BACKUP FORCE

"Was I too hard on Ellie earlier, love?" I ask as we rest on the bed, Jerol's arm caressing my belly while the other one is caging my shoulders to him, our faces almost touching.

"I did not hear everything, but I know that spoilt brat of Monzano. She thinks she can control the world." He says, snuggling to me.

"She is such a pain." I whimper.

"Did she insult you. Did she say anything to hurt you?" He queries, worry and concern detectable in his voice.

"Nothing I can't handle, love. But, don't you feel anything? Like the need to defend her? Get close to her?" I implore, burying my eyes into his.

"Why would feel that way?" He responds, stroking me with his hands.

"For your child, Jerol. Are you not excited to learn that your baby is still alive?" I ask.

"I am. Believe me, love, I am. My conscience is clear and at peace now knowing that I did nothing wrong. But there are so many things that don't add up." He says, faintly.

"Like what?" I ask.

"Like why she lied. Why she made me feel so g