Four months after we broke up, I called Chase: I'm pregnant. Do you want this kid?
Chase refused like I'd offered him poison. Seriously? We were careful every single time. Don't try to pin this on me.
I asked again flatly. So, you're absolutely sure you don't want this child, right?
Keep it or don't, I dont give a damn. I'm out. His dismissed coldly.
I relieved.
Good
One less thing to worry about C no custody issues.
I had the baby alone and I will raise her alone!
As a strong single mom.
By the time my daughter was six, I spent most of my savings on a school district house, so she could have a better education..
But she brought a man home on the first day at school.
"Mom," my daughter sighed, looking utterly done, "he insists he's my dad and says he wants to get my custody." She rolled her eyes dramatically. "Seriously? You never mentioned my dad was a dumb ass!"
It was Chase, coming back to my life after six years.
I gotta admit, he hadn't changed much, still dressing sharp and looking annoyingly good for a guy nearly thirty years old.
Chase glared at me like I was the enemy.
"Mom, I'm starving. Got any food?" My daughter rubbed her stomach.
"Sure, sweetie." I turned towards the kitchen, dishing her up a bowl of oatmeal with berries.
Chase remained planted in the doorway, radiating stubbornness. He practically had "I'll stand here until the end of time if you don't invite me in" written across his forehead.
My daughter polished off the bowl, then looked at Chase. She let out a heavy, world-weary sigh.
"Mom, maybe you two should talk? I've got homework." She grabbed her backpack. "But just so we're clear that my custody is non-negotiable. Got it?"
The word "custody" finally snapped whatever fragile thread was holding Chase together. He turned his glare fully on me. "Zoe Bennett, you've got some nerve! Having my kid behind my back"
"Hold up!" I cut him off, raising a hand. "You are too dramatic!"
"What? You had my kid, and you call me the one being dramatic?" Chase stared at me madly.
I glanced towards my daughter's closed bedroom door. Sure, she was premature, but some conversations weren't for little ears. Worried about being heard, I just walked past Chase and took him to the stairwell.
"Zoe, I know your tricks. You thought a kid can get you a golden ticket to the family fortune?" Chase sneered. "Well, you wish!"
I pulled out my phone and played an audio , crisp and clear, saved for six long years.
"I'm pregnant. Do you want this kid?"My own voice, calm.
"Seriously? We were careful every single time. Don't try to pin this on me."Chase, defensive.
"So, you're absolutely sure you don't want this child, right?"Me again.
"Keep it or don't, I dont give a damn. I'm out." Chase, cold.
I played it again, just for emphasis.
He looked like a fish out of water, gulping air. His righteous anger choked off mid-stream.
"I figured this day might come," I said coolly, crossing my arms. I gave him a slow, appraising look from head to toe. "Still just coasting on Daddy's money, huh? Guess your folks know your limits and they are smart not to let you take over the family business."
"Better keep that pretty face in shape, Chase. When you inevitably blow through the trust fund, at least you can hustle on the streets. Daddy Daycare isn't exactly your calling?"
"She is mine. Was. Is. And always will be. You have zero claim." My tone was cold. "You think you can get the custody? Seriously? You?"
Chase slammed his fist against the wall. If he was a teenager, it might have looked decadent and cool. But a thirty-year-old man? Just pathetic.
I patted his shoulder without sympathy. "Get some help for that anger, Chase. And stay away from my daughter. If you show up uninvited next time, I will call the cops and tell them a suspicious man is harassing a minor. We will see how that plays."