Love or Lies?

After my fifth miscarriage, I went to consult with my doctor about why my body could not carry a baby to term. However, just as I reached the door, I overheard my husband, Reynold Scott, talking with the doctor.

"Those abortion pills you prescribed work well. She's had five 'accidental' miscarriages already. When can we schedule the hysterectomy? I can't let Adrianna Davidson have my child," Reynold said.

"By the way, please prescribe me some nutritional supplements during pregnancy. Monica Cline is pregnant with my child, and I need to make sure she delivers a healthy baby," he continued.

The doctor responded, "But Adrianna's body has been through so much these past few years. She might never be able to have children again."

Reynold dismissed this concern casually. "So what? That's exactly why I've been making her miscarry repeatedly—I want her to be infertile!"

Inside the examination room, Reynold carried on as if his actions meant nothing. "Since you're a gynecologist, give me some advice on what pregnant women should eat. I want to cook for Monica."

The doctor facing him was also his good friend, Brian Webster. Brian frowned as he replied, "You're going out of your way for Monica? She's just your secretary, while Adrianna is your wife!"

Reynold's expression immediately darkened. "Do you have to mention her? What does it matter if she's my wife? Monica means more to me!"

His voice turned colder, filled with disgust. "Besides, look at Adrianna. She's pushing past her prime, covered in freckles, with rough skin and blackheads.

"She's ballooned up so much that she has lost her curves. Honestly, the fact that I haven't divorced her yet is already a favor."

Brian looked shocked, unable to believe his friend could say something so despicable. "But isn't your current success all thanks to Adrianna's support? If she hadn't helped you secure sponsors and investors, your company would have gone bankrupt five years ago."

The comment seemed to hit a nerve, and Reynold raised his voice. "That's all in the past! Why are you bringing it up? I've already given her plenty of money. Meanwhile, Monica has no one else but me!"

Brian reluctantly handed him a prenatal nutrition guide and said, "Reynold, you've really changed. Look, I won't say more, but as your friend, I have to warn you—you need to have a conscience.

"The way you're mistreating the wife who helped build your company from nothing... karma will catch up to you eventually."

Reynold glared at him, snatched the guide, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Thankfully, I had hidden in the stairwell nearby, and I watched as he hurried away.

My reflection in a nearby hospital room's glass door caught my eye. Though I was only 30, my body had become bloated, my skin sagging, and my dull face covered in freckles.

I could see why Reynold did not want me anymore—I clearly did not match up to him, who now managed a company with thousands of employees. A young, beautiful woman would look much better by his side.

Nonetheless, when Reynold's company faced financial problems years ago, I went everywhere to meet potential investors, trying to secure enough funding to help him through the crisis.

I worked late nights preparing proposals and drafting contracts, often too busy to eat, which led to serious stomach problems. I had also gone through endless fertility treatments, my arms covered in bruises from hormone injections, all because I wanted to give us a child.

Despite all this, I could not keep any of our five babies, and my body had ballooned up, growing heavier and uglier. It was no wonder he did not like me anymore. The current me was undesirable for any man, and my heart ached terribly.

Still, I could not understand why Reynold kept me around even though he did not love me. He could have just told me, and we would have divorced. Yet, not only did he take away my ability to have children, but he even cheated and betrayed me,

In the end, I didn't visit the doctor. Instead, I went home alone. The mansion was the home Reynold and I purchased when we got married, back when his career was just starting to take off.

I could still remember us lying in bed, talking about the future. We had dreamed of having two kids—a boy and a girl—a perfect family of four.

Now, this house no longer contained happiness but was filled with deception. I stood on the balcony, remembering those old memories as tears rolled down my cheeks.

After a long while, I finally made up my mind—I didn't want Reynold anymore. Just as I turned to go back inside, I saw his car slowly pulling up and parking at our front door.

From the balcony, I watched him laughing and talking intimately with Monica in the car, looking exactly like a couple deeply in love. When he glanced up, Reynold suddenly spotted me, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes.

He asked, "Honey, why are you standing on the balcony? It's so cold out—what if you catch a cold?"

I smiled faintly and shook my head. "It's nothing. I felt stuffy inside and just came out for some fresh air."

By the time I reached the entryway, I saw him turning to instruct Monica to leave. As soon as he saw me, he immediately opened his arms and pulled me into an embrace.

"Your hands are freezing! Don't do this to yourself, okay? I'd be so worried if you got sick," he said.

"I brought you vitamins from the hospital again. Remember to take them on schedule," he added.

I took the bottle, my heart filling with nothing but bitter amusement as I replied, "Got it."