Page 160 of The Baby Twist

“The reason for the annulment is irreconcilable differences?”

“Yes, your honor,” we both spoke.

“You’ve been married a little over two months. Marriage takes some time to get used to.” The judge smiled. “Are you sure you both really want this?”

“Yes, your honor,” I spoke up. “He is not the man I thought he was.”

“Care to elaborate on that, Mrs. Bradshaw?”

Fuck.

“He’s married to his work. That is the only priority in his life, and it always will be. He can’t help it, though. It was how he was raised. I thought maybe things would be different when we got married, but they weren’t. It’s who he is, and unfortunately, I can’t live with a man like that.”

“Mr. Bradshaw?” The judge looked at him.

“She’s right. Everything she said is true.” He looked down.

“Petition granted. I will sign the decree, and your marriage will be annulled.”

“Thank you, your honor,” Nolan spoke. “Let’s go.” He motioned for Miles and me to leave the courtroom.

Miles

I swallowed the lump in my throat as we left the courthouse. Stella walked a few feet ahead of Nolan and me, and I needed to speak with her.

“Stella, wait.”

She stopped and turned around, facing me with her sad eyes.

“We need to talk,” I said.

“There’s nothing to say, Miles. We’re free from each other now. Please leave me alone. I have a doctor’s appointment to get to.”

“For the baby?” I asked.

“Yes. I have to go.” She walked away.

“Can I come with you?” I shouted. She stopped, and I ran over to her. “I am the baby’s father and should be there.”

“You’re a sperm donor.” She looked down at the ground.

“That’s not fair, Stella. I want to go with you.”

“Don’t you have to get to the office?”

“Work can wait. Please.”

“Whatever, Miles.”

“Sean will drive us. Come on. He’s parked over here.” I led her to the Escalade and opened the door.

“It’s good to see you, Stella.” Sean smiled.

“It’s good to see you too, Sean.” She stared out the window.

The entire ride to the doctor’s office was silent. I didn’t expect her to say anything since our marriage was just annulled, and she hated me. But I was with her, and that’s all that mattered.

We walked into the building lobby and took the elevator up to the third floor. After sitting in the waiting room for a few moments, the nurse took us back into a room.