Chapter 4

When I caught them disheveled and kissing in my marital bed, I nearly lost my mind.

I slapped Sophia twice hard and posted photos of her half-exposed chest all over the internet.

Ethan's eyes turned red. He knelt before me and swore he was drunk and mistook her for me.

In front of me, he threw her out, saying he'd never see her again for the rest of his life.

I never imagined—

He talked about seeking justice for me and his mother, but behind my back, he got Sophia pregnant.

My unwavering devotion earned me his cold indifference, saying he'd use my life and our child's life to apologize to Sophia.

I bit my mouth raw and spoke in a trembling voice.

"Ethan, why? Why are you doing this to me?"

No response.

He was so anxious he didn't even spare me a glance before leaving decisively.

The blood beneath me flowed more and more.

I hurt so much my consciousness started to blur.

But for the sake of my child, I still gritted my teeth and got up, stumbling toward the hospital.

By the time I reached the emergency room entrance, my entire lower body was soaked in blood.

After an examination, I was rushed to the operating room.

But unexpectedly, just as I reached the door, someone blocked my way.

I forced myself to lift my head, only to meet Ethan's cold eyes.

"Mia, didn't I tell you to go home and wait?"

"Stop playing weak. If you can't handle this little pain, why didn't you think about how much it hurt when you caused Sophia to be beaten until she miscarried?"

"I'm warning you, Sophia isn't fully dilated yet. Until her baby is born, no matter how much it hurts, you hold it in."

His face was full of impatience, but I didn't even have the strength to defend myself.

The doctor looked anxiously at him, trying to push him aside.

"The patient's water broke, causing massive hemorrhaging. She needs surgery immediately, or both mother and child will die."

Ethan kicked over the hospital bed, his eyes full of vicious mockery.

"How much did Mia pay you to play along with her act?"

"To make sure her child is born first, she'll do anything."

"So what if her water broke? Delivering a bit later won't kill her. Stop being so dramatic."

I lay sprawled on the ground in disgrace, unable to laugh or cry.

Ten years of life and death together.

But my unbearable agony was just dramatic pretense in his eyes.

My scalp went numb with pain. I couldn't hold back anymore and clutched my belly, screaming.

The doctor's expression changed as well.

"Sir, the pregnant woman's condition is truly critical. If we delay treatment and she dies, her family will hold you accountable."

The doctor bent down to help me up, but Ethan spoke coldly again.

"Family? She has no family."

"Mia is my mistress. She knew today was my wife's due date and deliberately put on this act to compete for my attention."

"If she delays my wife's delivery, you can forget about keeping this hospital open."

The hands supporting me suddenly let go. I fell heavily back to the ground.

Blood spread beneath me. I lay on the cold floor, barely conscious, every organ trembling with pain.

A smile appeared on Ethan's lips.

He bent close to my ear, his tone tinged with rare heartache.

"Does it hurt? Good. Only by remembering today's pain will you stop using your status as Mrs. Morrison to make things difficult for Sophia."

"Be good, Mia. Stop making a scene. Only by being obedient can you suffer less."

"Just hold on a bit longer. Once Sophia delivers, I'll arrange for you to enter the operating room immediately."