It's All or Nothing

Joel was in full-blown panic.

Before I could even say a word, he rushed on, speaking more to himself than to me. "Anna, is that it?

"You both went into labor early, and because Michael and I weren't there… Is that why you and Chloe are mad? If that's the case, then yes—it's our fault.

"We'll go home with you right now. Was it a boy or a girl? I've been waiting for this baby for so long…"

Even Michael, usually quick to explode, stayed unusually quiet.

Joel reached for me gently and wrapped an arm around my waist, trying to lift me into the car with exaggerated care.

But the only thing I felt was nausea. I shoved him away. "Are you really still playing dumb? Joel, I told you—the baby is gone. The funeral's already over."

Joel, always the calm one, blinked rapidly as his eyes reddened. He shook his head in denial.

Michael wasn't ready to accept it either. "You were almost full-term. Even if the baby were premature, it would've made it. Chloe, are you and Anna just using the baby to punish us?"

Tears were running down Chloe's cheeks. "The baby could have survived. But neither of you would come to help.

"I had to carry Anna on my back through a storm just to reach the hospital. It took too long. By the time we got to the hospital, both babies were already gone."

Michael's knees gave out. He collapsed on the ground.

Joel grabbed my hand in panic. "Anna, I—"

I jerked away. "Don't touch me. Joel, if you or Michael have even a scrap of decency left, then sign the damn divorce papers!"

I threw two sets of divorce documents at them, but neither moved. Chloe and I gave them half a day to think it over, and then we left.

After being gone for over two weeks, Joel and Michael actually followed us home this time.

Michael dropped to his knees in front of Chloe the moment he stepped inside. "Please, babe, I don't want a divorce."

Chloe's eyes were full of scorn. "You cheated and fell in love with someone else. I'm just giving you the freedom to be with her openly. Isn't that what you wanted?"

"I didn't cheat! I don't even like Rachel! I was just jealous you used to have feelings for Sebastian, and now you're working with him every day. I only used Rachel to piss you off."

Joel, too, looked torn apart by guilt as he turned to me. "I messed up, Anna. I know that. But I swear on my life, I've never had any dirty thoughts about Rachel. I've always seen her as a little sister. The only one I've ever loved is you."

I stared at him. "Then go love someone else. I just want a divorce."

"I know you're grieving because of the baby. And I know I let you down. But I love you very much, Anna. Please, just give me another chance."

It wasn't the first time Joel had crossed boundaries with Rachel.

We'd fought about her more times than I could count. Every time, I gave in, hoping he'd change. Every time, they just pushed further.

"This time is different," Joel said, almost desperately. "I swear I'll put you first from now on. Whatever you say, I'll believe it. I won't doubt you again!"

And right then—of course—his phone rang. Joel glanced at the caller ID. He hesitated, then answered with a guilty expression.

"Rachel? What's wrong? No, don't do that. Don't hurt yourself. This isn't your fault. I'll be right there!"

He hung up and turned to me. "Darling, Rachel's threatening to kill herself. I'll be back to explain. Wait for me."

Michael's tears dried up in an instant. He got up without a word. "I'm coming with you."

And just like that, the two of them rushed out, not once looking back.

Chloe and I locked eyes, and I could see that both of us were bone-tired and emotionally gutted.

"I've had enough." Chloe's voice was tight with pain.

I pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry. I'll make sure they come back for the divorce."

After I made a few calls, Rachel's study-abroad slot, which was earned through shady connections, was revoked.

Evidence of her interference in both our marriages was leaked online, and soon the internet was tearing her apart.

I sent the most viral clip to her friends, relatives, classmates, and professors.

It didn't take long before Joel and Michael came storming back in.

Michael was enraged. "I told you I never had feelings for Rachel! And you still did this? Chloe, how could you and Anna be so cruel?"

Even Joel—always the picture of politeness—was livid. "Anna, this is on us. You had no right to go after Rachel like that.

"She's just a poor young lady. She's innocent! What you did was beyond cruel. It's inhuman!"

I snapped. I hurled the stack of documents in my hand straight at his head.

"Open your damn eyes, Joel. Do you still think Rachel's innocent?"