Chapter 3

My mind blew up all at once, and the world seemed to tilt under my feet.

Why would Leonard trample my dignity completely?

It wasn't enough that he made me carry the child he conceived for Hannah Jenson. He even wanted to use me to secure her full-time position.

Leonard came out of the shower and glanced at his phone, then casually suggested, "Our hospital is holding a launch for a new medication. I want to invite you. You're our family's greatest contributor."

The memory of their plan flashed through me and I flinched, taking a step back.

"I'm not going. I have things to do."

His expression darkened immediately. "You're a housewife. What exactly do you have to do? All these years you couldn't even be touched, and now that you're finally pregnant, you dare show an attitude?"

His words cut deeper than the cold ridicule of strangers. And who, exactly, had turned me into this?

When I still refused, he issued a command.

"This isn't up to you. Get dressed. We're leaving."

He pulled clothes from the closet and forced them onto me, ignoring my resistance.

The brief skin-to-skin contact sent a rush of hives crawling across my body, my skin swelling painfully.

He didn't care. All that mattered was Hannah's successful promotion.

I couldn't fight back. Leonard dragged me into the car, rough and impatient, and hauled me all the way to the press event.

People mingled with drinks in hand. At first glance, it really did look like an ordinary product launch.

I had just begun to exhale when Hannah approached with a bright smile.

"Kayla, your belly is so huge. You're really lucky. Allergic to men and still managed to get pregnant."

Every word was sharp, but Leonard sat on the couch, gazing at her with unmistakable affection.

Others stifled their laughter and chimed in.

"I heard Kayla has a natural allure. Being allergic to men for so many years must have been torture."

"They say women like her lose control the moment they're touched. Like a dog in heat. I wonder if it's true."

As they spoke, their hands reached toward my waist, brushing and squeezing without restraint.

Shame, panic, and helplessness flooded me so fast I could barely breathe. Heat rose to my head, and I snapped my gaze to Leonard.

"Leonard, you're my husband. Are you really not going to stop them?"

Only then did he raise a hand, reluctant and dismissive. The men backed off, disappointed.

Hannah stepped forward with a glass of water, wearing a look of manufactured kindness.

"Kayla, don't bother with those idiots. They haven't seen a woman in ages. They even go after a heavyweight pregnant woman like you. They really have no taste.

"Here. Drink some water. Calm down."

Her insult sat just beneath the surface; it was impossible for me to ignore.

"I've shown up. Can I go home now?"

The moment the words left my mouth, Leonard slammed his glass onto the table. The room fell silent.

"Kayla, Hannah is helping you, and this is how you repay her kindness?

"Drink it. Don't embarrass her."

Hannah held the glass, watching me with gentle patience.

"Kayla, just drink it. It's only a glass of water."

I looked around. Dozens of eyes hovered over me, expectant and unmoving.

A heavy weight dropped into my chest.

And I soon came to realize that this wasn't a simple product launch.

Leonard had lied.