The Truck Driver

When the Ultimatum Goes Wrong

Darling slid into the plush leather seats of her white Range Rover, letting out a long sigh as she started the engine. She watched as Yasmin pulled off first in her Jeep Wrangler, probably heading to meet up with her latest man. But Darling had no interest in going home just yet.

Instead, she took the long way, letting the quiet hum of the engine fill the silence as she drove through the city streets. Her mind was restless, tangled in memories of the past-of Tank.

She had him first.

They grew up together, went through everything side by side. He was her first love, her first everything. They had history, a bond she was sure no other woman could ever replace.

But now? Kayla had him.

Darling gripped the steering wheel tighter, her acrylic nails tapping against the leather. Tank was different with Kayla. He wasn't just fucking her-he was all in. Loving her. Protecting her. Building a life with her.

And worst of all? He gave her a baby.

All those years with him, and not once did he slip up. He was always so careful, always had a condom. But somehow, this girl-this nobody-got what Darling never did.

She should be the one carrying his child.

Her mind replayed every moment of their relationship, searching for where she went wrong. And she knew.

The ultimatum.

It was supposed to push him to be better, to make him choose a future with her, a future she thought was best for them both. Instead, it pushed him away.

And now, Kayla reaped the benefits of the man Darling had helped shape.

The realization settled in her chest like a heavy weight. She wasn't just mad-she was jealous.

Jealous that Kayla had Tank's love, his attention, his loyalty.

Jealous that she was the one he held close at night.

Jealous that she was the one carrying his child.

Darling swallowed the lump in her throat, staring at the red light ahead. It should've been me.

But it wasn't and that? That was something she just couldn't accept.

Darling's fingers tightened around the steering wheel as she replayed that moment in her mind-the ultimatum that changed everything.

"Either come with me to college and get a degree, or we're done."

She had said it with so much certainty back then, believing she was doing the right thing. She wanted him to grow, to do more, to be more. She thought she was pushing him toward success.

But Tank? He never saw life the way she did.

He wasn't the type to sit in classrooms, take notes, and chase degrees. He loved working with his hands. He loved the open road, the hum of an engine, the satisfaction of making his own money without answering to anybody. And when she made him choose, he did-just not the way she expected.

"Then we done," he had told her without hesitation. No argument, no begging. Just finality in his voice that sent a chill down her spine.

She had expected him to fight for her. To say he'd figure something out, that they'd make it work. But Tank never begged for anything. Not even her.

And that was what hurt the most.

She had packed up and left for college, sure he'd regret it. Sure he'd call. But the months passed, and he never did.