A great many acidic things sizzled on Rahul's tongue, but it seemed pointless. It would be like kicking a dog for wagging its tail. How could he expect her to act like anything but what she was? A self-involved human. He was aggravated with himself for putting in so much effort with a creature that would turn on him in an instant.
"I didn't choose any of it, either," was all he said, "And it's obvious we're incapable of conducting ourselves in an agreeable fashion. Why don't we make it a bit easier?"
He continued to sip his coffee, and even nibbled the brownie, though the sweetness was now sickening to him.
"Once a month, I will contribute a set amount of money towards the baby," he said, "I will let you choose the figure, and if a direct deposit is unacceptable, I will send you a check. When the child is born, I would request spending time with it. If you're able to stomach a few hours a month, I would be appreciative. We can amend things as necessary."
She was forcing his hand, then. Rahul was shocked by his own bitterness, truth be told. He had still been holding out hope that she would stop being so irrational and just allow him to help, but her misguided ideals about pride and choice were too deeply ingrained. Rahul could play the long game. He didn't care for it, but she'd taken a sledge to his other options.