Chapter 1

After five years of trying to conceive, I finally saw two lines on the test.

I was ready to surprise my husband with the news when I saw a Live Photo posted by his new assistant, Renee.

The caption read: "Don't we look like the perfect couple？"

In the photo, my husband was smiling warmly at the camera.

Behind him, Renee was holding his hand, wearing the custom couture gown I had specifically ordered from Spain.

In the comments, she asked him, "What if your wife sees me in this dress？"

My husband replied with a smirk, "She's a dried-up old hag. It would be a waste on her."

I stared at the screen for a long time before leaving a simple comment.

"You do look perfect together."

I turned my phone to Do Not Disturb, turned around, and walked back into the clinic to schedule a termination procedure.

1

"Mrs. Sterling, you've wanted this baby for years. Why the sudden change of heart？"

The doctor looked at me with shock as I returned to her office, holding the paperwork for the procedure.

I instinctively touched my belly.

This was the tenth year of my marriage to Lincoln. We had been together since college, built a business from scratch, and eventually walked down the aisle.

In the eyes of our friends, we were the ultimate power couple.

Until I saw that post, I truly believed we would grow old together.

He always supported my career and never pressured me about having kids.

But whenever he saw children in the park, a flicker of longing always crossed his eyes.

Lincoln had severe fertility issues, but to save his ego, I never told him the truth.

I spent five years undergoing countless hormone injections and drinking bitter herbal concoctions behind his back.

The hormones made me gain weight and turned my complexion dull and sallow.

But finally, I was carrying our child.

I thought this was a shared dream, but it turned out I was just a "dried-up old hag" to him.

His casual insult felt like a dull knife slowly carving my heart into pieces.

That one mocking comment trampled over every sacrifice I had made in the last five years.

The betrayal hurt far more than any needle ever could.

Seeing my silence, the doctor spoke softly.

"Is there something wrong？ Maybe you should talk to your family first."

My husband was currently busy being sweet with his little assistant.

I forced a smile and shook my head.

"My husband has... genetic issues. We can't keep this baby. Please, help me schedule it."

Seeing my resolve, the doctor stopped asking and quickly arranged the procedure.

Since it was very early, it was over quickly. I didn't feel much physical pain, but my soul felt hollow.

When I left the hospital, I checked my phone.

Renee's post was gone. In its place was a short text from Lincoln.

"Company gala tonight. Don't wait up."

It wasn't until five the next morning that Lincoln stumbled home, smelling of expensive bourbon.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw me sitting in the dark living room.

I looked up at him. He looked startled, instinctively tugging at his collar, but his tie was already missing.

His eyes flickered with guilt before he started fumbling in his pockets, his voice hoarse.

"Why are you up so early？ Sit down, let me shower, and I'll make you some breakfast."

He headed for the bathroom, then paused as if remembering something.

"Renee didn't have a dress for the gala, so I let her borrow that Spanish one you ordered. I'll buy you a better one later."

"She's just a girl from a small town who hasn't seen much of the world. Don't be petty about it."