Behind Closed Doors

After five years of marriage, Bruce Robinson had yet another mistress showing up to challenge me.

She was already showing, shoving a pregnancy test in my face: "It's a boy. He'll be born in six months. Do yourself a favor and leave now, before you're kicked out crying."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that before her, I'd known about many pregnant women.

And then, Bruce had made them all disappear, one way or another.

Amanda was loud and obnoxious, determined not to back down.

I sighed. My therapy appointment was coming up, and I didn't have time for this drama.

I laid out all the evidence I'd collected of Bruce's affairs.

"Look, this was his first girlfriend. She was even further along than you."

"I've lost count of which number this one was, but they were pretty close. He bought her the most prenatal vitamins."

"This one? Lasted two months before disappearing - because I caught them."

"Oh, you all have something in common - you look like me. Guess Bruce just uses you all as replacements."

The more I spoke, the more Amanda's fury grew, her eyes burning with hatred, looking like she wanted to destroy me.

I sighed again. "Actually, I'd love to divorce Bruce, but he won't agree. If you can convince him to divorce me, I'll step aside right now."

Amanda exploded: "Cut the act! If Bruce really loved you, I wouldn't exist! Stop trying to save face! He's mine! Get out!"

In her rage, Amanda lunged at me, disregarding her pregnant belly.

Bruce appeared just in time, yanking her back: "I told you not to bother my wife!"

His tone was so icy that Amanda's eyes instantly welled up with tears.

She hit the table corner and clutched her stomach, crying out in pain.

But Bruce didn't spare her another glance, just wrapped his arm around me and led me to the car.

Inside, his voice was eerily calm: "I'm sorry. I'll take care of this."

I knew Amanda wouldn't stick around. None of the ones I found out about ever showed their faces again.

Before dropping me off at my therapist's, he repeated what he always said: "Be good and cooperate with your treatment. I'll wait here for you."