Hunter (Sample)

Chapter 5 - Wedding Anniversary

Present

Sarah

Her body lay senseless and warm liquid oozing from her head. I covered my mouth with a hand, walking closer to her body. Kneeling beside her. I held her pale and limp hand, checking her pulse rate. 

“Save me and…!” My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when these words escaped her lips. “My baby…!” 

Tears gathered in my eyes when I saw her….!

My eyes flew open and landed on the white ceiling above me. My chest heaved as I was fighting for breathing. I looked around, scanning the familiar room, and relief settled in my chest when my eyes set on my husband, who was lying next to me and sleeping soundlessly. 

It was a nightmare! 

I placed my palm on my flat stomach and my heart wrenched painfully when the realization hit me hard. I would never get pregnant. How would I tell this to Jack? I still had not told him anything about my infertility. I was scared, and I didn’t know why? 

I turned to him and went closer, his minty breath fanned across my face and sent a wave of desire in my tummy. I smiled and lifted my hand, tracing my fingers along his handsome face. I ran my hand over his squared jaw, then down his neck, and then over his defined chest. His muscles flexed under my fingertips. I felt the curve of his abs as my hand was caressing his warm flesh. When I reached his pelvis, he shot out his hand and gripped my wrist to prevent me from moving further. 

He had never let me touch him! I pushed the sharp pain away from my chest and said, “good morning.”

He cracked open his eyes and stared at me. His hand was still gripping my wrist. “Never try to do this again,” he said with irritation and released my hand from his harsh grip. 

“Can’t I touch my husband?” I asked firmly. 

He said nothing and leaped to his feet and headed to the bathroom. I sat down, swallowing down the twinges in my heart. He didn’t even remember our second wedding anniversary. It was not new anyway. 

I got up on my feet and entered our walking closet. I grabbed a bag that contained three t-shirts. One for mommy, another for daddy, and a small one for our child. I bought it a year ago. I drew the small one and pressed it against my chest and closed my eyes. I had always dreamed of having a beautiful family, a husband who would love me, respect me, and protect me, and an adorable baby who would fill our lives with happiness. I laughed sadly. I knew my dreams would always be dreams. It would never turn into reality. I had tried everything to make Jack fall in love, but nothing worked on him. Now his resentment had grown even more. 

“Sarah…!” Jack called out and pulled me back to the present. 

I rose to my feet and rushed out of the closet. “What happened?”

“Where's my watch?” he asked while rummaging into the drawer and looking desperate and angry. 

“That watch wasn't working,” I said and reached out one of the drawers and pulled it open, and grabbed a blue square box. I had brought the same new watch for him. I took a deep breath before turning around and facing my husband. “I’ve bought a new one.” The box sprang open, revealing a silver Rolex watch. I smiled and grabbed his hand before slipping it into his wrist. “Happy second wedding anniversary.”

“What the fuck is this?” He snatched his hand from my grasp and took off the watch before throwing it on the bed. “Where's my old watch?” 

“I gave it away to a charity club, Grateful Giving.” I swallowed, avoiding meeting his terrified eyes. 

“Why?” he hissed, stepping closer to me and making me step back.