Chapter 3

Natasha's POV

I went to the guest room to rest.

A few moments later, Louis entered the bedroom as well, closing the door behind him. He then did what he always did. He walked into the bathroom and came out with a pail of warm water. He didn't say a single word as he knelt before me, washing my feet and massaging my calves.

When we first discovered that I was pregnant, he spent the whole night reading articles on how to prepare himself to be a father. Little by little, he learned how to take care of me when I felt uncomfortable during my pregnancy.

If I had morning sickness, he would prepare a nourishing soup for me. If my body ached, he would patiently massage my back, waist, and legs for me.

Louis swept his gaze across the bedside cabinet as he continued massaging my legs. "Did you get a new bottle of folic acid pills when you went for your prenatal check-up today? I noticed that you didn't take any in the last couple of days."

The corners of my lips curled up into a mocking smile.

I had already told Louis that I had run out of folic acid pills some time ago. However, after Madison mentioned how expensive the pills were and flippantly said that drinking vinegar would produce the same results, Louis bought an entire crate of vinegar to replace my folic acid pills.

Louis didn't wait for my response and got up to his feet. He opened the bedside cabinet drawer and pulled out a sealed bottle of folic acid pills from the very bottom of the drawer. He then offered it to me, saying, "Madison bought this for you some time ago. You can take this for now."

As I took the bottle from him, I caught a glimpse of the expiration date at the bottom.

"The pills are expired."

Louis' expression made it clear that he didn't believe me. He took the bottle from me, saying, "That's impossible. She gave the bottle to me only a month ago."

He brought the bottle closer to his face to scrutinize the expiration date. The pills had expired two years ago. He was silent for two seconds before he pulled out his phone and dialed Madison's number right in front of me.

It didn't take long for Madison to answer. Her gentle voice echoed from the receiver, asking, "What's up, Louis?"

"The folic acid pills that you gave to Natty have expired," Louis said helplessly without a single trace of reproach in his voice.

Madison was briefly stunned before she gasped in surprise. "It's expired? I was just trying to help, Louis. I wanted to save as much money as possible. I'm not like Natty. I don't like spending frivolously. Besides, the bottle is still sealed, right? She'll be fine."

I sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "Are you sure that I can take the expired pills just because the bottle is still sealed? Why have I never seen you take expired pills?"

"I just wanted to help you and Louis save money, Natty," Madison mumbled, her voice immediately becoming thick with tears. "I didn't think that you would misunderstand me like this."

Louis immediately chimed in to defend her. "Why are you always picking on Madison? Besides, you're so healthy. You'll be fine even if you take a few expired pills."

I swept my gaze across the bedroom. I only had a few sets of clothes in the closet. Most were off-season styles that I had worn for several years.

In the past, I used to be an executive in the top company in the industry. A single pair of my custom high heels cost thousands of dollars. After marrying Louis, I lived as frugally as possible because I didn't want him to think of me as a gold-digger.

On the other hand, Madison's closet was packed to the brim with luxury goods that Louis bought for her. After all, she was a frail beauty who needed to be spoiled with money.

The massive difference made my chest tighten painfully.

I looked up at Louis and asked lightly, "So, what you're saying is that I can take expired pills, but she can't because she has a weak constitution? She's allowed to splurge on luxury goods, but I have to live frugally? That even the most basic pregnancy expenses are just a waste of money?"

Louis frowned deeply. "That's not what I meant. Can you stop twisting my words?"

"What did you mean then?" I demanded, staring at him. "From your perspective, Madison is always gentle and kind. Meanwhile, everything that I do is wrong."

Louis' expression darkened. "Your current behavior is just proving that Madison was right about you. You're selfish and petty."

He rose and left the room after he was done speaking, slamming the door behind him.

A long time passed before I pulled out my phone and dialed my personal lawyer's number. "Prepare a divorce agreement for me as soon as possible."