Mark had continued to reach out occasionally, but his messages had grown shorter, less emotional. Eventually, they stopped. Through therapy, Laura learned that love without respect isn’t love—it’s dependency. She began working part-time from home, saving money, and planning a future that revolved around stability, not fear.

One afternoon, while shopping for baby supplies, she saw Mark across the parking lot. He looked different—tired, older. Their eyes met briefly. He walked over, hesitantly. “You look good,” he said softly. “How’s the baby?”

“She’s doing great,” Laura replied, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. “I’m doing great, too.”

He nodded, tears glistening. “I still regret that night,” he said. “Every time I drive that car, I remember what I did.”

Laura offered a small smile. “Then let it remind you to treat the next person better,” she said, turning away before the conversation could reopen old wounds.