Pregnant Teen’s Valentine’s Day Gift Became the Clue That Led to Her Murder
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The wind ruffled her hair, the city rushed by in blurred lights, and she felt more alive than she had ever felt before.
When they got to her house, she asked him to drop her off around the corner.
David could see the motorcycle from his window.
As they said goodbye, Trey took her phone number.
“See you tomorrow?” he asked.
Savannah knew she should say no.
Instead, she nodded.
At home, David was already asleep.
Savannah quietly undressed in the bathroom, looking closely at herself in the mirror.
Her cheeks were still flushed.
Her eyes were shining.
She felt guilty and excited at the same time.
As she lay down in bed next to her husband, she tried to convince herself that nothing special had happened, just coffee with a stranger.
Simple politeness.
But when David sleepily hugged her, pulling her close, Savannah felt a pang of conscience.
The next day, Trey called around noon.
David was at work and Savannah was at home trying to do some housework.
When she heard his voice, she felt her heart skip a beat.
“How about lunch?” he suggested.
I know a great place outside of town.
Savannah should have refused.
She should have said that yesterday was a mistake.
Instead, she agreed to meet him in an hour.
The restaurant was a 20-minut drive from town on the shore of a small lake.
The place was cozy and secluded, perfect for a romantic date.
Over lunch, Trey was even more charming than the day before.
He told funny stories from his travels and asked about her life, her dreams, her plans.
“You’re special, Savannah,” he said, leaning across the table.
“There’s something unusual about you.
It’s as if you were made for something more than this quiet provincial life.
” No one had ever said such words to her before.
David loved her, but he took their marriage for granted.
Trey, on the other hand, looked at her as if she were the most desirable woman in the world.
After dinner, he suggested they go to his place.
Savannah knew where this would lead, but she couldn’t refuse.
His motel room on the outskirts of town was small and modest, but when he closed the door behind them and took her in his arms, the whole world ceased to exist.
What happened between them that day changed everything.
The passion Savannah had never felt with her husband overwhelmed her.
In Trey’s arms, she felt like a completely different woman, wild, free, desired.
Returning home in the evening, she made dinner and greeted David from work as usual.
He talked about his day, complained about problems with a new project, and she nodded and smiled, feeling like an impostor in her own life.
Thus began 4 months of a double life.
Savannah met with Trey at every opportunity.
When David was at work, when he was away on business trips, when she was supposedly working extra shifts at the restaurant, Trey extended his stay in the city, renting a room at the same motel.
Their meetings were passionate and dangerous.
Trey was completely different from David, unpredictable, impulsive, living for the moment.
He might call in the middle of the day and suggest going to a neighboring town just for fun.
He might show up at her work with a bouquet of wild flowers.
He could make love to her for hours, then suddenly pack up and leave on business for a few days.
Savannah knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn’t stop.
Trey awakened something in her that she had never suspected before.
With him, she felt alive, desired, special.
The only person who knew about her affair was Kesha Brown, her best friend since childhood.
Kesha worked as a nurse at a local clinic and had always been known for her common sense.
One evening, as they sat in Savannah’s kitchen drinking tea, Savannah couldn’t hold back any longer and told her everything.
“Are you crazy?” was Kesha’s first reaction.
Savannah, do you realize what you’re getting yourself into? I realized that for the first time in a long time, I feel alive, Savannah replied, stirring sugar into her tea.
David is a good man, but I feel like I’m falling asleep when I’m with him.
David loves you.
He works tirelessly to provide for both of you.
And what is this, Trey? A courier with no permanent address.
He’s not like that, Savannah objected.
He’s free.
He lives the way he wants.
I feel different around him.
Kesha shook her head.
Savannah, I’ve known you for 20 years.
That’s not like you.
You’re responsible, reliable.
What’s going on with you? Maybe I’m just tired of being responsible, Savannah said quietly.
Maybe I want to do what I want for once in my life, not what I have to.
What if David finds out? He won’t find out.
What if this Trey guy dumps you? You do realize you have no future together, right? He doesn’t even live in our city permanently.
Savannah was silent.
She knew Kesha was right.
She knew that sooner or later Trey would leave and it would all be over.
But she didn’t want to think about that.
She just wanted to live for today to enjoy the happiness that this romance gave her.
Stop this before it’s too late.
Kesha insisted.
You have a good life, a good husband.
Don’t ruin everything for a momentary infatuation.
But Savannah couldn’t stop.
Every meeting with Trey was like a drug.
She lied to David, making up non-existent extra shifts, meetings with friends, shopping trips.
David trusted her and never checked her words.
Trey became increasingly possessive.
He demanded that she spend more time with him and got angry when she couldn’t see him because of plans with her husband.
They had several serious arguments after which Savannah promised herself she would never see him again.
But as soon as he called and said a few sweet words, she ran back to him.
Four months flew by in a blur.
Savannah was torn between two worlds.
A stable, predictable life with David and turbulent, passionate encounters with Trey.
She lost weight, became nervous, and often caught her husband’s worried glances.
You’ve been acting strange lately, he said one evening as they watched TV.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
Or do you need a break? Everything’s fine, Savannah replied quickly.
I’m just tired from work.
David didn’t insist.
He never insisted, always trusting her words.
And that made Savannah feel even worse.
She knew she couldn’t go on living like this.
She knew that sooner or later everything would come out.
But every time she decided to end it all, Trey would reappear in her life, and she would forget all her sensible arguments.
Tuesday was particularly hot for the beginning of October.
The air conditioners at Magnolia Restaurant were running at full capacity, but it was still stifling.
Savannah had been feeling unwell since morning.
Her head was spinning, her stomach felt queasy, and the smell of grilled meat, which had previously seemed appetizing, now made her nauseous.
She tried not to show her discomfort, but by lunchtime, it became really difficult.
Carrying an order to a table by the window, Savannah suddenly felt her legs buckle.
The tray of plates wobbled in her hands, and she barely managed to put it down on the nearest table before the world around her began to spin.
Savannah, what’s wrong? A colleague rushed over, supporting her by the arm.
You’re as white as a sheet.
Nothing, just hot, Savannah muttered, grabbing the back of a chair.
But the next second, she threw up right on the floor.
The restaurant manager, an elderly man named Ronald Hill, immediately sent her home.
“Go see a doctor,” he insisted.
“And don’t come back until you’re better.
We don’t need sick employees.
” Savannah wanted to argue.
She needed the money, but another wave of nausea made her agree.
After getting home by bus, she went to bed and tried to sleep, but sleep wouldn’t come.
Disturbing thoughts swirled in her head.
She had been feeling unwell for a week.
At first, she blamed it on stress.
Leading a double life was not easy, and the constant lying and secrecy were wearing on her nerves.
But now lying in bed and listening to her body, Savannah began to suspect something else.
When David came home from work, he found his wife pale and silent.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
“Ronald called and said, “You weren’t feeling well at work.
” “I probably ate something bad,” Savannah lied.
“Or caught a virus,” David frowned.
Maybe you should see a doctor.
Dr. Reeves is seeing patients until 7:00.
I’ll take you.
Savannah wanted to refuse, but realized it would look suspicious.
Besides, she really needed to know what was wrong with her.
Okay, she agreed.
Dr. Reeves had a small clinic in the city center.
He was a gray-haired man in his 60s who had been treating Savannah since she was a child.
He listened carefully to her complaints, examined her, and took some tests.
“The results will be ready tomorrow at lunchtime,” he said.
“But I can already guess what the problem is.
” “When was your last period, Savannah?” The question hit her like a bolt of lightning.
Savannah began feverishly counting the days, the weeks, and realized that she was already more than a month late.
How could she not have noticed? I I don’t remember exactly, she mumbled.
I see.
Dr. Reeves nodded.
Come back tomorrow for the results, but I recommend you start taking prenatal vitamins now just in case.
Savannah was silent the whole way home.
While David enthusiastically made plans, “Can you imagine if it’s what I think it is? We’ve wanted a baby for so long.
Remember how we talked about it last year?” Savannah remembered they had indeed discussed children and David had really wanted to be a father, but that was before Trey, before her life had been split in two.
At home, she locked herself in the bathroom and tried to calculate the exact dates.
The last time she and David had been intimate was more than 2 months ago.
Their sex life had almost disappeared since the beginning of her affair with Trey.
And with Trey, they had been seeing each other regularly, and they weren’t always careful.
The night passed in agonizing reflection.
Savannah lay next to her peacefully sleeping husband and realized that her world was falling apart.
If she was indeed pregnant, and everything pointed to that, then the child was almost certainly Trey’s.
The next day, she went to the clinic alone.
David offered to go with her, but Savannah insisted that she could handle it herself.
“Dr. Reeves greeted her with a smile.
” “Congratulations, Savannah,” he said, handing her the test results.
“You’re pregnant.
It looks like you’re about 8 weeks along.
” “Seeks,” Savannah quickly calculated that this coincided exactly with the time of her affair with Trey.
There was no doubt left.
Is is that for sure? She asked, her voice trembling.
Absolutely.
Congratulations from me and David.
I know how much he wanted to be a father.
Dr. Reeves smiled radiantly.
I’ll schedule an appointment for you next week to discuss all the details of managing your pregnancy.
Leaving the clinic, Savannah got into her car and cried.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she frantically tried to figure out what to do next.
She needed to talk to someone, to confide in someone.
Kesha was at work, but Savannah couldn’t wait until evening.
She drove straight to the hospital where her friend worked.
She found her during her lunch break in the staff break room.
Savannah, what are you doing here? And why do you look like that? Kesha was immediately alarmed when she saw her friend’s red eyes.
I need to talk to you urgently.
They went out to a small garden behind the hospital.
Savannah told her everything about feeling unwell, about visiting the doctor, and about the test results.
Kesha listened silently, her face growing more and more serious.
8 weeks, she repeated when Savannah finished.
When was the last time you were with David? more than two months ago.
Savannah whispered, “Kesha, what should I do? I’ve made such a mess.
” Kesha took a deep breath.
Savannah, I warned you.
I told you it would end badly.
I know.
You were right.
I’m an idiot, but that doesn’t matter now.
Tell me what to do.
There’s only one way out, Kesha said.
Seriously.
You have to tell David the truth.
The whole truth.
Are you crazy? Savannah shook her head in horror.
It will destroy our marriage.
David will never forgive me.
What do you suggest? Pass off someone else’s child as his? Savannah, think about it.
David is not stupid.
Sooner or later, he will figure it out anyway.
Maybe he won’t.
Savannah replied uncertainly.
People sometimes look like their stepfathers.
That’s crazy.
Kesha shook her head.
Are you going to build your whole future on a lie? What if this Trey finds out? What if he wants to see the child? Savannah hadn’t thought about that.
Trey didn’t even know she was pregnant.
What if he really did want to claim paternity? I can’t tell David, she said firmly.
I can’t hurt him like that.
He wants a child so badly.
Savannah, I have to end things with Trey today and I can’t tell anyone who the real father is.
Kesha looked at her friend for a long time, then sighed heavily.
“I can’t support you in this.
What you’re planning to do is wrong.
David has a right to know the truth.
Then I’ll do it myself,” Savannah said and headed for the door.
An excited David was waiting for her at home.
“Well, what did the doctor say?” He met her right in the hallway.
Savannah looked into his hopeful eyes and realized she couldn’t destroy his dreams.
We’re going to be parents,” she said quietly.
David’s joy was boundless.
He grabbed her in his arms, spun her around the room, laughing and crying at the same time.
“I can’t believe it.
We’ve waited so long for this.
I’ll be the best father in the world.
I promise.
” Looking at his happy face, Savannah felt her heart break with pain.
She had given him this joy with a lie, but taking it away now was beyond her power.
In the evening when David fell asleep hugging her and whispering plans for their future child, Savannah wrote a message to Trey.
We need to meet tomorrow at 6 at our usual cafe.
It’s important Trey replied quickly.
I miss you.
See you soon, beautiful.
Savannah turned off her phone and tried to sleep.
Tomorrow she would have to end the most passionate romance of her life.
And that thought caused her no less pain than the realization of her own deception.
The next day, Trey was waiting for her at the cafe, charming and confident as usual.
He stood up to kiss her, but Savannah pulled away.
“Something wrong?” He frowned, sitting down opposite her.
“Trey, we need to talk.
” Savannah began clasping her hands on the table.
“What we had, it has to end.
” The smile disappeared from his face.
What are you talking about? I can’t live like this anymore.
The constant lies, the deception.
It’s not right.
I have a husband, a family.
I have to choose.
And you’re choosing him? A cold note crept into Trey’s voice.
Yes, Savannah said quietly.
I’m sorry.
Trey was silent for a long minute, then suddenly slammed his fist on the table.
The coffee cups clattered.
“You can’t just take it and leave me.
Not after everything we’ve been through.
Trey, please don’t make this difficult.
Don’t make this difficult.
” He leaned toward her across the table, and Savannah saw a rage in his eyes she had never seen before.
For 4 months, you said you loved me, that there was nothing between you and your husband, and now you’ve suddenly decided to go back to him.
I was honest with you from the beginning, Savannah protested.
You knew I was married.
I knew, but I thought it was temporary, that you would leave him for me.
People in the cafe began to turn around to listen to their conversation.
Savannah felt her cheeks flush.
Trey, lower your voice.
No.
He raised his voice even more.
You played with me.
You used me for fun and now you’re throwing me away like a boring toy.
That’s not true.
Then what? What changed? A week ago, you couldn’t keep your hands off me.
Savannah couldn’t tell him the truth about her pregnancy.
That would only complicate the situation.
I just realized that this can’t go on.
It’s ruining my life.
Trey stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair.
Your life? What about mine? Do you think it was easy for me to stay in this dump for you? I turned down good jobs and lost money.
I didn’t ask you to do that, Savannah said quietly.
You didn’t? He smiled.
But there was nothing funny about it.
Every day you told me how unhappy you were with your husband, how you dreamed of freedom, and I believed I was helping you.
Trey leaned so close to her that Savannah could feel his breath.
You know what, Savannah? This isn’t over.
I’m not the kind of guy who gives up so easily.
What do you mean? But Trey was already walking toward the exit without looking back.
Savannah remained seated in the cafe, trembling from what she had heard.
There was a threat in his last words, and she was afraid of what she might have done.
7 months flew by faster than Savannah could have imagined.
Her belly had grown round, and she could no longer hide her pregnancy.
David was the most caring husband in the world.
He bought her vitamins, cooked healthy meals, read books on parenting, and enthusiastically discussed plans for the future.
Savannah worked at the restaurant until her seventh month.
And then David insisted that she go on maternity leave.
“You need to take care of yourself and the baby,” he said, kissing her on the forehead.
“I’ll take care of the expenses.
” Over the months, Savannah gradually convinced herself that the baby was really David’s.
She had so carefully pushed out the memories of Trey, played the role of the happy pregnant wife so diligently that she almost believed her own lie.
almost sometimes lying in bed late at night with David sleeping peacefully beside her.
She thought of Trey, of his hands, his kisses, the fire he ignited in her.
But these memories were painful, and Savannah tried to chase them away as quickly as possible.
There had been no word from Trey since that day in the cafe.
Savannah even began to think that he had left town.
Perhaps he had found a new job, a new woman.
The thought brought both relief and a strange sadness.
At the beginning of the ninth month, Savannah’s mother, Gloria Miller, came to stay with them.
She was an energetic 52-year-old woman who had taken time off work to help her daughter prepare for the birth.
Gloria was thrilled about her upcoming grandchild.
She had already bought a crib, a stroller, and mountains of clothes and toys.
“I can’t wait to hold him,” she said, stroking Savannah’s belly.
“He’ll be as handsome as his daddy.
” David smiled shily at such compliments.
“He was indeed a handsome man, tall, slim, with regular features and kind brown eyes.
” Savannah often found herself wondering what the baby would look like.
Would he take after David, or would Trey’s features be stronger? Gloria set about decorating the nursery with the enthusiasm of a general planning a military operation.
She repainted the walls a soft yellow, universal for a boy or girl, rearranged the furniture, and hung pictures of bears and bunnies.
David helped her, and they spent hours discussing where to put the changing table and how to organize the storage of baby things.
Savannah watched their efforts with tenderness and pain at the same time.
These people were so sincerely happy about the child, so in love with him even before he was born, and she had deceived them all.
You know, Gloria said one evening as they sat in the kitchen drinking tea.
I’m so glad you have such a good husband.
David will be a wonderful father.
Yes, Savannah agreed quietly.
He really is good.
Do you remember how you used to say when you were a teenager that you would never get married? Gloria laughed.
That all men were the same and boring.
And now look at you.
Married to a wonderful man expecting a baby.
Life is so unpredictable.
Savannah nodded but felt a bitter irony in her heart.
If only her mother knew how unpredictable her life had actually turned out to be.
The days dragged on slowly.
Savannah read books, watched TV, and walked in the park with her mother.
David called everyday from work, asking how she was feeling and if anything had started.
The expected date of delivery was set for the end of March.
One evening in early March, Savannah went to the grocery store to buy milk.
David offered to go with her, but she insisted that she could manage on her own.
She wanted to be alone for a while to breathe some fresh air.
As she left the store, she saw a familiar silhouette standing next to a black motorcycle in the parking lot.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Trey was leaning against his Harley staring straight at her.
Savannah froze, clutching the milk carton.
Trey hadn’t changed.
Same leather jacket, same confident movements.
But there was something new in his gaze, something dark and frightening.
He didn’t approach her, just stared.
Savannah hurried to her car, feeling her hands tremble.
As she got behind the wheel, she glanced fertively in the rear view mirror.
Trey was still standing in the same spot.
She checked her mirrors all the way home, but there was no motorcycle following her.
At home, Savannah said nothing to David or her mother.
Maybe it was a coincidence.
Maybe Trey just happened to be at the same store on business.
But 2 days later, she saw him again.
This time, he was sitting in a car across from their house when she returned from a walk with her mother.
Gloria was saying something about her colleagues, but Savannah wasn’t listening.
All her attention was focused on the dark figure behind the wheel of the old pickup truck.
“Savannah, are you listening to me?” her mother asked.
“Yes, of course,” Savannah replied quickly, turning away from the window.
The next day, Trey showed up at the clinic where Savannah had a doctor’s appointment.
She noticed him as she was leaving after her examination.
He was smoking near his motorcycle, and when their eyes met, he nodded slowly to her.
Savannah realized it was no coincidence.
Trey was deliberately following her.
But what did he want? And why had he shown up now when she was so close to giving birth? That evening, while David was working late and Gloria was out shopping, Savannah decided to deal with the situation.
She couldn’t live in constant fear, looking over her shoulder.
She picked up her phone and texted Trey.
We need to talk.
The reply came a few minutes later.
The park by the lake.
In an hour, Savannah hesitated.
Meeting with Trey in her condition was foolish and dangerous, but she couldn’t ignore him either.
who knows what he was capable of.
The park by the lake was a 10-minute drive from her house.
In the evening, it was almost deserted.
Savannah parked near the main path and saw Trey sitting on a bench by the water.
He stood up when she approached and his gaze fell on her rounded belly.
Something flashed in his eyes that Savannah couldn’t quite read.
“Well, well,” he said slowly.
“You didn’t mention you were pregnant.
Trey, what are you doing? Why are you following me? Following you? He smirked.
I just live in this town.
I have a right to be here.
You disappeared for 7 months and now you’re suddenly back.
That’s not a coincidence.
Trey moved closer and Savannah instinctively stepped back.
You know what’s interesting, Savannah? I did the math.
7 months ago, you left me and now you’re 9 months pregnant.
Savannah’s heart began to beat faster.
What are you getting at? That math is an exact science.
His voice became cold.
And I’m not the fool you think I am.
I don’t understand what you’re talking about.
You understand very well.
Trey grabbed her arm.
It’s my child, isn’t it? That’s why you left me.
Savannah tried to break free, but his grip was strong.
Let go of me.
You’re wrong.
Don’t lie to me.
He pulled her closer.
I remember the last time we were intimate.
I remember every day, every night, and that’s when this child was conceived.
David is the father of my child, Savannah said with difficulty.
Now, let me go and leave me alone.
Trey looked at her for a long time, then suddenly let go.
Fine, he said quietly.
Have it your way.
Goodbye.
But know this, Savannah.
I’m not going anywhere.
And when the baby is born, we’ll talk some more.
About what? About you being with me.
You and my son.
You’re crazy.
Savannah whispered.
I’m married.
I have a family.
A family? He laughed.
But it was a cruel laugh.
A family built on lies.
How long do you think you can hide the truth from that simpleton? Trey, no.
Listen to me carefully.
He leaned toward her.
I’ll give you time until the birth.
Before then, you’ll tell your husband the truth and come to me.
Otherwise, I’ll tell him everything myself.
You wouldn’t dare.
I will.
And you know what else? I’ll demand a paternity test.
Let the whole town know what a liar you are.
Savannah felt her legs buckle.
Trey could destroy her whole life with one conversation with David.
Destroy the happiness of her husband who had been so looking forward to the baby.
Why are you doing this? She whispered.
Why do you want a child? You never wanted children.
Whether I want it or not doesn’t matter.
What matters is that it’s mine and no one has the right to take my son away from me.
What if it’s a girl? Then a daughter, he shrugged.
It’s still my child.
Trey turned and walked to his motorcycle at the car.
He turned around.
Think about what I said, Savannah.
You have time until the birth.
After that, I’ll start taking more drastic measures.
I won’t forgive you for this betrayal.
Savannah stood by the lake, shivering with fear and cold.
Her perfect plan was falling apart.
Trey knew the truth and sooner or later he would reveal it.
David and Gloria were waiting for her at home watching TV and discussing baby strollers.
Seeing Savannah’s pale face, David became concerned.
What’s wrong? You look terrible.
I’m just tired.
She lied.
I guess I walk too long.
Go lie down, Gloria said.
You need to save your strength.
But Savannah couldn’t sleep.
She lay in bed listening to David’s peaceful breathing and tried to think of a way out of the situation.
Could she convince Trey to leave her alone, offer him money? But she and David didn’t have much in savings.
Or maybe she should tell her husband the truth.
But Savannah imagined his face when he found out about the affair and realized she couldn’t do it.
The next few days were tense.
Trey didn’t show up again, but Savannah was constantly waiting for him to appear.
She was afraid to leave the house alone and flinched at every ring of the phone.
Gloria noticed her nervousness.
“Honey, it’s normal to be anxious before giving birth.
” “But you’re too tense.
Maybe you should talk to your doctor about sedatives.
” “No, everything’s fine,” Savannah replied.
“I’m just waiting for it all to be over.
” And then it finally happened.
On March 27th, around 3:00 in the morning, Savannah was awakened by a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.
At first, she thought it was the false contractions that had been tormenting her for the past few weeks, but the pain intensified and became regular.
“David,” she called softly to her husband.
“I think it’s starting.
” David woke up instantly.
“What? Labor? Are you sure?” “Yes, I think so.
” Savannah squeezed his hand during another contraction.
David jumped out of bed and began frantically gathering things.
He was so nervous that he dropped the bag of baby things they had prepared in advance several times.
Gloria woke up from the noise and immediately took control of the situation.
David, calm down, she said sternly.
Savannah, how often are the contractions? Every 7 minutes, Savannah replied, looking at her watch.
Then we have time.
David, start the car.
I’ll help Savannah get dressed.
The drive to the hospital took 15 minutes.
David drove carefully, constantly asking how she was doing.
Gloria sat in the back with Savannah, holding her hand and reassuring her.
In the maternity ward, they were met by the nurse on duty.
Savannah was immediately taken to a room, and David had to wait in the hallway.
Men were not allowed to be present during childbirth.
The labor lasted 6 hours.
These were the most painful and at the same time the most important hours of Savannah’s life.
When the newborn’s cry finally rang out, she felt incredible relief.
“It’s a boy,” announced the midwife, showing her the red, wrinkled baby.
“A healthy, strong boy,” Savannah cried with happiness and exhaustion.
When they placed her son on her chest, she felt such a rush of love that everything else ceased to exist.
This was her child, her son.
And no matter who his father was, she would love him more than life itself.
David was allowed into the room half an hour later.
His face lit up with happiness when he took his son in his arms.
“He’s so small,” he whispered, afraid to breathe.
and so beautiful.
Who does he look like? Savannah looked closely at the baby.
Newborns often don’t look like anyone in particular, but she thought she saw something of Trey in her son’s features.
Or was it just her imagination? You, she said to David.
Definitely you.
David broke into a smile.
You think? I think he has your nose by evening.
Gloria and Kesha came to the room to congratulate them.
Kesha was silent for a long time looking at the baby.
And Savannah was worried that her friend might suspect something, but Kesha just said, “He’s a beautiful boy.
” “What will you name him?” “Jaden,” David replied.
“Jaden West.
” Savannah and I chose that name a long time ago.
Gloria was delighted with her grandson.
She was already planning how she would babysit him, buy him toys, and take him to the park.
“I’ll take more time off,” she announced.
I’ll help you out for the first few months.
In the evening, when the visitors had left and the baby was sleeping in his crib next to the bed, Savannah lay looking at the ceiling.
The birth had gone well.
The baby was healthy.
The family was happy.
Maybe everything would be fine.
Maybe Trey wouldn’t ruin their lives.
But those hopes were dashed around 10:00 that night.
Savannah was dozing when she heard quiet footsteps in the hallway.
The door to the room slowly opened and a familiar head poked through the crack.
Trey Savannah’s heart pounded with horror.
How did he get into the hospital? Visiting hours were over.
All the entrances should have been locked.
Trey quietly entered the room, closing the door behind him.
He was dressed in dark clothes and moved cautiously like a thief.
Approaching the crib, he stared at the sleeping baby for a long time.
Beautiful boy, he whispered.
My son, go away, Savannah hissed, trying to get out of bed.
Get out of here now.
Quiet, Trey turned to her.
You’ll wake the baby.
What are you doing here? How did you get in? Through the service entrance, the guard went out for a smoke.
Trey smirked.
I told you we’d talk again.
Savannah tried to reach for the nurse call button, but Trey quickly grabbed her hand.
Don’t, he said quietly.
We have things to discuss in private.
What is there to talk about? I gave birth.
The baby is healthy.
Now, leave us alone.
Leave.
Trey leaned over her.
Savannah, don’t you understand? This is my son, mine.
And I won’t let some stranger raise him.
David isn’t a stranger.
He’s my husband.
A husband who lives in deception.
Trey’s voice became harsh.
I gave you a chance to make the right choice, but you’re being stubborn.
Trey, please.
Savannah felt tears welling up in her eyes.
I beg you.
I have a family, a job, a whole life.
Don’t ruin everything.
What about my life? Do you think it’s easy for me to know that my child is growing up somewhere and I can’t see him? You can find another woman, have other children.
I don’t want others.
Trey suddenly raised his voice, then caught himself and lowered his tone.
I want this.
I want you and him.
Savannah realized that words would not help.
There was an obsession in Trey’s eyes that could not be reasoned with.
He had not come just to threaten her.
He had come to take what he believed was his.
“You know what? I’m willing to do, Trey continued, slowly approaching her.
I’ll tell your husband the truth.
I’ll demand a paternity test.
I’ll sue for visitation rights.
The court won’t give us anything, Savannah said desperately.
David is listed as the father on the documents.
Documents can be challenged, and the truth always comes out.
Trey sat down on the edge of her bed, and Savannah smelled his cologne, which had once driven her crazy.
Now it seemed suffocating.
“I don’t want any of this,” he said almost tenderly.
“I don’t want courts and scandals.
I want us to be a family.
You, me, and Jaden.
” “How did you find out his name?” “I heard the nurse say it.
” Trey shrugged.
“It’s a beautiful name.
” “I would have chosen the same one he reached out and touched her cheek.
” Savannah recoiled, but there was nowhere to go.
Don’t touch me.
You used to love my touch, Trey whispered.
Remember how happy we were? It can be that way again.
No, Savannah said firmly.
Never.
Something changed in his face.
The tenderness disappeared, replaced by cold fury.
“Then you’re choosing the hard way.
” “Trey,” he suddenly grabbed her by the throat.
His fingers tightened around her neck, and Savannah felt her breath catch.
If you’re not with me, you won’t be with anyone,” he hissed.
Savannah tried to scream, but her voice wouldn’t work.
She scratched his hands, tried to push him away, but she was too weak after giving birth.
Trey squeezed harder, and the world began to blur before her eyes.
In the last seconds of consciousness, Savannah managed to think of her son, that he would be left an orphan, that David would never know the truth, that her lies had led to this terrible end.
Trey held her by the throat for a few more minutes after her body went limp.
Then he slowly unclenched his fingers and stood up.
Walking over to the crib, he took one last look at the sleeping baby.
Goodbye, son,” he whispered and quietly left the room.
Savannah West’s body was discovered by a nurse during her nightly rounds at 2:00 in the morning.
The baby slept peacefully in his crib, unaware that he had become an orphan.
