes home late, he barely talks to me. I feel like I don't exist to him."

Her mother's face softened with understanding. She reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Elissa's ear. "Marriage isn't always easy, my love. Men go through phases, and sometimes, they don't even realize they're pulling away."

Elissa bit her lip. "But what if it's not just a phase? What if… I'm losing him?"

Her mother's gaze was thoughtful. "Then you fight for your marriage, but not at the cost of yourself. You are not just a wife, Elissa. You are someone's daughter, someone's mother. Never lose yourself trying to hold onto someone who doesn't hold onto you."

Elissa swallowed back tears, nodding slowly. She wanted to believe that Jackson would come back to her. That the man she had married was still there, buried beneath the weight of his burdens.

She just had to find a way to bring him back.

---

The Growing Divide

Days passed, then weeks. Jackson's indifference only grew. The tender kisses he once placed on her forehead before bed stopped. The soft touches, the whispered 'I love yous,' all faded like an old photograph losing its color.

One night, Elissa decided to try again. She dressed in the nightgown he once loved, the one he had bought for her on their honeymoon. She lit candles, filling the room with the scent of lavender, a scent he had always associated with her.

When Jackson walked in, she turned to him with a hopeful smile. "You're home."

He barely glanced at her. "Yeah."

Elissa's heart clenched, but she forced herself to take a step closer. "I miss you, Jackson. Can we just… talk? Just us?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Elissa, I'm tired. I just want to sleep."

She reached for his hand, her fingers grazing his. "Please, Jackson. Just look at me."

He finally did. And what she saw in his eyes shattered her.

There was no warmth. No love. Just exhaustion, frustration… and something else. Something she couldn't name.

She slowly let go of his hand, stepping back. "I understand."

She turned away before he could see the tears spilling down her cheeks.

That night, as she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she finally admitted the truth to herself.

The man she loved was slipping away.

And she didn't know if she could bring him back.

---

A Desperate Hope

Elissa refused to give up. She still believed in their love, in the vows they had made before God.

She started waking up earlier to prepare his breakfast, leaving little notes in his lunch, reminding him of the love they once shared. She planned a special dinner, hoping to rekindle the spark that was slowly fading.

But Jackson never came home that night.

Elissa sat alone at the dining table, the candles melting down to nothing, the food growing cold.

She finally realized—she was the only one trying.

And marriage, no matter how deeply rooted in love, could not survive if only one person was holding it together.

She placed a hand over her stomach, feeling the gentle movement of life within her.

For the first time, she wondered if she was truly prepared for the road ahead.

Because love wasn't enough anymore.

And if Jackson wasn't willing to fight for them…

She might have to learn how to survive without him.