#Chapter 175: In Solitude

Olivia My baby shower, the wonderful display of friendship, love, and family was shattered by the fight. Now, all that was left in its wake was the sound of Ryan’s car receding down the street. That was when the murmurs began. I could hear Janet, one of our neighbors, whispering to another mother. “This isn’t right,” she hissed, clutching her child’s hand tightly, drawing him away. “It’s not safe here. And the nerve of her, entertaining two men!” The comments were insinuations, cloaked in feigned concern. I could feel the weight of their stares, like stones being cast at me. I wanted to scream, to explain that this wasn’t at all what it looked like. That Ryan had disappeared on me, never once showing concern for our unborn child. And now, he just showed up out of nowhere, expecting… what, exactly? A surge of anger welled up inside of me as I watched the other guests filter out and heard their murmurs of disapproval, but I forced it down. I wouldn’t give them th