Chapter 1: The Dinner That Was Never About Peace
My Mother-In-Law kicked my pregnant belly, but my husband's next sentence hurt more than the blow ever could.
I was eight months pregnant when my mother-in-law, Diane, invited us to Sunday dinner at her house outside Chicago.
I almost stayed home because my back was aching, but my husband, Ryan, begged me to come.
"Just one peaceful dinner," he said.
It stopped being peaceful before dessert.
Diane started criticizing everything I did.
"You're gaining too much weight."
I ignored her.
Then she looked at my stomach and laughed.
"Hopefully the baby takes after Ryan."
"Mom, enough," I said softly.
Her expression changed immediately.
"Excuse me?"
Ryan stared down at his plate.
I stood up because I didn't want another argument.
Diane stepped directly in front of me.
"You don't walk away while I'm talking."
"Please move."
She shoved my shoulder.
I stumbled backward and grabbed the table.
"Diane, I'm pregnant!"
"I know exactly what you are."
Then she lifted her foot and k*cked me hard in the stomach.
I collapsed beside the dining table.
A sharp pain ripped through my abdomen.
"Ryan!" I screamed.
He rushed over, but he didn't confront his mother.
Instead, he crouched beside me and whispered, "Why do you always provoke her?"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Your mother just k*cked your baby."
Diane crossed her arms.
"She's being dramatic."
Then I felt something warm running down my leg.
Ryan's face suddenly went pale.
Before anyone could move, my father-in-law, Michael, walked in holding his phone.
He looked at Diane, then at Ryan.
"I heard everything."
Diane froze.
Michael turned the phone screen toward us.
"And the camera recorded what you two planned before she arrived."
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What did Ryan and Diane plan before she got there?
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