When My Husband and His Student Did IVF, I Tampered with the Embryo

Because there was no official documentation of the IVF procedure, I was convicted of illegal medical practice and sentenced to life imprisonment. The courtroom had been cold and unfeeling, the judge's gavel striking down my fate with a finality that echoed in my soul.

Prison was worse.

The damp, suffocating cell walls bore silent witness to my despair. In the end, unable to bear the humiliation, betrayal and the relentless voices that called me a murderer, I lost my mind.

I could still feel the rough stone wall pressing against my forehead, the sharp, blinding pain as I slammed my head into it over and over. Blood had sprayed across the floor like crimson blossoms, staining the gray concrete with my final act of desperation. My lifeless body wasn't discovered until dawn, cold and contorted in a puddle of my own making.

The memory made my hands tremble. My breath hitched as I forced myself to focus on the present.

"Mrs. Johnson?"

Jessica's voice pulled me back to reality. Her fingers gripped my arm, the touch cold despite her outward charm. When I turned to face her, her lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes—a smile I now recognized for what it was.

"You're the head of obstetrics at Baywood Hospital," she said sweetly, her voice dripping with false sincerity. "You can figure out a way to do the IVF procedure even without a marriage certificate, right?"

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. The last time, I had faltered under her manipulative pleas. This time, I straightened my posture, planting my feet firmly on the ground.

"No."

The single word left my lips like a bullet.

Jessica's eyes widened, her perfectly rehearsed expression faltering. For a moment, the mask slipped, revealing the surprise and irritation she had so carefully hidden.

"What do you mean, no?" she stammered, her voice laced with disbelief.

I didn't answer right away. Instead, I slipped my hand into my pocket, my fingers brushing against my phone. Without a word, I pressed the record button. My gaze locked onto hers, sharp and unwavering.

"You want to cut corners?" I said, my voice clear and resolute. "Performing an unauthorized procedure is illegal. I will never agree to it."

I took a deliberate step back, putting more distance between us and continued in a calm but firm tone. "To undergo IVF, you must have a marriage certificate. Both spouses must be present and the verification process must be completed before the procedure can be arranged. Those are the rules."

Jessica blinked, her façade cracking further. She stepped closer, her tone softening as she attempted to regain control.

"Oh, come on, Mrs. Johnson," she pleaded, her voice trembling with feigned desperation. "You know my situation. If I don't get pregnant, I won't be allowed to marry into Ethan's family."

Her eyes glistened as she added, "He and I truly love each other. Please, just help me this once."

Her voice caught and she squeezed out a tear, letting it roll down her cheek. She clasped her hands together, leaning in as though her proximity might sway me. "If there were any other way, I wouldn't be begging you like this. I sought you out because I know how skilled you are."

The sight would have melted my heart once, but now it filled me with nothing but icy contempt. Her act was flawless—innocent, vulnerable and utterly false.

In my previous life, I had believed her lies. I had been blinded by my desire to help and had walked straight into her trap.

This time, I wouldn't let history repeat itself.

A cold laugh escaped my lips. Jessica froze, her tearful expression wavering.

"What kind of true love," I said slowly, my voice laced with irony, "demands that a woman prove her fertility before marriage?"

I straightened, my expression hardening. "I'm done wasting my time with you."

Just as I was about to usher her out of my room, the distinct click of the front door lock echoed through the house. I froze, my gaze drawn to the entrance as it swung open. Isaac stepped inside, his familiar scent of cologne washing over me.

He stopped short, his gaze flicking between Jessica and me. His brow furrowed, but before I could say a word, he smiled at Jessica.

"What's going on?" he asked lightly, his tone far too casual for the tension in the room.

Jessica turned to him, her face lighting up with relief. "Mr. Johnson!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Mrs. Johnson doesn't want to help me with the procedure. She's saying it's illegal without a marriage certificate."

Isaac frowned, turning to me with a look of mild exasperation.

"Lola, it's just an IVF procedure," he said, his tone soothing yet dismissive. "Why are you making such a big deal out of it? Just help Jessica out. I've met the guy—he's a good kid."

My stomach churned as I watched the two of them. Jessica's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes meeting Isaac's with an unspoken understanding that sent a chill down my spine.

In the past, I had been too preoccupied with work to notice the way they gravitated toward each other, the subtle intimacy in their interactions. Now, with my memories intact, it was painfully obvious. They weren't just close—they were partners in crime.

"No," I said firmly, stepping between them. "Rules are rules. Jessica, if you want the procedure done, bring me your marriage certificate or find another hospital."

Jessica opened her mouth to argue, but I was done listening.

I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her outside. "I already said no and no means no." With a loud bang, I slammed the door shut behind her.

Isaac's voice rose behind me, tinged with frustration. "Honey, you don't have to be so heartless, do you? Jessica and her boyfriend really love each other. Can't you just help them out?"

I turned to face him, my chest tight with anger and disgust. The man I had once loved now seemed like a stranger, his betrayal written in every line of his face.

Without a word, I grabbed a suitcase and began packing my belongings.

"What are you doing?" Isaac demanded, his voice rising with panic.

I didn't answer. My mind was made up. I would leave this house and this man who had betrayed me in my past life.

By the time I zipped up the suitcase and headed for the door, Isaac was practically begging me to stay.

But I didn't look back.

I moved into a hotel near the hospital, planning to wait until things settled down before filing for divorce. However, what I didn't expect was that early the next morning, Jessica showed up at my office—with a marriage certificate and her fiancé—asking for a consultation.