1#01

1

At eight months pregnant, William Ward, my unborn child's father, hosted a divorce celebration for his former flame.

He even requested that I personally construct a 16-tier champagne pyramid for the occasion.

As the festivities began, Lilah Holloway 'unintentionally' toppled the pyramid, slicing her finger in the process.

"William, where on earth did you find the incompetents who assembled this?! They're as dense as swine!"

While William shot me an icy glare, Lilah grinned maliciously and remarked, "Oh. Actually, Emberly, you do rather resemble a pig."

Trembling with fury, I struck her, demanding an apology.

But William rose and knocked me to the ground.

"She wasn't even aware it was your work. Why are you losing your cool?!" he snarled. "Is she incorrect? Your stomach is enormous like a blasted balloon!"

That stormy evening, he forced me to kneel at the entrance to "contemplate my behavior" while he chuckled with his companions inside.

"This is how you must discipline women if you want them to act properly," he declared.

However, this time, I defied his expectations.

I got to my feet, flagged down a taxi, and headed straight for the hospital to end the pregnancy.

Eight months along? So be it. If I no longer desired this baby, I wouldn't keep it!

——

The physician on duty scrutinized me, then my documents, frowning. "Has your spouse consented to this?"

"I'm not married," I clarified.

Yet he clearly doubted me. His gaze lingered on my scant attire, and I realized I'd been ejected from the party without even a jacket. It was late fall—no rational person would be out dressed like this.

The doctor must have assumed I'd just had a quarrel with my husband.

In the end, though, I persisted, and the doctor acquiesced.

But the procedure couldn't be performed immediately; I'd have to wait three days.

Before I departed, he still attempted to dissuade me. "Ma'am, you should discuss this with your family. Don't act rashly."

I merely offered a wry smile in response.

I'd encountered this doctor several times before, but he was unaware that William was my spouse.

William seldom joined me for prenatal check-ups. The one time he did, he held my hand as we approached the clinic—only to release it the moment we encountered an acquaintance.

As if I were something to be embarrassed about.

When the doctor inquired about my identity, William nonchalantly replied, "A friend."

I took a taxi, and when it halted at the villa, I noticed the front entrance wide open.

The celebration had concluded, leaving chaos in its wake.

William sat amidst the living room, smoke swirling around him, his countenance grim and unreadable.

"I felt compassion for you due to your pregnancy, so I was going to allow you entry," he began. "But you had the audacity to go out and enjoy yourself? Fantastic!"

So he actually recalled I was expecting.

But I didn't bother disputing with him. I simply craved a warm shower.

That's when he stood up. "Where did you go?"

I dismissed him. "I wasn't feeling well, so I visited the hospital."

His expression softened immediately, and he reached out to touch my abdomen.

"Why didn't you inform me? Look at you, not even wearing a coat..."

Before he could finish, a woman's voice resonated.

"Hey, William, smell my body wash—isn't it delightful?"

Lilah emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, her décolletage visible.

She noticed me and gasped, feigning surprise. "Oh! Emberly! I thought you had plans and wouldn't return tonight."

She smiled apologetically and leaned closer to William. "Well, now that she's back, perhaps I should depart?"

William frowned slightly. "It's too late. It's not secure. You can stay the night. Emberly won't object."

He always decided I wouldn't mind.

But this time, I truly didn't anymore.

I nonchalantly agreed, which seemed to satisfy him. Then, I headed to the bedroom to shower.

When I entered, there it was—a piece of lingerie lying on the bed.

White undergarments against ebony sheets—glaringly obvious.

Expressionlessly, I picked it up and tossed it to William.

He froze momentarily before handing it to Lilah.