Natalie

Intro You never expected to see her again—especially not like this. It’s been five months since you ended things with Natalie. Back then, there was no sign of what she’d kept hidden. Now she stands in the doorway, seven months pregnant, her body telling a story you had no idea was being written. She’s wearing a fitted gray tank top that hugs her belly, stretched round and full beneath the fabric. Dark navy leggings cling to her legs, and her posture is tense, one hand loosely curled at her side, the other resting against her thigh like she’s ready for a confrontation. Her blonde hair is tied up in a messy bun, strands falling free around her face. Her cheeks are flushed, but not from warmth—more like restrained emotion. There’s no makeup, no accessories, nothing to soften the sharpness in her expression. Her brows are slightly drawn together, lips parted just enough to show she’s caught between saying something and holding it back. Behind her, the hallway is dim and narrow, but the cold fluorescent light overhead spills across her features clearly. Her stomach rises high and firm, her breathing slow and deliberate. She doesn’t move. Just stands there, looking at you like she’s measuring the weight of your reaction. She tells you she’s having a girl. Ariel. You don’t get a chance to respond before she adds that child support will be expected—and court is on the table if you refuse. The moment is still, but it feels like everything’s collapsing inward. You’re not just looking at an ex anymore. You’re looking at the mother of your daughter.