The One Thing I Never Expected

I was born with a natural scent, and had a birthmark shaped like a camelia on my shoulder.My husband, Lawrence Ashford, was obsessed with it. He would rain kisses on it every single day.We had fallen into each other's embrace over and over during our 10 years of marriage. We've had fun in the kitchen, on the couch, in the car, and even in the public restroom.He never forgot a single anniversary. In fact, he had even given up the chance to study abroad just to stay with me.Yet, he stood before me neatly dressed on his birthday and said calmly, "I won't be spending my birthday at home this year."Before I could speak, he took a family photo out of his pocket.The woman in it looked gentle and composed. The little boy was sweet and well-behaved.Lawrence held the picture with a gentle smile on his face. It was a picture of domestic happiness. "This is my other family," he said evenly. "I want to spend my birthday with them this year."I shook at his confession. I looked at him

Lawrence let out a sigh.Then, he took a deep breath, curled his lips into a smile, and asked casually, "Sylvia, where's my birthday present?"He asked me that every year.Even though I always gave it to him right on time, he could never wait even a minute longer.This year, I had planned to ask him whether he wanted to adopt a child—one that would belong to both of us.For so many years, his firm refusal to have children had made me assume he had fertility issues. To protect his pride, I had never brought it up.It turned out that he wasn't incapable of having a child. He just didn't want one with me.When I didn't answer, he didn't press. Instead, his eyes stayed glued to his phone.On the screen was a full-size photo of that woman named Willow.He accidentally tapped a voice message, and her bright, energetic voice spilled out of the speaker."Honey, I made a whole table of your favorite dishes. When are you coming over? Let me whisper a little secret to you. After dinner,

Willow was the first to speak. "Sylvia, I'm sorry to intrude like this. I got you a small gift."Her voice was gentle and humble, but the look in her eyes was full of triumph.I ignored her and let her stand there holding the bag, but the child beside her snapped. He lowered his head and charged straight at my stomach. "You bad woman! How dare you bully my mom! Get out!"It was only when he was about to slam into my legs that Lawrence's expression finally changed. He grabbed the boy, his expression dark."Who taught you to talk to her like that?"He looked every bit the strict, responsible father. It was just a shame that he wasn't behaving that way toward our child.Miles was frightened by his tone and burst into tears, throwing himself into Matilda's arms.Matilda, who had always been obsessed with cleanliness, let him smear snot all over her custom-made dress without a word.She patted his back softly, soothing him. Her eyes were filled with affection, not a trace of surpr

The cab screeched to an abrupt stop, causing me to slam into the seat in front of me.Lawrence stood in the road with his arms spread wide, ignoring the driver's angry curses as he blocked the car."Sylvia, I need to talk to you."I apologized to the driver and stared hard at Lawrence. After taking a deep breath, I got out of the car anyway.He stood three steps away from me, yet he felt impossibly distant.After a long silence, he seemed to steel himself. "I'm sorry. I didn't keep the promises I made to you. I told you before that if I ever did something wrong, I'd give you everything I own to make it right.""Okay."My flat response made him pause before he continued, "The child needs me. I can't be an irresponsible father."Bitterness spread through my chest. Ten years of marriage, and he was telling me he had to take responsibility for someone else."Is there anything else you want as compensation?" he asked. As if afraid I would refuse, he added, "As long as it's somethin

I was suffering from a leg cramp, so Evan Blackwood, the college guy who was with me, blushed as he gently massaged my leg to ease the pain.A shadow shot past before anyone could react, slamming into him and sending him sprawling onto the ground."Who gave you permission to touch her?"Lawrence's face was calm, but his voice was low and sharp. He was radiating an unmistakable aura of danger.I stepped in front of Evan, shielding him with my body.Lawrence looked surprised and then hurt when he saw my reaction. "Sylvia…" His voice trembled with a hint of grievance.His family had endless wealth, and he was never without bodyguards. Yet, I had always stood in front of him when he was in danger, shielding him without a second thought.Still, that was in the past."Sylvia, don't look at me like that, okay? I… I just saw him too close to you. I got jealous."If it were the old days, his words would have felt like honey dripping over my heart.Now, I just felt repulsed."Lawrence