1#01

1

Three days after my abortion, Maxton Lewis suggested taking me out to relax. I was surprised when he drove us to a hotel.

As he opened the door to the private suite, the strong odor of liquor hit me, causing me to hesitate.

"Maxton, they tried to make me drink, but I have an alcohol allergy," Priscilla Carter said tearfully.

Maxton embraced her protectively and replied, "No worries; she'll finish the drinks for you."

Suddenly, he pushed me towards the table full of alcohol. I stumbled, grabbing the edge as a bottle crashed to the floor.

"Priscilla's not feeling well. You'll drink in her place."

I held my still-sore abdomen and looked at him incredulously. "Maxton, you know I just had an operation."

"Stop pretending," he scoffed, his expression turning cruel. "Three years ago, you drank two bottles despite a stomach hemorrhage. Do you think I'd believe this act now?"

His harsh words cut deep, unleashing a torrent of suppressed emotions - pain, shame, and betrayal - within me.

I slapped him hard, the sound reverberating through the room. "That's enough," I said, my voice quivering with rage. Without waiting for his response, I turned and stormed out, leaving behind the ruins of what I once thought was love.

Maxton seized my arm, gripping tightly. "Solana, don't be hasty. Do you really think you're still innocent? You've lost your unborn child. Who would want someone as worthless as you after leaving me? Be obedient and drink for Priscilla. I still have use for you."

In that moment, any remaining affection I had for him crumbled beyond repair. Wordlessly, I chose to depart.

Later, however, desperation overtook him. Maxton, once so proud, pleaded frantically for my return.

——

"Wife, don't dwell on your anger about the baby. I've planned a surprise for you. Let me show you."

His tone held an unusual sincerity, and the smile that had long vanished suddenly reappeared.

Despite my heart's anguish, still immersed in the grief of my ordeal, I found myself in his car, his promises of a surprise clouding my judgment.

"Don't worry, I'll be there shortly," he said reassuringly as he answered a call. His expression darkened and he abruptly accelerated.

Noticing his furrowed brow and tense look, I couldn't help asking, "Is there a problem at work? If it's urgent, you should attend to it."

He smiled, his gaze softening as he replied, "Even if disaster strikes today, I'll still take you there."

His words carried unwavering resolve as he grasped my hand. The warmth of his palm enveloped my cold fingers, momentarily easing the pain of my lost child.

Upon reaching the hotel, he exited first, swiftly opening my door. Holding my hand, he led me to a private room he had carefully arranged beforehand.

However, as the door swung open, my hoped-for surprise evaporated instantly. A group of intoxicated men greeted me, their boisterous laughter filling the room.

The stench of alcohol mixed with greasy food assailed my senses, making my stomach churn with nausea.

"Maxton, they tried to force me to drink, but I'm allergic to alcohol."

Priscilla rushed to Maxton the moment she saw him, tears streaming down her face as she clung to him, completely ignoring my presence.

I was about to lose my composure when a voice from the table spoke mockingly. "Priscilla is so spoiled by Maxton. She won't even share a drink with us. Is it because Maxton cherishes her more than we do?"

Maxton immediately shielded Priscilla, gently wiping her tears and whispering comfortingly, "Don't worry. I'll take care of the rest of the drinks for you."

With that, he turned to me. Without warning, he shoved me forcefully. I stumbled towards the table, barely maintaining my balance.

A sharp pain flared in my lower abdomen as I collided with the table's edge, sending wine bottles crashing to the floor. My body, still fragile from the recent procedure, struggled to withstand the impact.

"Priscilla isn't feeling well," Maxton said coldly. "You'll drink the rest for her."

As I stood there, shaking and unsteady, an inebriated man approached with a glass in hand, grinning lecherously. "Well, if Priscilla won't drink, why don't you keep us company instead?"

Clutching my aching lower belly, I fixed my gaze on Maxton, who was busy consoling Priscilla. My voice trembled with suppressed anger as I reminded him, "You're well aware that I just had surgery."

Even as the words left my mouth, a drunken man lunged at me. Without hesitation, I pushed him away, my growing anger fueling my strength.