Olivia Bennett sat quietly in the passenger seat of a gleaming silver SUV. At seven months pregnant, she shifted slightly, one hand resting protectively on her belly as her baby kicked softly beneath her palm. Her husband, Ethan Bennett, gripped the steering wheel with both hands, a smug satisfaction etched across his face as he drove through the quiet streets of suburban San Diego, California.
“This car cost me nearly sixty grand,” Ethan said proudly, running a hand over the leather dashboard. “Finally, something that shows I’ve made it.”
Olivia gave a faint, weary smile. “It’s beautiful, Ethan. You’ve worked hard for it. I just wish we’d saved a bit more—for the baby, the hospital, the nursery—”
The smile disappeared from his face. He shot her an irritated look. “Can you not ruin this moment? For once, can’t you just be happy for me?”
She fell silent, fingers tracing the curve of her belly. The tension in the air was suffocating, all too familiar.
Ethan let out a sharp sigh. “You have no idea how much pressure I’m under. Everyone at the office respects me now. They see this car, and they finally treat me like I matter.”
The SUV stopped at a red light. Olivia winced as another kick jabbed her ribs. “Ethan, could you slow down a little? The baby’s moving a lot… I’m not feeling so good.”
He groaned, rolling his eyes. “Here we go again. Don’t start your pregnancy drama in my new car. I don’t need bad luck in it. This is a success car—not for your whining.”
Her breath caught. “Bad luck? Ethan, that’s our baby.”
His voice sharpened, harsh and cold. “You’ve done nothing but drag me down lately. Complaining, nagging, crying. I don’t need that. Get out.”
Olivia stared at him, stunned. “What?”
“I said get out,” he barked, slamming a palm against the dashboard. “Right now. Don’t bring your negativity into my new car.”
The light turned green. Without hesitation, he pulled over near a gas station and glared at her. “Out.”