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Over the next months, they prepared for the baby. Gender-neutral paint swatches covered the spare room walls. They argued about strollers. They read parenting articles at midnight. For the first time, life felt like it was finally moving forward—his life, not Jason’s shadow.
Then, on a rainy Thursday afternoon, someone knocked on their door.
Megan stood there—heavily pregnant, soaked, trembling.
“Ryan,” she sobbed. “I ruined everything. Jason left. My parents won’t help. I have no one. Please… please let me talk to you.”
Hannah glanced from the couch, concern in her eyes.
Ryan stepped outside, closing the door behind him.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” he said quietly.
“Please,” Megan begged. “I miss you. I chose wrong. You were good to me. You always were.”
Ryan swallowed hard. Once, her words could have shattered him. Now they barely made a dent.
“I hope you find peace,” he said gently. “But not with me.”
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