When I was done I went inside. The party was over and the guests had all gone home. It was already late and windy.
I sneezed just as Malachi held me. We got to my room and he sat me down on his laps. I cringed inwardly.
“What do you want?” I snapped.
Malachi sighed, “What’s wrong, Rhea? I'll get you a new cat.”
“I want to leave, Malachi. Tomorrow,” I stated.
Malachi tensed, “Marc is a child. I don't trust anyone to take care of him except you. Besides, where do you want to go? It’s not like you have anyone else.”
I shrugged, “I’ll worry about that. I have no place here. You have refused to marry me after eight years.”
Malachi sighed, “I already told you, Rhea, I can't take another wife now.”
“I’m not asking you to. In fact, I don't want to marry you, I just want to leave.”
“Okay, why don't you have a child for me? That way I can secure your future and that of your child. If you have a child for me no one would dare say a bad word against you. And then Marc will have a little sibling.”
I smiled sadly. I had reduced myself to nothing and discarded my pride and yet eight years still he wants me to have an illegitimate child for him.