1. It All Started With A Betrayal

“Congratulations, Mrs Milton. You are one month pregnant with a baby boy!”

The Doctor said to me, smiling slightly as she handed over the pregnancy report.

I blinked rapidly, my breath catching in my throat. I grabbed the papers from her hand hastily, scanning through the medical jargon with trembling fingers.

It’s true.

I’m pregnant– indeed!

“Would you like to see the baby, Mrs Milton?” the Doctor’s voice cut through the haze of my shock as she stood up from her desk.

“Yes, Doc. I would love to see him!” I said without thinking, barely containing my excitement.

She directed me to her mini ward where she conducts the scanning.

I had never passed through this stage of motherhood, never laid on this cold bed for an ultrasound because I had never been pregnant.

It is my fourth year in marriage and a baby is finally coming out of it.

“Can you see the baby? He seems to be very happy,” the doctor remarked gently as she rolled the transducer on my belly.

I stared at the screen, leaning forward with a smile on my face. There, inside me, a tiny life flickered. I smiled, unable to stop myself from taking my eyes off the screen.

“He looks so healthy!” I whispered, my voice catching with emotion.

“Yes, Mrs Milton. The baby looks so healthy…” The Doctor pulled off her stethoscope and helped me adjust my gown with care.

As we walked out of the mini ward, she turned to me with a soft but firm look.

“After four years of failed surgeries to make you give birth, you are finally having a child, Mrs Milton. I advise you to stay away from stress and avoid hitting yourself anywhere because any little act of carelessness may hinder the baby's entrance to this world!”

I nodded, sinking into the seat again. My hands instinctively moved to my stomach.

“You are right, Doctor. I will do everything to protect my child. He is my first and my last… I won't let him go.”

The Doctor handed me the medical prescription. “And I pray this baby opens a new door in your marriage. You know what I mean, right?”

Her words struck me like a sudden gust of cold wind. I tried to smile, but my lips froze.The truth, they say, is bitter– and the Doctor’s words stung with honesty.

For four years now, I have been married to the CEO of Milton Empire, Justin Milton. Our marriage was just a marriage of convenience.

He needed to have a wife to fulfill his Grandfather's last wish.

Before Old Mr Milton died, he asked Justin to get a durable and nurturing wife as he would love to see his daughter-in-law before dying.

At that time, I still had a crush on Justin and was working at Milton Empire. He came to me with a cheque of $10 Million, asking me to be his wife. It was like a dream come true. I said yes before even asking why. I never knew how he noticed me or who told him I was the “good girl” he needed.

All I know is that we got married, and shortly after, Mr Milton died.

Though Justin made it clear to me that our marriage was purely for convenience and he didn’t see me as his wife, I silently vowed to win his heart and become the best in his eyes.

Remembering all these, I sat in the Reception, waiting for my driver. My heart was still racing with a mix of joy and uncertainty.

I thought of using this opportunity to tell Justin the good news because it is hanging on my throat and I won't stand it if I don't tell anyone about it, especially Justin. So, I brought out my phone and went straight to MESSAGES.

“Hi, Justin. I have some good news. I am pregnant with your baby. Can you come to the hospital?” I typed

It hadn’t even been three minutes when he replied:

“I am busy. Don’t disturb me!”

I stared at the screen. The words felt like ice. My hand dropped slowly, and my chest tightened. He didn’t even ask a question– nothing.

I thought he would be happy… I thought a child might change things but sadly, it didn't make an impact on him.

As I sat there, numb and half-broken, I heard a familiar voice.

“Gia Sullivan. Which ward was she admitted to?”

“Let me check our system…” The receptionist responded. “Ward 34. That’s where she is!”

“Okay. Thank you!”

That voice… it wasn’t just familiar. It was Justin’s.

I looked up sharply and saw him walking away without even glancing my way.

But what is he doing here? He just told me he was busy a few minutes ago.

Did he come to see me? And who was this Gia Sullivan he asked about?

My pulse quickened. My instincts screamed. I couldn't be any less suspicious; trying to pretend like it was nothing big. But still, I had to find out the truth.

I rose to my feet, taking quiet steps behind him until he entered Ward 34.

I paused outside the door, straining to catch anything from within.

Maybe a relative? Someone got hurt?

But then I heard it. A woman’s voice– playful, light, and mocking.

“Why don’t you divorce that wife of yours already?” Her giggles rang out. “She’s lasted long enough and hasn’t contributed anything positive to your life. Divorce her already, Justin, and marry me. I’m way better than her—and I’m even pregnant with your baby!”

I froze. My breath caught mid-air.

Pregnant?

No… no… this can’t be real.

I had to see her face.

My hand clenched around the doorknob, the cool metal digging into my palm. I was just about to twist it when Justin’s voice came through again.

“I came all the way here rushing not to miss your check-up. You’re the only one I love, Gia. I’m in the mood. Can we do it already?”

There was a sudden silence everywhere. Then the room echoed with soft moaning… wet, rhythmic sounds which I couldn’t unhear.

My heart pounded as I forced the door open only to find my husband, Justin Milton, having sex with another woman on a hospital bed.