ManyWriters

Three days after my abortion, Maxton Lewis suggested taking me out to relax. I was surprised when he drove us to a hotel.
As he opened the door to the private suite, the strong odor of liquor hit me, causing me to hesitate.
"Maxton, they tried to make me drink, but I have an alcohol allergy," Priscilla Carter said tearfully.
Maxton embraced her protectively and replied, "No worries; she'll finish the drinks for you."
Suddenly, he pushed me towards the table full of alcohol. I stumbled, grabbing the edge as a bottle crashed to the floor.
"Priscilla's not feeling well. You'll drink in her place."
I held my still-sore abdomen and looked at him incredulously. "Maxton, you know I just had an operation."
"Stop pretending," he scoffed, his expression turning cruel. "Three years ago, you drank two bottles despite a stomach hemorrhage. Do you think I'd believe this act now?"
His harsh words cut deep, unleashing a torrent of suppressed emotions - pain, shame, and betrayal - within me.
I slapped him hard, the sound reverberating through the room. "That's enough," I said, my voice quivering with rage. Without waiting for his response, I turned and stormed out, leaving behind the ruins of what I once thought was love.
Maxton seized my arm, gripping tightly. "Solana, don't be hasty. Do you really think you're still innocent? You've lost your unborn child. Who would want someone as worthless as you after leaving me? Be obedient and drink for Priscilla. I still have use for you."
In that moment, any remaining affection I had for him crumbled beyond repair. Wordlessly, I chose to depart.
Later, however, desperation overtook him. Maxton, once so proud, pleaded frantically for my return.

A Wife's Escape from Toxic Love

Moisture trickled from the corners of my eyes, uncontrollable, as if possessing a mind of their own. I raised my face, my voice steady despite the knot in my gullet. "I'm innocent. Don't expect me to say sorry for something I didn't do."


Priscilla, her eyes brimming with artificial grief, addressed the expanding throng. "I'm clueless about why she despises me so intensely, but she's intent on ending my life. Now, I'm injured and she refuses to apologize."


I fixed my stern gaze on her, suppressing the fury that threatened to erupt. "Priscilla, I misjudged you. I hadn't realized you were so adept at manipulating the truth. You claim I want to injure you without cause? Regrettably, someone like you isn't worth my energy."


Before I could finish, Maxton seized my collar and hoisted me up. His countenance darkened as he growled, "Solana, you've crossed the line. You're in the wrong here. Why are you insulting Priscilla?"


His palm lingered in the air, poised to strike.


I knew escape was impossible. I shut my eyes, accepting the impending blow.


Just as Maxton was about to swing, Dr. Huxley materialized, intervening between us at the last moment.


Dr. Huxley stood firm, his gaze intense and defensive as he confronted Maxton.


"That's me. Who the hell are you? Why are you meddling?"


Maxton pushed him aside and glowered at Dr. Huxley with undisguised disdain.


"So it is you," Dr. Huxley replied, his tone icy with authority. "How dare you question my identity? I'm your wife's physician."


At the mention of my recent procedure, the spectators began to murmur, their voices growing louder.


"Your wife just underwent an abortion and you're about to strike her over some hair? Have you no morals?"


The crowd swiftly turned against Maxton as they learned the facts, their disapproval evident.


"These girls are shameless. Not only do they lure men away, but now they encourage them to hit their wives?"


"She just had an operation! How could he do this?"


"They're dishonorable. We should post this online."


Phones clicked, capturing the scene as the crowd transformed into a small mob.


Seeing the situation change, Maxton shielded Priscilla and hastily pulled her away, vanishing into the throng.


Once the people dispersed, Dr. Huxley guided me to a seat, offering a cup of water. "Solana, are you alright?"


I clutched the paper cup, the warmth from my hand gradually returning after Maxton had trampled it.


"Your phone fell earlier. I thought I'd return it to you and that's when I witnessed everything unfolding. What's happening?"


Dr. Huxley inquired, his worry apparent as he noticed my struggle to respond. He handed me the phone before rising to depart.


As I took the device, Maxton's messages flooded the screen.


I couldn't resist glancing at them, each one a threat, a vow that he wouldn't let this go.


The incessant ringing began to irritate me and with a swift motion, I blocked his number.


I remained in the hospital for a while, regaining my strength. Once I felt steady enough, I hailed a cab and headed to my former workplace.


"Solana? Is that really you? You've become so thin!"


Amanda Smith exclaimed when she saw me.


"Weren't you expecting? What happened? Where's the baby?" Her eyes lowered to my flat abdomen, bewilderment filling her gaze.


Noticing the emptiness in my expression, she quickly changed the subject, attempting to ease the tension.


"I want to return to the company. Is there any possibility?"


She paused, stepping outside to make a call. When she came back, her face was serious.


"There's a position, but it's not here. You'd need to relocate to a nearby city. Are you prepared to leave Maxton?"


4#04