My Husband Left Me To Bleed

The rescue scene at the edge of the cliff was a circus of sirens and blinding floodlights. A reporter shoved a microphone toward me the second I was pulled up, her eyes gleaming with the hunger for a viral headline.

Mrs. Steven, your husband just chose to save Miss Vance first, claiming that as a police captains daughter, youre built tougher. How do you feel about that?

I clutched the scratchy wool of the rescue blanket around my shoulders, trying to hide the blood soaking through my leggings. My gaze drifted to Hudson, who was across the perimeter, cradling his childhood sweetheart in his arms as if she were made of spun glass.

I forced a jagged smile for the camera.

Hes right. I guess Im tough enough to survive a cliffside fall with a baby in my womb.

The reporter gasped, the air whistling through her teeth. She froze for a beat before her voice trembled. So... Mr. Steven knew you were pregnant?

Hudson finally tore his eyes away from Melody and looked at me. I was shivering, huddled under the emergency blanket, a stark contrast to the girl he was protecting.

He walked over, his brow furrowed in a sharp line of irritation. Jade, I know youre upset, but this isn't the time for a tantrum, he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. The cameras are everywhere. Dont drag Melody into a scandal.

The reporter was still hovering, waiting for a comment. Hudson turned to the lens, instantly regaining that effortless, commanding composure that made him the darling of the business world.

My wife is just shaken up and talking nonsense. Please, dont take it seriously.

He looked back at his security detail, his voice turning to ice. Take my wife to the hospital. Make sure she doesn't say anything else to the press.

Without another word, he turned back, scooped Melody into his arms, and headed for the lead ambulance.

Melody clung to his neck, her voice thin and wavering. Hudson... is Jade mad? Maybe you should go with her. Ill be fine, really...

Hudson leaned down, his voice softening into a murmur I hadn't heard in months. Shh, don't think like that. Shes fine. She used to pop her own shoulder back into place when we were kidsthis is nothing to her. But your heart condition... we need to get you to the ER now.

The ambulance doors slammed shut, cutting off the world.

I sat there on the frozen dirt, clutching my lower abdomen as a dull, rhythmic throb began to pulse through my gut. My world was turning cold, inch by agonizing inch.

A paramedic looked at me with a pained, awkward expression. Mrs. Steven, the ambulances are at capacity. Were waiting on another unit, or...

I swallowed hard, fighting the black spots dancing in my vision. Its fine. Ill find my own way.

At the hospital, I navigated the fluorescent-lit hallways alone. I stood in line, filled out the forms, and waited.

When the ultrasound tech finally handed me the results, the words felt like lead on the paper: Threatened miscarriage. Immediate bed rest recommended.

My heart twisted into a knot.

As I rounded the corner toward the pharmacy, I saw them. Hudson was half-kneeling in front of Melody in a private waiting area, holding a cup of lukewarm water with focused intensity.

Slowly, he whispered. Its still hot.

Melody looked at him, her eyes wide and watery. Youre so good to me, Hudson. If Jade saw this, shed just misunderstand again, wouldn't she?

Hudson offered a faint, tired smile. Shes not that petty. Besides, we grew up together. She knows how things are. She should understand.

I stood there, a wave of nausea rolling over me that had nothing to do with the pregnancy.

I looked down at the ultrasound printout in my hand. Without thinking, I crumpled it into a ball. I turned to leave, but my hip caught a metal trash can, sending it clattering across the linoleum.

Both of them looked up.

The moment Hudson saw it was me, the tenderness vanished from his face. He stood up and walked toward me. Seeing that I was standing upright and looking "fine," his expression relaxed into a mask of professional annoyance.

Since youre okay, Ill have PR draft a statement.

He reached out to brush a stray hair from my face, but I flinched away. He didn't look angry, just sighed with the weary patience of a man dealing with a difficult child.

The online narrative is already turning ugly, Jade. People are saying I abandoned my pregnant wife for another woman. I need you to go on record. Tell them the pregnancy thing was just something you said in the heat of the moment to get attention.

He adjusted his cufflink. Youre the wife of the CEO. Be the bigger person here. It helps her, and it protects the companys image.

I looked at this manthe man I had loved for five yearsand he felt like a stranger speaking a dead language.

Hudson, I said, my voice sounding like it was coming from underwater. What if I told you the baby isn't going to make it?

Hudsons jaw tightened. Jade, enough. Melody has a heart condition; she cant handle this kind of stress. Do you want her to live with that guilt forever? You were a damn war correspondentyouve stared down mortars without blinking. Now youre acting like a spoiled brat because of a pregnancy scare?

A spoiled brat.

Because I was strong, I deserved to be abandoned.

Because she was fragile, I had to bleed in silence.

I looked at him and felt a laugh bubbling upa sharp, jagged thing. Understood. If youre so worried about Miss Vances conscience, maybe you should just give her my title. It would be cleaner.

Hudsons face darkened. Don't be ridiculous. Shes like a sister to me. I thought you were better than this, Jade. I didn't think youd stoop to being this manipulative.

Manipulative.

I took a shaky breath and, without a word, tossed the crumpled ultrasound report into the trash can beside us.

Right. Im the difficult one. Go back to her, Hudson. Dont waste your precious time here.

I turned and walked toward the elevator.

Jade! he called out, his voice vibrating with suppressed rage. You want to go cool off? Fine. But remember this: if you walk out that door, don't expect to come crawling back until youve learned to drop the attitude and lose the thorns!

As the elevator doors slid shut, I saw Melody slip her hand into his. He looked down at her, his expression melting back into that soft, protective glow.

I leaned against the cold metal wall, and the tears finally came.

He was right about one thing. I did need to reflect. I needed to reflect on how I could have been so blind to love a man who would watch me drown just to keep someone elses feet dry.

The doctors warning echoed in my head: Stay in bed, or you lose the baby.

I dragged my exhausted body back to our penthouse, only to stop dead at the foyer. There was a pair of designer stilettos by the door. Id been wearing nothing but flats lately because of the swelling. Those weren't mine.

My heart hammered against my ribs. I pushed the door open.

In the living room, the TV was humming. Melody was curled up on our sofa, wearing one of Hudsons oversized white dress shirts, her pale legs tucked under her as she ate fruit from a bowl.

Hudson was sitting right beside her, a laptop balanced on his knees.

At the sound of the door, Melody turned, a sweet, practiced smile on her lips. Jade! Youre back. Hudson was so worried about me after everything today, he insisted I stay the night. You don't mind, do you?

Hudson set his laptop aside and stood up, reaching for my bag. How was the doctor? Everything okay?

I stood frozen. My eyes weren't on him. They were locked onto the silver whistle hanging around Melodys neck.

It was an old, tarnished police whistle. My fathers whistle.

Before he died in the line of duty, he had placed that whistle in Hudsons hand. He told Hudson it was a symbolthat Hudson was taking over the watch. That he was responsible for my safety now.

Hudson had sworn back then: As long as I have this, I will protect her with my life.

I lunged forward, grabbing the cold metal. Why are you touching this? I choked out.

Melody let out a startled cry, and the tears were instant. IIve been having nightmares since the cliff. Hudson said this was a lucky charm... that it was meant to keep people safe. I just wanted to feel safe for one night...

Hudson immediately stepped between us, shoving me back and pulling Melody behind him. He checked the biometric monitor on her wrist, and seeing no alert, he turned on me with a face full of loathing.

Jade! What the hell is wrong with you? Its an old trinket. If it gives her peace of mind, let her have it for a few days. Youre a cops daughter, for god's sake. Youre the strongest woman I know. Do you really need a piece of silver to feel secure?

It wasn't about security.

It was the only piece of my father I had left.

The light inside me, the last flickering ember of my love for him, went out.

Hudson, I said, my voice dead. Do you even remember what that whistle represents?

Hudson groaned, his impatience flared. I know your dad gave it to me. But a dead object isn't more important than a living person. Melody needs it right now. Cant you just be the bigger person for once?

I looked at the whistle clutched in Melodys hand.

Suddenly, both the object and the man felt tainted. Filthy.

I turned and walked into the study. I sat at the desk, opened a new document, and typed out a divorce settlement. I hit print.

Hudson, if this baby doesn't survive, we are done.

I went into the bedroom, tucked the papers into the hidden lining of my suitcase, and started throwing clothes inside.

Hudson walked in a moment later, his bravado wavering when he saw the suitcase. Its the middle of the night. Where are you going?

This house feels dirty, I said, not looking at him as I zipped the bag. Im going to the hospital to save my child.

Hudson froze, then his face turned a deep, ugly red. Save the child? You can do that here. Youre just using this pregnancy to hold me hostage, aren't you?

Because I chose her over you at the cliff? It was an emergency, Jade! She has a condition!

I slammed the suitcase shut, the sound echoing like a gunshot.

Hudson, do you remember what you told my father at his funeral?

You said youd spend the rest of your life being my shield.

Now, youve given my shield to someone else. Its poetic, really.

I brushed past him, dragging my suitcase through the living room without a single glance at Melody.

Hudson chased me to the door, grabbing my wrist. Jade! If you walk out this door over a stupid piece of jewelry, don't you dare think about coming back! I mean it!

I looked back at him, my eyes as calm as a graveyard.

Thats the plan.

I wrenched my arm free, opened the door, and stepped out into the black, rain-slicked night.

Behind me, I heard Hudsons muffled roar of frustration and the sound of something expensive shattering against a wall.

I touched my stomach and whispered, Dont be scared, little one. Its just us now.

I spent three days in a hospital bed. Hudson didn't call once.

Instead, my mother-in-law called. Her tone was, as always, brittle and condescending.

Jade, you are expected at the charity gala tonight.

The press is having a field day with Hudsons choice at the cliff. The Steven Groups stock is dipping. As Hudsons wife, you will show up, you will smile, and you will put these rumors to bed.

I stared out the window at the gray Seattle sky. Im in the hospital, Beatrice. Im at risk of a miscarriage.

Miscarriage? she scoffed. Please. Youre a cops daughter; youre not that fragile. Don't use a phantom pregnancy to play for sympathy. If you aren't at that gala, don't bother ever showing your face at a family function again.

The line went dead.

That afternoon, an assistant delivered a garment bag.

It was a loose-fitting black silk gown and a pair of designer flats.

The note from Hudson read: I told them you weren't feeling well. Wear this. Its comfortable.

Touching the soft fabric, a pathetic, tiny part of me wondered... Does he care? A little?

I put on the dress. I did my makeup to hide the ghostly pallor of my skin.

The gala was a sea of glittering diamonds and forced laughter. Hudson was there, looking dashing in a custom tuxedo, with Melody on his arm.

Melody was also in black, but her dress was a shimmering, tight-fitting mermaid gown encrusted with crystals. She looked like a star.

I, in my loose silk and flats, looked like a bloated shadow beside them.

The whispers started the moment I walked in.

Is that the wife? Why is she dressed like that?

Well, shes a cops daughter. I guess she doesn't understand high fashion.

Look at how Hudson looks at Miss Vance. He just peeled a shrimp for her. The marriage is clearly a sham.

Hudson gave me a cursory glance. You made it. If youre tired, go sit in the corner. Don't make a scene.

Then he turned to Melody, his voice dropping into that tender register. Mel, are you hungry? Ill go get you some of those crab cakes you like.

I stood alone in the center of the room, my fingers digging into my palms.

The climax of the night was the silent auction. The showpiece was a ruby necklace called The Eternal Heart.

Starting bid: five million.

Melodys eyes lit up when she saw it.

Hudson smiled, that indulgent, protective smile, and raised his paddle.

Ten million.

The room erupted in murmurs.

Twelve million, someone countered.

Hudson didn't blink. Fifteen million.

People began to whisper, It must be an anniversary gift for his wife. How romantic.

I sat in my corner, hearing the compliments, feeling like I was made of ice.

Our anniversary. He actually remembered.

Twenty million! Hudson shouted.

The room went silent. Hudson stood up, took the velvet box from the presenter, and turned.

But he didn't turn toward me. He turned toward Melody.

Stop crying, he whispered.

He lifted the breathtaking rubies and, in front of everyone, fastened them around Melodys neck.

Rubies are supposed to be good for the heart, he said loud enough for the front rows to hear. They suit you much better than a tattered silver whistle.

Melody beamed, touching the gems with trembling fingers. Oh, Hudson... its beautiful. So much better than that old thing. Thank you!

Every eye in the room pivoted to me.

Pity. Scorn. Schaudenfreude.

The stares felt like slaps across my face, stinging and hot.

And then, a white-hot spike of pain lanced through my abdomen.

I felt a sudden, warm rush of fluid down my legs.

My face went translucent. Cold sweat broke out across my brow. I reached for my bag to find my medication, but my hand shook so violently I knocked over a glass of red wine.

Hudson looked over, his eyes snapping with irritation.

My phone buzzed. A text from him: I just spent twenty million to get that whistle back for you. Are you satisfied? I know youre still throwing a fit, but stop acting like someone died. Put a smile on your face and stop embarrassing the family.

I looked at the screen until the words blurred into a gray smear.

I didn't have the strength to reply.

I braced myself against the table and stood up, inching toward the restroom.

Hudson... is this your anniversary gift to me?

The restroom mirror showed a woman who looked like a corpse.

I gripped the sink, gasping for air. The black silk of my dress was soaked, blood trailing down my legs and onto the white marble floor.

Oh my god! Are you okay? Someone help! Shes bleeding!

A passing waitress screamed.

Ambulance... I managed to choke out. Call an ambulance...

Darkness rushed in to meet me, and I collapsed.

When I woke, I was on a gurney. The lights above were blinding.

A doctor, his gown stained with red, leaned over me. We have massive hemorrhaging! We need to get her into surgery now! Where is the family? I need a signature!

Family?

I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't move my lips.

I... Ill sign...

No! We need a next of kin! This is criticalyou might not make it off the table! the doctor roared.

A nurse handed me my phone. Call your husband! Now!

With trembling fingers, I dialed the number I knew by heart.

Ring... ring... ring...

Each tone was a serrated blade. On the third call, he picked up.

Jade? What kind of stunt are you pulling now? Why did you leave the gala? Do you have any idea how that looks to my mother? To the board?

Melody was just asking for you. She wants to give the whistle back. Where the hell are you?

His voice was a barrage of accusations.

Hudson, I whispered, my voice a thread of silk. Im at the hospital... the baby...

CRACK!

A massive thunderclap shook the hospital windows as a storm broke over the city.

Hudsons voice immediately shiftedsoft, protective.

Its okay, Mel. Ive got you.

Then, over the line, I heard him begin to hum.

It was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

On every stormy night for five years, he had held me and hummed that song until I fell asleep. He called it "our song for the dark."

Now, he was singing it to her.

Jade, I have to go. Melody has always been terrified of thunder. Ill call you later.

Click.

I let the phone slip from my fingers. I looked at the blood on my hands and felt my soul turn to ash.

Doctor, I said, my voice suddenly steady. Give me the pen.

I gripped his hand. Im signing for myself. Save me. Forget the baby... its already gone.

The pen scratched across the paper.

Jade Steven.

Two words. Shaky, but final. A goodbye to the woman I used to be.

Under the cold surgical lights, the instruments moved inside me, scraping away the last remnants of our life together. I refused the general anesthesia. I wanted to feel the pain.

I wanted to remember the exact moment I killed my own heart.

And the moment Hudson killed the woman who loved him.

As the pain peaked and my consciousness frayed, I remembered the day we found out I was pregnant. Hudson had rubbed my belly and laughed like a boy. Jade, Im going to spend the rest of my life making sure youre the happiest woman on earth.

Hudson, youre a liar.

When they wheeled me out of surgery, I heard frantic footsteps at the end of the hall.

Hudson was there, drenched from the rain, hair disheveled, clutching that silver whistle in his hand.

He saw me and stopped dead.

Jade... his voice cracked. What happened?

His eyes fell on the blood-stained consent form on the clipboard at the foot of my bed. His pupils dilated.

Miscarriage? ...The baby?

He lunged forward, but the nurse shoved him back with a glare.

The patient just had an emergency D&C. Shes extremely weak. Keep your voice down.

Hudson staggered back as if hed been punched. D&C? No... that can't be...

The pain was a dull roar now. I lay there, drenched in sweat. Looking at his shattered expression, I felt... nothing. Not even hate.

Jade, he whispered, his eyes red. This isn't funny. If youre doing this to punish me for the cliff... you win. Okay? You win. Just tell me the baby is okay.

He pressed the silver whistle into my hand, his voice a pathetic plea. Look! I got it back! I took it back from her! Please, don't scare me like this. Tell me hes okay.

The silver was cold against my palm. It would never be warm again.

I forced my eyes open and looked at him. I gave him a small, tired smile.

The baby is dead, Hudson.

And I want a divorce.