In the third week of my pregnancy, my husband fell for a woman who had been a family friend since childhood. They carried on their affair in the nursery I had lovingly prepared for our child. When I found them, she had the nerve to smirk and say, "Oh, Mikayla, don't get the wrong idea. We were just catching up."

Rage coursed through me, and I felt warmth trickling down my legs. She had the audacity to claim that my health issues were bringing bad luck, and she poured a bucket of so-called holy water over me.

My husband, Ashton, called me an embarrassment and forbade me from leaving the house for Thanksgiving dinner. He locked me inside while he spent the night with her. When he returned, he was furious upon seeing my miscarriage report.

---

On Valentine's Day, I was buying chocolates when I realized I had picked up the wrong phone. As I was about to head home, I saw a message from one of Ashton's friends: "You've really outdone yourself, Ashton! What a plan to get Mikayla out of the way."

I chuckled, thinking Ashton had planned a surprise for me. But when I rushed home, my joy turned to devastation. The living room was littered with pistachio shells, and the air was thick with cigar smoke.

Zoe, Ashton's so-called childhood friend, was provocatively straddling him, a piece of tissue paper dangling from her lips, and they gazed into each other's eyes in a sickeningly sweet manner. She wore nothing but a bright red lace camisole, her skin shining distractingly.

"Stop it, Ashton," she giggled. "This is way too revealing!"

Ashton looked unfazed, slowly caressing her slender waist. "Come on now, get down."

That camisole had been custom-made for me after Ashton learned I was pregnant, to keep me warm. But now, it was being used as a tool for flirtation with another woman.

Their friends pretended to avert their eyes and teased, "Get a room, you two! We're here to eat, not watch a soap opera."

"Of course, our chef here knows how to spice things up," someone joked, and the room erupted into laughter as Ashton and Zoe shared a kiss.

"Just be careful, what if Mikayla comes back?" someone asked.

Ashton, unconcerned, slipped his hand beneath the fabric draped over Zoe’s body. "Relax, I've bought all the chocolates nearby. She won't be back soon."

"Besides," he added with a sneer, "she's pregnant and can't do much of anything now; she's practically a dull idol. The hormones have made her look worn out. She's a real drag."

He playfully smacked Zoe. "None of them compare to you, Zoe."

Zoe giggled, her fingers tracing Ashton's chest. "Ashton, you're terrible! Your ring is poking me. And really, what do you take me for? I'm a respectable woman!"

Ashton, visibly flustered, removed his ring and placed it on Zoe's finger. "There, wear it for me, my sweet girl."

Standing at the door, I felt my own ring pressing into my skin. But the conversation that followed was even more gut-wrenching.

"Hey Ashton, isn't that a bit much? What if Mikayla finds out and divorces you?"

Ashton laughed, pulling Zoe closer. "So what? Where’s she going with a baby on the way?"

"Besides, I know how to prioritize. If she can't meet some needs, someone else will. A man has his needs!"

The crowd cheered, "Ashton, you really have it all figured out!"

My stomach churned with disgust as I pushed open the door. The room fell silent as Ashton quickly wrapped Zoe in his jacket.

I laughed bitterly. "Oh, please, everyone’s already seen everything. Are you really worried about me seeing it?"

"Don’t talk nonsense. Her reputation is intact until you ruin it," Ashton retorted.

Zoe looked at me triumphantly. "Mikayla, don't get the wrong idea. We hadn't seen each other in years, just catching up."

Their friends quickly caught on, raising their glasses. "Yeah, Mikayla, we're just playing some truth or dare; things got a bit out of hand. Come on, Zoe, three drinks to apologize to Mikayla!"

Zoe Bennett laughed as she lifted her glass of red wine, but before she could take a sip, Ashton Cunningham grabbed it from her. "Alcohol isn't good for a lady's health," he commented.

It was like a swarm of ants was crawling under my skin. He was so attentive to Zoe, but did he ever consider my well-being?

Ashton quickly downed three glasses, then raised his glass to me with a hint of accusation. "Finished yours yet?"

"Why are you back already? Did you get the potatoes?" Zoe teased, giving Ashton a playful nudge. "Really, you let your pregnant wife go grocery shopping alone?"

"Come on, let me give him a slap for you, sis," she laughed.

Ashton grinned, pretending innocence. "I thought she could use some fresh air. Pregnant women shouldn't just lounge around all day. They'll need their strength once the baby's here."

I stared at him in disbelief. Even now, he joked and bantered with others right in front of me.

But Zoe had a point. Who sends a pregnant woman out on her own? Still, I never thought Ashton would say something like that. Did he even see me as his wife? I was carrying his child, after all.

Tears filled my eyes as I trembled, "Ashton Cunningham, you once said if you ever betrayed me, you'd get hit by a bus!"

Ashton's expression darkened. "What nonsense, Mikayla? Zoe and I have been friends since we were kids; you know that!"

"You should watch what you say. Besides, everyone here has their flings. If you can't handle it, leave. And I haven't even crossed the line!"

"I'm doing you a favor by sticking around. Where else will you find a loyal husband like me?"

I was too shocked to respond.

After I got pregnant, my body underwent significant changes. My skin became pale, I gained weight, and I became fussy about food and surroundings. Morning sickness was relentless.

At first, Ashton said it was fine and even helped clean up when I got sick on my clothes. But soon, he started staying out late, claiming he had to work overtime. When I confronted him, he'd explode, saying I was too sensitive and ruining his life.

Feeling guilty, I tried not to disturb him, but the disdain in his eyes only grew. I kept telling myself everything would be okay once the baby arrived.

But now, he used my pregnancy and body changes as an excuse for his infidelity, belittling me relentlessly. How could I have been so foolish, thinking of having a child with such a despicable man?

"Let's get a divorce."

Ashton hesitated, then sneered, "Mikayla, get real. You're carrying my child. Where do you think you can go?"

"I'm not asking you to leave. Behave, and you'll always have the title of Mrs. Cunningham."

Zoe added, "Exactly, sis. Look around. It's how everyone is. No need to get upset. Don't stress yourself."

Trying to mediate, she clung to Ashton, "Don't be mad at her because of me, Ashton. She's pregnant."

"Sis, every woman has kids. You're just overreacting," she continued.

Before she could finish, I slapped her across the face.

Zoe's eyes blazed with anger. "You witch! How dare you hit me!"

She never expected me to strike her, especially in front of everyone. Embarrassed, she lunged at me, shoving me with all her strength before retreating to Ashton's arms, sobbing. "I didn't do anything wrong! Why did she hit me?"

I lost my balance and fell to the ground.

Pain surged through me, and I clutched my stomach, curling up in agony.

Zoe panicked. "I didn't even touch her, Ashton! Look at my face; it's red from her slap!"

Ashton, his voice cold, said, "Mikayla, stop this ridiculous act. Stand up and apologize to Zoe!"

Someone in the crowd spoke up, concerned, "Ashton, make sure she isn't hurt from the fall."

Tears threatened to spill over as I felt a warm, ominous sensation spreading beneath me, accompanied by the metallic scent of blood.

Oh no!

"Honey, please take me to the hospital. My stomach hurts so much."