I screamed at my husband, "Don't you dare talk to me about the child! Having a father like you would be his misfortune!"

Without waiting for a response, I spun around and ran into the bedroom, slamming the door behind me. A second later, I heard James outside, yelling in frustration. Eventually, the shouting faded, and tears streamed uncontrollably down my face.

When Lindsay joined the company, things had changed between us. My sense of security vanished, replaced by suspicion and anxiety. I found myself constantly wondering if he still loved me. At one point, I even considered having a child just to keep him tied to me. But when I first showed him the positive pregnancy test, I'll never forget the furious, twisted look on his face.

He had been texting Lindsay then, and in a split second, he smashed his phone against the table, shattering the screen. "The company's expanding, and money is tight. I can't afford a kid right now. Just get rid of it."

I was shocked, angry, and heartbroken, but I stood my ground and refused. Not long after, James invited me to a business event. We hadn't gone anywhere together in two years, so I assumed it was work-related and agreed with little thought.

But when I found myself surrounded by a group of greasy, middle-aged men raising their glasses toward me, I realized what was happening. I glanced at him, hoping for help, but he was too busy bragging about how much I could drink.

Forced to down glass after glass, my tears mixed with the liquor. An hour later, I collapsed to the ground, my skirt soaked in blood. Only then did James finally take me to the hospital, but it was too late. The baby was gone.

That's why I hadn't told him about this pregnancy.

If he hadn't used the excuse of being too broke to raise a child back then, maybe I wouldn't have been so triggered by his actions of giving away houses and company shares like they were nothing. Looking back, he probably had plans for that money all along. Our child's existence disrupted his pursuit of his 'true love,' and that's why he was so angry.

Seeing Lindsay's latest post on social media confirmed what I already knew. This marriage was over.

When I woke up the following day, James was already gone. I called a lawyer and had divorce papers drawn up. While preparing to send them to his office, I saw a celebratory video on their corporate account.

Lindsay was promoted to company shareholder, holding the same title as James. She was no longer just a secretary.

She now held an executive position.

In the video, they hold champagne glasses, toasting each other as employees cheer them on. James's wedding ring was replaced by a more delicate one that matches Lindsay's—a new model from this year's collection.

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

I remember when we got married, his company was just starting out. I only asked for the cheapest ring at the store to ease his financial burden. He was moved to tears and promised to buy me the most expensive ring when he made more money.

Eight years later, the ring he promised me ended on another woman's finger. Just as I finished sending the divorce papers, James called.

"I'll pick you up tonight. The company is having a team-building event. Lindsay said she wants to clear up any misunderstandings between you two."

Before I could respond, he hung up. I didn't expect him to unblock me right before the divorce, and I wasn't sure whether to feel amused or heartbroken. A mocking smile crept onto my lips.

'A misunderstanding? Is she here to explain or to show off?' I thought.

But at that point, I didn't care anymore. After finalizing the divorce agreement, I went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor prescribed more medication and warned me that my condition was worse than before. He stressed that I needed to keep my emotions in check, as any stress could affect the baby.

Taking his advice seriously, I picked up my medication and went home. I started looking for a new place to live, knowing I couldn't stay in this toxic environment. It wasn't safe for me or for the baby. After searching all day, I found a place and paid the deposit. I gave myself the prescribed injection, and just as I started packing, I got a notification that James's car had pulled up downstairs.

I went down in my pajamas, thinking we could talk seriously.

But the moment he saw me, his face twisted in disgust. "You're going out like that? Can you stop embarrassing me? People will think I can't even afford to buy you makeup!"

Sitting in the passenger seat with her perfect makeup, Lindsay giggled and opened the door. Standing next to her, I felt even more worn out and drained.

Before I could respond, she smiled brightly and nudged me into the backseat. "Oh, Shannon, no need to get all dressed up! You're already beautiful enough! Besides, do you think James would even let you leave the house if you got all dolled up?"

The door shut behind me, and she casually slid back into the front seat. They chatted non-stop during the drive while I sat in the back, feeling like a complete outsider. In our eight years of marriage, I had never seen James this eager to share anything with me. At that moment, I clearly felt the difference between being loved and not being loved.

When the car finally stopped, I was shocked to see that the team-building event was being held at the same barbecue stall where I had almost been assaulted the other night. The owner was open for business this time, and the tables outside were packed with company employees. When they saw James step out with Lindsay, they rushed to greet the two, calling them 'Mr. Carter' and 'Miss Thompson' while the employees ushered them to the center of attention.

I scanned the area and noticed only one seat left in the corner.

At that moment, Lindsay playfully smacked her forehead and stuck out her tongue as if she had just remembered something. "Oh no! I totally forgot about Shannon's seat! Can someone make some room—?"

Before I could say a word, James had already spoken for me, turning down her offer. "There's no need. I'll just sit here. It's just dinner."

I didn't argue. I walked straight to the corner seat. The table was full of new hires, none of whom knew who I was. James didn't bother introducing me, so no one tried to talk to me. I was grateful for the quiet. It wasn't until I overheard a conversation that I realized Lindsay had suggested this place. She was reminiscing about how she and James came here often in school.

I only took a few bites when a familiar voice sounded in my ear. "Well, well, isn't this the girl who wouldn't take my offer that night? Back again tonight to look for clients? How about $500 bucks this time? Deal?"

Goosebumps prickled over my skin as soon as I heard the voice. James glanced my way, his expression darkening, but he didn't budge. It was my male colleagues who stepped in to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, James just raised his glass with a cold, condescending smile. "No wonder I couldn't find you that night. Looks like you were busy with your 'business.'"

I froze in shock, my face flushing with anger and humiliation. I stood abruptly, ready to leave. But Lindsay rushed over, blocking my path.

"It's all my fault," she said, her voice dripping with fake sincerity. "I shouldn't have picked this place. I'm so sorry! Tonight was supposed to clear up misunderstandings, and now I've made it worse. I'll punish myself. I'll drink."

Before I could respond, she grabbed a bottle and downed it. The diamond on her finger caught the light, sharp and blinding. Only then did James finally move.

He walked over, his voice laced with irritation. "Lindsay already apologized. What more do you want? Just let it go and stop making a scene."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, so she apologizes, and I'm supposed to just forgive her? Is that how it works now?"

James's frustration boiled over. His brows furrowed as he snapped back. "She already drank for you, and you're still going on about this? Even if you're mad, there's a limit!" He shoved a bottle of alcohol into my hand, the message clear.

I pressed my lips together, my fury threatening to spill over. But I kept my voice ice cold. "I can't drink. I've got somewhere else to be, so I'm leaving."

Before I could walk away, James grabbed me by the neck, his grip tight. "Shannon, have I been too nice to you? Lindsay drank an entire bottle for you, and you're just going to walk out?"

He yanked me hard, slamming me against his chest. He pried the bottle open and forced it toward my mouth. The liquor poured down my chin, soaking my clothes as I choked and coughed, clutching my stomach in pain.

He tossed the empty bottle to the ground, still fuming. "Don't be ungrateful!"

Tears welled in my eyes, not from sadness but from the physical strain.

His angry, threatening words kept coming. "Apologize to Lindsay, or we're getting divorced! I'm done with this!"

Everyone around us expected me to explode, to lose control. But I didn't. I composed myself, even as my face burned with humiliation. I nodded calmly. "Fine, then. Let's get divorced."

I took two steps, but Lindsay grabbed my arm, panic creeping into her voice. "Don't be impulsive! Divorce isn't a small thing. You shouldn't do this because of me—"

"Get lost!" I yanked my arm free, sending her stumbling backward.

James snapped, his fury exploding. He grabbed an empty bottle from the table and hurled it at the back of my head.

The next moment, I collapsed. Crimson blood pooled beneath my nightgown, soaking the floor.