Note: This chapter has some violence in it that may be triggers for some.


10 Weeks Pregnant:

Mellie is sitting at her desk in her office. Richard comes in to talk to her. She's sitting and rubbing her stomach.

"Are you ready with your brief?" Richard asks.

"Yes I am. I am hoping this is it for this case. I can't believe we had to go back to the table with this," Mellie answers.

"Yeah but you were a hard ass. You pushed it out of them. Amazing job!"

"Thanks," she says but she stops for a moment and takes a breath.

"What's wrong?" Richard asks.

"Excuse me," she says as she runs to her bathroom to throw up. Richard is listening. After a few moments she comes back out and sits in her seat.

"Are you okay?" Richard asks.

"I'm fine! I'm just pregnant," she answers.

"You are pregnant," Richard asks.

"Yes I am, 10 weeks," Mellie says.

"Congratulations! Congratulations! Is Fitz over the moon?"

"It's a shock of course and we weren't trying to get pregnant but it's going to be great for us. We are going to tell the kids after I have my 12 week check up. We just wanted to get past the 12 weeks," Mellie says.

"What does this mean for your partnership? You know they are going to announce that any day now. You are practically a shoe in."

"Well, it definitely puts a wrench in things but I think this will be good for our family," Mellie says as she looks over at the perfect family photo that sits on the desk.

"Well, I'm not worried about you. You can handle it all. You are a superwoman," Richard says. "That's what I always liked about you," he flirts.

She turns her head to the side, "You always had a way with words."

"Well it's not the only thing I like about you but I've told you that many times."

"I am a pregnant and married woman Richard," Mellie says. "Highly inappropriate for us to be…"

"Flirting," Richard says. "Flirting is very harmless."

"It's still not right," Mellie answers.

"Every time we made it out, it was good for both of us."

"You don't have to remind me but I am not going to cheat on my husband," Mellie says.

"I am not asking you to. I am just asking you to be honest with yourself. You've felt something special for me for some time."

"What does it matter?" Mellie answers.

"You know you never should have married Fitz. I mean he's a hell of a guy. Women seem to love him. He has money and processed hair. I guess he's perfect but he's not perfect for you," Richard says.

"We had one night together before I met Fitz. Let's just leave it there," Mellie pleads.

"Does Fitz know about us before him?" Richard asks.

"Of course he doesn't. You were married and that never should have happened."

"I guess not," Richard says.

"Which is why we need to leave the past in the past," Mellie answers.

He gets up from the seat, going to the door, "I guess I have to," he says as he leaves out.

Her secretary buzzes in, "Your husband is on line 1," she says.

Mellie answers quickly, "Fitz," she says.

"Hey! How are you feeling?"

She sparkles her teeth, "I'm okay. I'm throwing up every couple of hours. I've put out a memo for no coffee making until I'm locked in my office."

"This kid doesn't like a good cup of jo huh," Fitz jokes.

"No this kid doesn't," she answers. She likes this, when they can be relaxed with each other.

"How about you leave your car tonight? I'll pick you up. I'm already around your building," Fitz says.

"That sounds good. I got about another hour. Is that okay?" Mellie says.

"Yes, that's good. I'll wait around. Call me when you are ready." Fitz says.

"Thanks honey," she says. "I love you," Mellie says.

"Okay," Fitz answers as he hangs up. Not wanting to return the verbal affection.

Fitz hangs up the phone and takes a deep breath. He dials Charlie's number. "Have you found out anything yet?" Fitz says. "Damn," Fitz says. He shakes his head. "Damn," he says again. "Keep looking," Fitz finishes as he hangs up.


Liv is lying in bed. She's been sick the last few days with an unbelievable cold that's had her in bed. She had to cancel all her appointments for the week. April being the perfect secretary she is made her a big pot of soup that she swears will cure any cold. It's the perfect cold for welcoming in the Windy City's unbearably cold winters. Abby is bringing over some soup for her later.

Liv is watching a movie. She just added another blanket to her bed. Her phone rings. "Hello," she says with a groggy voice.

"Baby," Maya says.

Liv's response is a triple sneeze, "Hey Mom," she responds.

"Liv are you okay?"

"I've been better," Liv responds.

"Are you sick?" Maya asks.

"Just your average winter cold. This one is kicking my butt tho," Liv responds.

"Do you need to go to the hospital?"

"No, I am okay. I am trying to get over this fever. I think I should be okay," she says blowing her nose which seems to hurt as much as the sneeze.

"101, Livvie. Do I need to come down there? You need to eat. You need fluids and I doubt you feel like doing that yourself," Maya says.

"Momma I'm a big girl. April made me some soup. Abby is bringing me more. Abby filled up my fridge with water and juice. She put a tea station in my bedroom," Liv laughs through the cough.

"Do you have some vicks for your chest? You need to rub your chest down and put some socks on with some vicks under your feet," Maya gives the motherly advice she knows she better adhere to.

"I never understood the vicks under the feet," Liv responds.

"Well, it always worked on you didn't it?" Maya answers.

Liv laughs. She knows she can't argue with that. Her mom seems to always know what she needs no matter how far apart they are. "I will do it when I take a nice hot bath," Liv says.

"I'll let you get some sleep. You must be exhausted. I'll call and check on you later," Maya says.

"No it's good to talk to someone. Is daddy okay? How is Harrison and Quinn?"

"Your daddy is great. He's missing you like he always does. I think your brother is going to pop the question to Quinn," she answers.

Liv smiles. "That's the best news. I really like her and she keeps him in line."

"Yes! She will give him a kick in the ass when he needs it," Maya laughs. "What about you? What's going on with you and Fitz. Are you still not talking to him?"

"It's not that I don't want to. It's just hard for me to talk to him knowing what's going on. I can't see us having a chance. She's pregnant. She needs him. It's just complicated," Liv answers.

"Liv, I hate to suggest this," Maya starts carefully.

"Suggest what?" Liv asks.

"You said their marriage was basically hanging on by a thread when they started with you. You think she knew he wanted out and now she's pregnant."

"Purposely got pregnant," Liv shakes her head.

"I don't Mellie but women do it," Maya answers.

"That's very easy for her but they were having sex. I mean it seems she was the initiator but he went along with. Mother nature had other ideas for us. There's nothing I can do about that. If she planned it, it worked out well for her."

"You think if she did plan it that Fitz would be happy with it. I would think he would hate that she used him that way," Maya asks.

"Well, I am not going to put that idea in his head. It crossed my mind but…," Liv shakes her head.

"What is your heart telling you?"

"I don't think it matters what my heart is telling me," Liv answers.

"Yes it does baby. You deserve to be happy just as much as Mellie does. And if her happiness is a planned one, then," Maya tries to explain.

"Then what? I tell her she needs to give up and give me your husband. I don't think I am in the position to tell her that. I am the woman she trusted to keep her and her husband together," Liv answers. She knows her mother is right. She knows that Mellie is just desperate enough to have done exactly what she's been thinking in the back of her mind.

"I just want you to be happy. If that woman is scheming to keep her husband, then he deserves better than that too."

Liv begins to sneeze and sniffle into the phone. "I am going to get some sleep," Liv says. She doesn't want those thoughts in her head that things will work out.

"Okay, if you aren't getting any better. I am coming down there. I am going to check in with you and Abby okay?"

"Okay, love you Momma."

"Love you too! Feel better," Maya finishes as she hangs up.

Liv looks at her phone. She knows her mother is right about Mellie. She's been thinking it the whole time. Her mother is also right about how much she's hurting over this. She's heartbroken. She hates keeping him at a distance but the more she is with him, the harder it gets. This is the hardest decision she's ever made but she feels like she has to stick to it.


Fitz is still waiting for Mellie. He decides to go over and try to see if Liv will talk to him. He makes it over to her office. He gets to the all too familiar door and sees the note on the door.

Office Closed for the Week! Will resume office hours on Monday!

Fitz looks at the note. "What's going on?" He whispers as he walks away. He takes out his phone calling Liv again. Hoping she picks up this time.

Liv looks down at the phone. How quickly he throws her into a tailspin? She lets it ring but decides not to answer.

Fitz holds the phone there. "Come on Livvie pick up!" he says. He shakes his head. He knows they can't keep going in this circle they are in. He decides to leave a message, "I just miss hearing your voice. I am here at your office. Is anything wrong? Your office is closed all week. Anyway, I hope you are okay. I…" He stops himself and hangs up.

Liv sits and listens to the message. She takes a deep breath hearing his voice. She listens to what he has to say. She decides to call him back.

He picks up quickly, "Hi," he says.

"Hi," she answers.

"Are you okay?" Fitz says.

"I'm fine," she says shortly.

Fitz holds the phone. He knows she's not being honest. "Are you sure? I don't think you are. Are you in town?"

Liv is trying definitely to hold off her cough and her sneeze. "I'm in town," she says and begins to sneeze uncontrollably.

"Livvie," he says worriedly.

"I'm sorry, excuse me," she says as she begins to cough.

"You are sick."

"It's just a bad cold," she answers.. He can tell she's congested.

"How long have you been sick?"

"Don't worry about me."

"I'm coming over there," he says as he gets in his car.

"Fitz you cannot come over here. You know that. I've been doing good so far," she says. She feels her head which is very warm to the touch. She begins to cough again.

"I am coming over there. I'll bring some medicine and I'll make you some soup," Fitz says.

"Fitz you…." She clears her throat.

Fitz looks down at his phone, Mellie text to say she's ready. "Shit," he says.

"What?"

"I'm sorry! I forgot I have to…Mellie...," He shakes his head.

"Take care of your wife," she finishes for him.

He bites his lips, upset with himself. "Liv come on," he says.

"Fitz, Abby and April have been taking good care of me. I am taking my medicine. I'm getting better. You need to go take care of your wife and children," Liv says.

"I need to take care of you too," he interrupts her.

"No you don't. Your family needs you. I am not your responsibility," Liv says sternly.

"Livvie," he utters with desperation in his voice.

"Have a good evening Fitz," she says as she hangs up.

Fitz slams his hand on the steering wheel. He picks up his phone and calls Charlie.

"Yes boss!" Charlie answers.

"You have to find something," he says.

"I hate to tell you but your wife looks as clean as a whistle but I'll keep looking," Charlie answers.

"Thank you Charlie," Fitz says as he hangs up. He starts the car and goes to pick up his clean as a whistle wife.


Fitz and Mellie make it home. Fitz was deep in thought the whole drive home. Mellie was talking but he heard nothing she said. His mind was on one person, Olivia. He wasn't just worried because she is sick. He's worried because he can feel her slipping away. He can't expect her to wait for him. He has no idea how long this will take but he doesn't want to lose her. The inside of the Grant house is buzzing. Karen comes running to Fitz when they make it in.

"Daddy," she says.

"Hey Bug," he says, picking her up and giving her a kiss. "How was your day today?"

"It was good. Daddy can I go over to Molly's house for a sleepover tomorrow?" Karen asks.

"It depends! Will you give daddy a big hug? He could sure use one," Fitz says as they hug.

Gerry walks in the room with his earbuds in his ear. He goes in the refrigerator, "Hello Gerry," Mellie says.

Fitz taps his shoulder, "Your mother said hello," Fitz says.

"Hey mom," he says he goes back into the fridge.

"Hey dad or hey old man would be nice," Fitz finishes to him.

"Hey dad," Gerry says.

"I remember when he was a mama's boy," Mellie says.

"It's called the beginning of puberty. You have a few more years of that attitude to get through.," Fitz laughs.

Gerry turns to Fitz and Mellie, "I need to pay for my hockey gear," he says.

"Your dad will take care of it," Mellie says.

"I'll take care of it," Fitz says as he grabs a bottle of water out of the fridge.

Fitz just sits for a second and takes stock of his two children. If someone walked in the room right now, they would think this was the perfect family. This is the perfect family. But they are not perfect. He and Mellie talked about it again in the car. They want to wait until she makes the 12 week mark to tell them. Mellie hasn't told Fitz she hasn't been feeling the best and it's more than morning sickness. She doesn't want to think the worst but she's scared.

"I am going to go change my clothes," Mellie says.

"Okay," Fitz says. "Going to my office to check a few emails," he says as he goes toward his office quickly. Mellie shakes her head and goes upstairs. Fitz makes it to his office and texts Liv immediately.

Fitz: How are you feeling? He asks. He waits for her to give him a sign of life or a least that she's not indifferent to his concern.

Liv: Like a freight train hit my head. But I think the worst is over. I am sorry about earlier. It's just…

Fitz: I know. I am trying to fix this. I promise.

Liv: Don't make promises you can't keep. Have a good evening!

She hangs up. Fitz sits there deep in thought. He's looking at the divorce papers on his desk that hasn't been signed. He holds it up to read. He knows the papers have to be amended now that she's pregnant. How did he let himself get into this mess?

"You still have those," Mellie says. Fitz looks up to see her standing in the doorway. She looks to see where the kids are as she closes the door.

"Yes I still have these."

"We agreed that we weren't doing that," Mellie says as she sits.

"Mellie we didn't make any agreement on this. You announced you were pregnant."

"Which is what should have stopped you dead in your tracks for wanting to go on with this ridiculous thing," she responds.

He gets up, walking around the desk to where she is, "This thing I am going through with is reality. The reality is the thing. I'm not in love with you. I love you very much and I always will and you are the mother of my children. We can't live a lie."

"Fitz," Mellie says. She wasn't expecting this kind of honesty from him. Especially not right now.

"I am going to take care of our children. I am going to take care of you fairly. I just can't live like this," He explains.

"Live like what? A father, a family man and a husband," she rebutts.

"I can't try to make a marriage work that doesn't work. I am going to be there for every part of this baby's life," he says as he touches her stomach. "I am going to be there for our children. They are my responsibility and I love them."

"You don't love this baby. I don't want you to fake being in love with it," she says angrily.

"You are carrying my child. Of course I love it. Did we get pregnant at the worst time? Yes we did. But that doesn't mean I won't love my kid."

"I am going to go have dinner with the kids. You can do whatever you want," she says as she moves his hand and gets up and leaves. She stops and leans on the door when she closes it. The pain in her stomach has been building. She shakes her head, taking a deep breath.

Fitz feels like beating his head against the wall. He decides to do what he is expected to do for tonight. Be the perfect father, husband and family man. He goes and joins them for dinner that the nanny prepared.


The Next Morning:

Liv wakes up without a fever finally. She wasn't expecting what happened last night. Jake came over, not knowing she was sick, to sign some papers about putting the house up for sale. He stepped into 'husband'' mode. He gave her soup in bed. He tended to her every need. Now, she is asleep in Jake's arms. Last night she remembered what a nice guy he can be. Her fever finally broke and he was right there. Her cell phone rings and Jake hurriedly picks up, so it won't disturb her. The contact reads, "Studabaker."

He picks up, "Hello."

Fitz holds the phone. Not expecting to hear a man's voice on the other end. "Hello," Fitz answers.

Jake holds the phone, "Can I help you?"

"I thought I was calling Olivia Pope," Fitz says.

"You are! She's asleep. Can I help you with something?"

Fitz realizes it is Jake. He is more than confused now. What in the hell happened between yesterday and this morning? He quickly needs to come up with a lie. Before he can, Olivia wakes up.

She looks at Jake, "Who is that?" as she reaches for her phone. She looks at the phone and she sees Studabaker. "Hello," she says softly.

"What's going on?" He says.

"Thank you so much for finding that part for me," Liv says.

"Liv, what is going on. That's Jake isn't it?" He asks.

"Yes it is," she answers.

"Did you sleep with him?" Fitz says. He shakes his head after he does. He knew he had no right to ask.

"How much is going to cost?" She continues with the charade of the nature of their call.

"I am going to take that as a yes," Fitz says.

"You can bring it to my office next week," she says. She hopes for now he will just let it go. She's in no position to answer these questions right now to Jake. It will be more than enough of an issue to explain who Studabaker is.

"I'll call later. We need to talk," Fitz answers.

"Yes we do," she replies. "Thank you again," Liv says as she hangs up. She wants to throw her head back on the headboard in frustration but she can't make this any more awkward than it already is.

"Who was that?" Jake asks. "Why is his name Studabaker?"

"He fixes things," Liv says.

"Like what? I feel like I've heard that voice before."

"I'm sure he has one of those voices," Liv shrugs.

"At first I thought you were seeing him. Maybe he was a new guy in your life," Jake says.

Liv doesn't answer, she blows it off. "Thank you for last night. Thank you for everything."

"It felt good to hold you in my arms all night."

"Jake," she utters as he grabs her face and kisses her. The kiss becomes stronger and stronger. She lets herself give into it. She just needs to feel close to someone at this moment. The kiss doesn't feel right. The touch of his skin doesn't feel right. He's not Fitz and that's what she wants. She slowly pushes Jake away.

They are both breathing heavily. Jake looks at her, "Why are you stopping?"

"Because."

"Last night felt right. You asleep in my arms. I got to hear you breathe. You know how much I missed that."

"But it's not real Jake."

"Yes it was. You were restless and I would kiss your neck," he continues.

Liv shakes her head. "I was too tired to argue with you last night. That's why I let you stay. But Jake we can't go down this road. We can't become divorced lovers."

"Then let's not get divorced. We can just be married lovers," Jake answers.

She sits up in the bed. Her phone dings. She sees the text message, Is he still there? She looks at Jake. "I need to take this call. It is April." She hates herself even more for lying. "You need to go."

"No, I need to make sure you are okay. You need me."

"Thank you for last night, for staying with me. My fever broke and I'll be okay but you have to go," Liv tries to carefully explain.

He looks at her. He doesn't want to but he agrees. "Can I take a shower before I go? I found a pair of sweatpants and a shirt here."

"Sure," she says. He gets out of bed as she follows him with her eyes. She waits until he's in as she texts Fitz back. Yes he is.

Fitz: (Who was waiting anxiously for her, responds), What is going on?"

Liv: I'll explain later. He's taking a shower. I'll talk to you later.

Fitz doesn't respond. The image of the morning shower is stuck in his head. They had to have slept together. But why?


It's later on that evening. Fitz is waiting anxiously for Liv to call him. He's lying on the couch in the guest house watching television. There is a knock at his door. He walks over and opens to find Mellie standing there. She's in tears.

"What's wrong?" Fitz says.

"Something is wrong Fitz. I'm bleeding," Mellie says.

Fitz looks at her. She's holding her shoulder. She's never felt so much discomfort in her shoulder. Her stomach is in pain too. "Oh my God! We need to get you to hospital." He grabs a shirt and picks up his wallet and keys. He takes Mellie by the hand, leading her to the house. Mellie is bent over in pain.

"What about the kids?" Mellie says.

"They'll have to go with us," Fitz says as they get inside. He carefully sits Mellie on a seat. He flies upstairs and gets her something to wear. Mellie has made her way to the bathroom to try and clean up.

Fitz goes into Gerry's room. He shakes him lightly. "Son, you have to get up."

"Why dad?"

"We have to take your mother to the hospital. Change your clothes. We have to go right now," Fitz explains. Gerry jumps up rubbing his eyes, stumbling. He's still half asleep. He throws on some clothes.

Fitz makes it to Karen's room. "Hey sleepy head," he says.

"Daddy!"

"Hey we have to take mommy to the hospital. I need you to be a big girl and put on some clothes."

"Why?" Karen asks.

"So we can take mommy to the hospital. She's not feeling very well," he explains the best way he knows how.

Karen sits up as she slowly puts two feet on the ground. Fitz looks down. His phone is buzzing. It's Liv, trying to call him back. He can't answer her then. "Daddy can you pick my outfit?" Karen asks.

Fitz is trying to text Liv. He sends her a short message. On my way to the hospital with Mellie.

"Daddy," Karen says, trying to get his attention.

"Yes sweetheart."

"Can you pick my outfit?" She repeats, rubbing her eyes.

At that precise moment, Mellie yells for Fitz. Liv responds, What's wrong? Fitz doesn't have time to answer.

He finds an outfit for Karen. "Come on honey! Put it on and come downstairs we have to go."

He starts going down the stairs. He stops in Gerry's room. "Bring your sister down. Hurry! We have to go."

Mellie is yelling in pain, "Fitz…..Fitz…"

Fitz gets downstairs. Mellie is curled over on the couch, "I'm losing the baby. I know it."

Fitz gets down on one knee, "Listen, we will get you to the hospital and see what's wrong." Fitz can't answer Liv's text. He looks up to see Gerry and Karen in his view.

Karen becomes immediately upset seeing her mother's face twisted in pain and tears coming down her eyes. She starts to cry. "Daddy what's wrong with Mommy?"

Gerry looks at Fitz, "Dad," he says.

Fitz in this moment has to keep his wife and his children calm. He looks up at Mellie and then over to the kids, "Mommy is going to be fine. Let's all take her to the car." He finishes. Gerry and Fitz get Mellie to the car. Karen is insistent with questions.


They make it to the hospital. Mellie is rushed to the back to run some tests. Fitz calls Mellie's parents to tell them what's going on and he calls his parents. Gerry is playing with his game and Karen is laying in Fitz's laugh. His phone beeps again. He decides to call her.

"Hi," she answers quickly.

"Hi," he says as he strokes Karen's hair.

"What's wrong with Mellie?" Liv asks.

"They are running some tests. I don't know. She said she had shoulder pain and stomach pains. There was no blood. I don't know," Fitz says. She can tell he's worried.

"Are you okay?" She asks.

"Not really. For a lot of reasons," he looks down at his sleeping daughter and his son who is totally engrossed in his game/ He knows he has to choose his words wisely.. "I just..you know I don't want anything bad to happen. But.."

"I know..I know," Liv says.

"I feel like I'm drowning and I need…"

Liv can hear all the words he can't say. "I need you too," she says.

He takes a deep breath. That's all he needed to hear. "About earlier…"

She stops him, "Whatever you think happened. It didn't happen. He came over to give me some papers and saw I was sick and he stayed to help. Nothing happened."

"I wish I could have help," Fitz says.

"Hey, don't worry about me right now," she answers.

Karen looks up, "Daddy can I have a snack?," she says.

"You better go. Keep me up to date," Liv says.

"I will," Fitz says as he hangs up. He looks down at karen, "Let's go get you a snack." Just as he says this. His parents arrive.

"How is she son?" his mother asks.

"They haven't come out yet. We haven't been here that long," Fitz answers.

"Daddy, I want a snack," Karen repeats.

"How about you go with grandpa?" Big Gerry asks. He reaches for her hand.

Fitz and his mom watch as Big Gerry takes her away. "Are you okay son?"

"I will be," Fitz says as they take a seat.

"Hi Grandma," Gerry says.

"Can grandma have a hug?" she returns.

Gerry reaches over and hugs her. Mellie's parents arrive. They come rushing in with force you can only describe as agitated.

"There they are," Mellie's mom says motioning in their direction. "Fitz," she says.

He gets up to greet them. "Hey," he says.

"What did the doctor say?" Mellie's mom asks.

"Nothing yet! We are waiting."

The in-laws greet each other. Just as Big Gerry comes back with Karen. They all sit and wait. The nurse comes out.

"Mr. Grant, can you come with me?"

Fitz gets up and goes with the nurse. They get to the back. Mellie is lying in bed with the back of her hand on her forehead. Fitz comes in saying her name. She turns to him. Her eyes are red. Her nose is read. He goes straight to her bedside.

"Fitz it's bad," she says.

"Calm down!" Fitz says.

The doctor comes in. Fitz can see there is a worried look on his face. "So let's get right down to it," the doctor says.

"I lost the baby, didn't I?" Mellie says.

"No, you didn't," the doctor answers. Mellie grabs Fitz's hand and squeezes it as she takes out a deep breath.

"Okay," Fitz says. "But there is something wrong."

"Yes there is," the doctor answers.

Mellie's smile drops. "What's wrong?"

"You have an ectopic pregnancy," The doctor answers.

"What does that mean?" Fitz asks.

"The baby is growing in the fallopian tube," Doctor explains.

"That's not good," Fitz deduces.

"No, it's not," the doctor adds.

"So what do we do?" Mellie asks.

"The only recourse is to terminate the pregnancy Mrs. Grant. You don't want to risk a rupture or bleeding. We can remove the fetus easily through laparoscopy, " he continues to explain.

"Isn't there any other way?" Mellie yells. Fitz is even surprised by her rush of aggression.

"Mrs. Grant, I am sorry. I wish there was an alternative but there isn't."

"When do you want to perform the procedure? Fitz asks.

"I would like to do it tomorrow. We can't risk a rupture. Of course we are going to keep her here tonight to monitor her."

Mellie begins to cry. "It's ruined," she says under her breath.

Fitz lifts from his chair and places a consoling kiss on her forehead. "It's going to be okay."

"No it's not," Mellie says.

"I am going to get the nurse to get you admitted so we can get you into a private room," The doctor says as he goes out giving them time alone.

Mellie won't look at Fitz. "It's going to be okay," he repeats.

"You must be happy," Mellie spits at him.

"Why would I be happy?" Fitz asks.

"You can finally go. That's what you wanted anyway," Mellie says.

"Mellie, can we not do this right now. We just got some bad news. Let's deal with that," he answers.

Before she can answer, the nurse comes in. "Will you be staying tonight Mr. Grant?" the nurse asks.

He looks over at Mellie, "Yes, I will be."

"I will get the room prepared for you to be accommodated," she says as she goes back out.

Fitz looks over at Mellie who is despondent. She has a look of defeat, sadness, and disbelief. The miracle baby she thought she was carrying will be no more. She can already see the after affects crumbling before her eyes. Fitz holds her hand. He knows this baby kept the elastic band pulling between them, now the reality has set in. The vibe in the room is suddenly dark and gloomy.


Two Weeks Later:

The doctor advised that Mellie took the next two weeks off. Fitz decided to work from home in his shop so he could be there in case she needed him. They sat down with the kids when Mellie got back after the surgery and explained to them that Mom had a baby in her stomach and the baby had to go to heaven early. The kids seem to understand and are phased and then quickly unphased by it all.

It's early that evening. He decides he will take the kids out for their favorite pizza, so Mellie can have a little peace and quiet. And he can just get them out of the house and just get some time with them. Mellie's mom is over and going to keep her company.

Fitz is in his work studio working on this piece he's been working on for some time. He told the kids to be ready for 6:30. He goes upstairs to tell Mellie that he is about to leave with the kids. Her door is cracked open and he can hear Mellie and her mother talk.

"Well honey, maybe it just wasn't meant to be."

"Mom it was meant to be. I got pregnant," Mellie responds.

"Listen, it happens all the time. People have abnormal pregnancies. I had a miscarriage before I had you and your sister."

"What am I going to do?" Mellie asks.

"What do you mean what are you going to do.?"

"I mean he's going to leave. He's going to push for the divorce now. I won't be able to stop him," Mellie says.

"Why did you think you could stop him? He says he's not happy Mellie. Do you really want this marriage under those circumstances? How was the baby going to change that?" her mom asks.

"Because I had a plan," Mellie says.

"What kind of a plan?" She looks at Mellie. She knows that look from her daughter. She's seen that determination before. It was the same look she had when she was in law school. She was not going to fail. She was going to be first in class and she was. "What have you done Mellie?"

Fitz is still listening by the door. He's waiting for the answer along with her mom.

"I stopped taking my birth control pills even though Fitz thought I was taking them. I figured a baby would change his perspective. I just made sure I was ovulating and that we were intimate at those times," Mellie reveals.

Fitz's face goes red and angry.

"Mellie, I taught you better than that. You lied to him."

"I just left some truths out that's all," Mellie says as she smooths out the covers on her bed in the spot she sits.

"You tricked him." Mellie's mom looks at her, "And what was this going to accomplish?"

"I am this close to making partner. When my bio goes up on that firm's website. The Grant Family photo needs to be there when they describe me as the perfect wife and mother," Mellie explains.

"The survival of your marriage is built on a lie. You better hope he never finds out."

"He is never going to find out," Mellie says quickly.

"You better hope not because I won't be able to blame him, however he chooses to handle it."

Mellie looks at her mom shocked by her taking sides with Fitz. Fitz wants to punch the wall but he doesn't want to alert them that he's standing there. He turns around and walks away. He can hear Karen starting to come toward the stairs. He rushes down. Fitz shakes his head. Now he knows it was all an act.


Liv is in her office. They've been working a few extra hours to cover for the week she was off. She is finishing up notes on her session. April goes out to get them some dinner. Liv has been asked by a friend to teach a class at Northwestern and she's working on her lecture. April is building the Power Point presentation for her. She hears the door open, "April is that you?" she says. She gets no answer and she walks out to see who came in and it's Ted Porter. He and his wife's sessions have been intense as of late.

"Mr. Porter what are you doing here?" She asks.

"You told her to leave didn't you?" He says.

"What are you talking about?" Liv asks.

He looks at her. She can see his eyes are different. She can see there's something behind his eyes. "Amanda packed her bags and took our girls and left after our last session," he says.

"I am sorry! I didn't advise her to do that. That was solely her decision if she did."

"No, I believe she's been talking to you. You've been talking to her. Everything is my fault lately and Dr. Pope, I think it is all your fault."

The way he stresses her name scares her. " you know that I've been trying to get you and your wife on the same talking field. She is still grieving. Everyone's grieving process is different," Liv tries to explain. "You are still grieving too."

That only makes him madder, "Don't tell me what I am feeling. Don't shrink me. I want you to fix this."

"I can't fix her decision to leave," Liv says.

"You can or you won't," Mr. Porter says.

She walks closer to him. "I think you should leave. You need to go home and calm down."

"No, you are supposed to fix my marriage," he answers.

She tries to walk past him. He grabs her arm. "Let go of me."

"No, you are going to help me," he says as he grips her arm tighter.

"Let go of me," she repeats trying to push him off of her. "Mr. Porter," she says shakily. He slams her against the door.

She is trying to fight him off. He slaps her. She hits him back and before she knows it, he punches her. She can smell the alcohol on his breath. He's drunk. She's scared but trying to stay focused on him. He drags her over to the waiting couch. She's kicking him off. She's screaming and he covers her mouth with his hand. "Shut up," he says. He slaps her again. "You ruined what's left of my family. "

Liv can hardly talk. She's so afraid of what could happen next. He starts tearing at her shirt when April comes walking in to find the horrific sight in front of her.

April screams, running down the hall for help. He quickly gets up and runs. Liv is shaking. April is still screaming for help. Liv touches her face that stinging. April comes back in with someone from one of the other offices. Liv is fixing her shirt. "I'm okay. I'm okay." Liv says but she's shaking trying to button her shirt.

"I'm calling the police," April says. She runs to the phone.

Benjamin Thompson is a CPA from one of the suites down the hall. He rushes and gets some ice, wrapping it in anything he can find, giving it to her, to bring to her face. The moment the ice touches, the sting of it makes her wence. "Just hold it there. Who did this?"

Liv takes a deep breath, "One of my clients," she answers with her head shaking.

In just a few moments her world seems to stop. She is still not sure what happened, even though she knows it did. She knows herself she's in shock but she tries to calm down. She lets the tears slowly fall as Benjamin and April notice the colors that are starting to form on her face. As Liv lets her tears fall.


What will happen next?