LOVELESS MARRIAGE

I sat alone in the waiting room. My hands trembled, and my heart pounded loudly in my chest. After seeing the test pack result, I needed to confirm this wasn’t just false hope. Even though my body felt drained and my mind was chaotic, the thought that I might be carrying a new life gave me strength. I had to protect it.

When the doctor called me in, I was asked to lie down on the examination bed. I tried to stay calm, answering all the doctor’s questions. The doctor lifted my shirt and applied a cold gel to my stomach. My eyes fixated on the screen—black; I couldn’t see anything.

A few minutes later, the doctor confirmed that I was indeed pregnant. My pregnancy was already five weeks along.

Tears streamed down my face once again. I was overwhelmed with emotion—there was a little life inside me. For the first time, I had a reason to keep going.

I wanted to tell Charles immediately. Would this news change everything? But I held back when Charles called, asking me to bring some documents he had left at home to his office.

I smiled a little. I imagined placing the medical result on top of the documents. What would Charles’ reaction be?

Victoria’s presence outside the house stopped me in my tracks. She was speaking with Charles’ driver.

Her gaze met mine, and her smile sent a chill down my spine. She seemed to realize something. But there was no way she knew about my pregnancy, right?

I ignored her and went into the house without a word. I retrieved Charles’ documents and slipped the test result inside. I walked out carefully, hoping not to see Victoria again. Thankfully, she was gone.

Charles’ driver took me to his office. Everything seemed normal until we were driving downhill, and the car lost control. The driver panicked, trying to steer. Everything happened so quickly—the car skidded and hit the barrier. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

I stepped out of the car, trembling. Upon inspection, the driver found that the brakes had been tampered with. My blood ran cold—this wasn’t an ordinary accident. Only one name came to mind: Victoria.

Realizing the danger, I called for a taxi. I had to be careful; there was a baby to protect. I tried calling Charles several times, but he didn’t answer. Maybe he was in a meeting, I thought.

Suddenly, the taxi stopped. The driver claimed there was an issue with the engine. I was forced to get out, but shortly after, everything went dark.

I woke up to the strong smell of alcohol. I quickly sat up, checking if my body was okay.

A sense of unease gripped my chest. The bed’s sheets were disheveled, as if someone had just been lying beside me. This must be Victoria’s doing again. I needed to leave immediately and tell Charles before she did anything worse.

When I arrived at Charles’ office, his secretary was startled by my disheveled appearance. But I didn’t care. I stormed into Charles’ office.

“Anna? What happened to you?” he asked, walking toward me quickly.

“I’m fine,” I replied curtly.

Charles took the documents from my hands, intending to place them on his desk. But the pregnancy test result slipped out and fell to the floor. He picked it up, reading it with a serious expression.

My heart raced as I waited for his reaction. I hoped he would show happiness, and he did. I smiled in relief.

“Is this real? I’m going to be a father?” Charles’ joyous laughter was like rain, extinguishing the fire that had been raging in my heart.

“Yes, our wish has come true. Grandfather will be so happy to hear this,” I said.

Charles nodded. He hugged me and kissed my cheeks repeatedly. He jumped up and down with excitement, like a child.

He gently rubbed my stomach, even speaking to the baby inside in a playful manner.

I laughed, but not for long. Victoria entered, carrying some documents in her hand.

“Go home and rest. I don’t want anything bad happening to you or our baby,” Charles said.

I nodded in agreement. My steps slowed as I glanced at Victoria, who gave me a meaningful smile. I didn’t close the door fully, wanting to hear their conversation.

“You’re insane! She’s carrying my child!” Charles’ shout startled me slightly. Was he truly afraid of losing me? Or just the baby?

“I already told you I would handle it myself! You’re too slow!” Victoria defended herself. “I will keep trying to get rid of her!”

I heard Victoria crying as Charles slapped her in anger. After that, I had to leave immediately; Charles’ secretary looked at me suspiciously. At least I could feel at ease knowing Charles was defending me.

Night fell, and I waited anxiously for Charles. I immediately opened the door when I heard the sound of a car pulling up.

Charles got out, loosening his tie that was still neatly in place. His face looked tired, as it had been in recent days. However, his expression changed when he saw me.

He ignored me, walking quickly into the bedroom. I followed him, waiting for the words that would come out of his mouth.

The door closed tightly. Charles stared at me seriously. “Whose child are you carrying?”

I sharpened my hearing, hoping I had misheard. But Charles repeated the same question. “Answer me! Whose child is that?!”

“What do you mean? This is your child—our child,” I replied, my voice trembling.

Charles smirked coldly. He pulled something out of his pocket and threw a pile of photos right at my face.