Julie realized toote-Joseph was already in front of her, pinning her against the wall.


    "Still got an attitude, huh?" Joseph brushed her cheek with a rough hand. "I brought you here because I thought you deserved some respect. If you don''t appreciate it, don''t me me." Joseph was fuming, still seething from being cheated by Herman. Julie''s text had only poured gasoline on the fire.


    With a violent yank, he tore her clothes, mping a hand over her mouth as he hissed, "Let''s see if I can''t outdo that Herman. Can I make you happier than he ever could?" Julie struggled, but how could she possibly overpower him?


    She didn''t even get a chance to scream before Joseph had his way with her.


    To Joseph, Julie was his-his woman, his toy. Once he had imed her, no one else would ever touch her.


    Joseph held her mouth shut, turned her over, and pulled her tight from behind, taking what he wanted without restraint.


    Julie''s stomach twisted in pain, and only when Joseph was lost in his pleasure did he let go of her mouth, giving her a chance to speak, "Joseph, I''m pregnant..."


    Those words stopped Joseph cold. He pulled out of her, flipped her to face him, and stared at her belly. "You''re pregnant?"


    Joseph had never meant to get anyone pregnant.


    Julie, pale and trembling, nodded.


    Joseph swore, "Damn it, you didn''t take anything? Julie, don''t think I''ll take responsibility. I was just having fun, don''t take it seriously."


    Julie''s anger red, "You bastard, Joseph."


    Seeing her pale face, Joseph fixed his clothes and then hers, his expression darkening. "Deal with it yourself. What a cursed inconvenience."


    Joseph had never imagined bing a father like this. He was a bastard himself, unmarried, and now he had gotten Julie pregnant. It was too sudden, too much to handle. Joseph climbed out the window again. Julie clenched her fists, tears streaming down her face. She had always been proud, but the Salstroms had humiliated her again and again. She never expected Joseph to take responsibility, but his outright refusal stirred a rebellious fire inside her.


    In that moment, a dangerous thought crossed Julie''s mind.


    The child she carried was a Salstrom, after all. She would keep it and find a new father for her baby. She had to act fast before it became too obvious.


    ...


    Anastasia had been in the hospital for ten days. Her body was almost healed, but the wounds in her heart festered, invisible and unlikely to ever truly heal.


    She remained distant with Herman, barely speaking. Some days, she didn''t say a word.


    The heavy tension was eroding their rtionship.


    Salma had tried to advise Anastasia, "Don''t pick fights with your husband. It will hurt your rtionship. It''s not worth it. Think before you speak or act. I can see that Herman is suffering too."


    Anastasia''s eyes had been perpetually wet for days. Sheughed bitterly at Salma, "Mom, do you think I don''t know he cries alone at night? I know, but what''s the point? What did he do wrong? Nothing. If there''s any fault, it''s that he was born into the family that killed our child."


    Some things, even if you know it''s not his fault, you just can''t get past.


    Salma sighed, looking at Anastasia''s gaunt figure with a heart full of pain.


    "You can go home tomorrow. Rest and regain your strength."


    Anastasia stared out the window, "Mom, you should go home. Take care of Pattie for me. She needs security, and I''ve let her down too much."


    Salma felt a pang of worry at those words, sensing a finality in them.


    She quickly tried to reassure Anastasia, "Ana, don''t do anything drastic. You still have me and Pattie, and Herman loves you. We have a long life ahead. Look forward, okay?"