My Saving Grace

Chapter 47

After undressing, I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, the visible bruises on my otherwise flawless arms making my guts twist as I vividly recalled the memory of Antonio's fingers painfully digging into them. Eventually, they'd fade, but the emotional trauma he'd put me through last night would take much longer to heal. Until he could make good on his promise, I needed to erect a wall to protect myself.

Stepping into the shower, I turned the water on, letting it pelt down my back and mix with the tears falling down my cheeks. They were mostly joyful tears, though. Because in all the ugliness, beauty had been gifted to me. I placed my hands on my stomach, silently uttering a prayer of thanks.

If it hadn't been for this unexpected pregnancy, my marriage could have gone down the drain. Our little pumpkin was the saving grace Antonio and I needed.

I smiled, remembering Chase's use of those words. God, what a guy he was. He'd been there for me at my darkest hour last night and kept me grounded the next morning. I didn't even want to imagine what it'd be like if I'd discovered my pregnancy all alone in some random hotel room.

The "thank you" I'd said honestly didn't feel like enough.

I finally got out of the shower when my fingers started to prune and dried myself with a towel before changing into a pair of light pink pajama pants and matching off-the-shoulder top. After brushing my teeth, I left the bathroom, pausing at the sight of Antonio fast asleep in our bed. He was lying on his side, clutching my pillow to his chest. His features were relaxed, and he almost had a youthful look to him.

It was crazy to think this was the same man capable of inflicting pain on me.

With a sigh, I grabbed my laptop from the nightstand then left the room, gently shutting the door behind me.

I ate a bowl of cereal at the kitchen counter while researching pregnancy dos and don'ts, making a list for myself. Other than eliminating alcohol and caffeine, my lifestyle wouldn't change too drastically. I could still work, exercise, and begin my MBA program in the fall.

It was then that I realized I hadn't even started studying for my GMAT yet. I didn't have any plans for the day, so I made it a goal to start after breakfast.

In our home office, I moved Antonio's stack of papers and the manuscript he'd been working on to the side to make room on the desk for my laptop and notebook. Making myself comfortable in the leather seat, I commenced studying for the first section of the exam, drowning out every non-GMAT thought.

Morning turned into late afternoon, and I could feel my eyelids begin to grow heavy as I let my head drop onto the desk. I was about to close my eyes when I heard a light rap on the door, which I'd left ajar.

"Can I come in?", Antonio asked.

"Yeah," I replied with a yawn.

He stepped into the office, his hair tousled from sleep and cocked his head.

"What are you up to?"

"I'm studying for my GMAT."

His eyes slightly narrowed.

"You're still planning on taking classes this fall?"

"Yes. Why wouldn't I?" My voice had an edge to it.

"Well...the baby," he said slowly.

"I'll be fine. It's not like I'm enrolling in a labor camp."

He managed a chuckle.

"True. As long as you feel okay, I'll support you a hundred percent."

"Thanks."

A slight frown formed on his mouth as he strode over to where I sat.