~Isla~

"It's good news." The doctor said with a gentle smile.

I had woken up that morning with a queasy stomach and a pounding headache. I didn't know what to make of it, and my health is something I never joke with, so I rushed to the hospital. I didn't expect that nagging morning sickness to be good news. What good news?

"Congratulations, Mrs. Calloway, you are three weeks pregnant."

My brain stopped for a moment. I blinked. "Pregnant? I'm pregnant?" I asked like I've never heard of that word before.

Of course I wasn't expecting it... I mean, I'm not even allowed to imagine being pregnant, so it's a big shock to me. A wave of warmth spread through my chest despite the shock. For five long years in this cold, loveless marriage, I had stopped hoping for miracles. But this little life growing inside me felt like one.

My chest rose and fell in quick, uneven breaths. I fought the urge to jump on the doctor in excitement, but of course I wouldn't dare. As the wife of the great Marcus Calloway, I'm always expected to maintain composure and elegance, even when my heart is bursting.

Who could've thought one drunken night he didn't even mean would lead to this?

I never thought I would have a single day of happiness in my five years of marriage. That a miracle would happen... something that could bring us closer together.

Maybe... just maybe he's going to finally look at me. I'll finally become something to him.

Five years ago, I was a jewelry designer with the dream of owning the finest brand in the country when my family forced me into a contract marriage with Marcus.

"Do it for us, Isla," my mother had begged. "It's the only way to save the company. Think about your brothers, think about your granny's health. What will happen to the family when we go bankrupt?"

Being left with no choice, I accepted it. It was a sacrifice I made for my family. I never thought I'd fall in love with Marcus the moment I set my eyes on him.

He is a remarkably handsome man, with sharp features and striking blue eyes that pierce right through me. And when he spoke, I felt his deep, commanding voice in my stomach. I have longed to be held by him, to be pressed against his massive chest, his strong arms wrapped around me. Hearing that voice say, "I love you."

But never. Those dreams can only live in my head, for I'm married to a very cold, stoic, and taciturn husband who doesn't care. Marcus doesn't look at me, he doesn't touch me, and he made it clear I'm only a duty to him. We are married but live in separate rooms.

He doesn't see me... despite everything I've done for him and his family, he's never acknowledged my existence or even spoken to me with warmth.

But now, I believe things will change. Once he learns that I'm carrying his child, he will finally look at me... and hopefully, this baby will bring us closer.

I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing. I chose my best dress: a soft cream one that hugged my petite hourglass figure and made my ivory skin look almost ethereal. I took extra time with my hair and makeup, making sure my deep brown eyes looked bright and hopeful. Then I went into the kitchen and cooked everything myself. His favorite steak with garlic butter, roasted vegetables, and a rich sauce. The dining table was set beautifully with fresh flowers and the finest china we owned. My hands trembled with nervous excitement the entire time.

The roar of his car broke me out of my thoughts. I jumped to my feet, my heart thudding wildly.

How do I even break this to him? How will he react? Will he finally look at me and embrace me? Will his eyes soften towards me? Will he demand that I move into his room? Will he stare at me all night?

Shit. Shit. Shit. I'm thinking too much about this... he probably wouldn't care. But why wouldn't he? I'm carrying his baby. It's a child... who wouldn't care?

His musky cologne surrounded me as he entered; that strong, dark scent he never changed. His heavy footsteps made my heart jump even faster.

"W-welcome," I muttered, clearing my throat.

He didn't even look at me at first. I had taken so much time making sure I looked perfect to break this news, but the man didn't even glance my way.

And I couldn't stop staring at him, mesmerized every time. I quickly looked away before he glared at me. He hates the stares.

"I... I want to tell you something..." I said, my heart racing, fingers digging into my palms at my sides.

"What?" His voice, deep and honey-filled, made my skin prickle.

I cleared my throat again, nervous. "I... I'm pregnant." I whispered, my eyes never leaving him.

He didn't react at first, his expression blank as always. But something shifted in his deep blue eyes, a flicker of surprise, maybe even a hidden spark of something warmer. He stayed silent for a long moment.

"When was the last time I touched you?" he questioned firmly.

My throat tightened. "About two weeks ago. On the night of Cara's birthday party... you got drunk and..."

"And you didn't stop me?" he hissed.

"I... I was drunk too," I said, even though I remembered every single second of that night clearly. I had enjoyed every touch, every moment. But I couldn't admit that. Not to him.

He looked at me, then nodded slowly. "Okay."

"Will you have dinner with me?" I asked, trailing behind him before he could disappear into his private wing of the house the part I was never allowed near.

He stopped walking. "Alright."

My eyes widened. Did he just agree to sit at the same table with me and have dinner? Oh. My. God.

He's happy. I know he's happy that we are having a baby. He may not say it, he may not show it, but I know deep down he's happy. Maybe this child would finally heal the wounds from his mother's betrayal. Maybe he secretly wanted a family after all.

"Yes!" I exclaimed when he disappeared, rushing back to the table. I checked everything again, the food was still warm, the wine was poured, the candles were lit. This was the first time he would eat something I made with my own hands.

He returned to the table after a while, his expression still unreadable. That was fine. At least he wasn't wearing one of his usual scowls or that cold gaze that made me feel invisible.

"Uh... how was work today?" I asked, trying to break the heavy silence as we started eating. Hopefully, he would engage. Maybe tomorrow he would ask how I was feeling.

"Handled," he said without looking at me.

I pressed my lips together, a small sting of hurt hitting me, but I pushed it down. I wished he would tell me everything that happened at the office. He wouldn't. Not yet. But I believed we would get there someday. This baby would change him.

I watched him eat, my heart full of quiet hope. For the first time in years, the huge mansion didn't feel so empty. Maybe we could finally become a real family.

Just as I opened my mouth to ask if he wanted more food, the front door burst open with a loud bang.

"Isla, you fucking whore!"

Cara's sharp, venomous voice echoed through the dining room as she stormed in, holding up a familiar red pantie.

My blood ran cold.

~Isla~

"Isla, you fucking whore!" Cara barked as she stormed into the dining room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. She held up a red pantie... my red pantie... waving it like damning evidence.

Marcus's fork froze halfway to his mouth. He set it down gently, his deep blue eyes pinning Cara with a cold, deadly gaze. For the first time in five years, he actually showed some reaction when his family insulted me. My heart gave a small, foolish flutter of hope before reality crashed back in.

I was used to this. Five years of constant humiliation and ridicule from Aunt Linda and Cara had given me a thick skin. But tonight was different. I hadn't even crossed paths with them today. What could I possibly have done wrong?

"Marcus, you will snap her head off when you find out what she's done!" Cara sneered, her voice dripping with hatred.

"Cara, what have I done?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady even as my chest tightened with dread.

"Don't you dare speak to me, you whore!" she shouted, wagging her finger aggressively in my face.

"Hey!" Marcus snapped, slamming his palm on the table. The sound echoed through the room. Cara's eyes widened in surprise, she wasn't used to him defending me either.

Your so-called wife is sleeping with the gardener!" she spat, pointing an accusing finger directly at me.

My heart sank like a stone. She must be mad. This couldn't be happening. Not tonight. Not when I had just shared the news about our baby.

"What?" Marcus hissed, his eyes widening slightly as he turned his sharp gaze on me.

"Yes, Marcus," Aunt Linda agreed as she stormed into the dining room behind her daughter, several household staff members trailing nervously behind her. "This classless bitch has been having a secret affair with the gardener!"

I jumped to my feet, my eyes wide with shock. "What are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice tight with disbelief. "How could you say such a thing?"

"Oh shut up!" Cara snarled, glaring at me with pure malice. "You thought we wouldn't find out?" She pulled out her iPad from her designer bag, scrolling quickly before shoving it toward Marcus.

"Marcus, I always told you this woman is a whore but you never listened!" Aunt Linda sneered. "The cook caught them last week in the act. She didn't say anything at first, but we got evidence."

Marcus's jaw locked tightly, his fingers clenching into fists on the table. I could see the storm building behind his eyes, that familiar cold rage I had learned to fear.

"It's true!" Cara said triumphantly, playing the video on the iPad. "We caught her this time! You can see clearly how she kisses the gardener passionately!"

"Oh my God!" I gasped, dread washing over me like ice water. "That's not true... That isn't me in the video!" My lips trembled as I shook my head desperately. "I would never do such a thing! You're lying!"

"Quiet!" Marcus barked, his cold gaze freezing me in place. "How dare you, Isla! How dare you have an affair with a common gardener!"

"No!" I shouted, tears stinging my eyes. "It's a lie! I would never do that!"

"How can you still deny it, Isla?!" Aunt Linda snapped, shaking her head dramatically. "What a despicable woman!"

The staff stepped forward one by one, their heads lowered but their words cutting like knives.

"It... it's true, sir," the housekeeper confirmed quietly. "Mrs. Calloway visits the servant quarters every night to see Johnson."

"It's not true!" I yelled, my voice cracking with desperation. "Why are you all turning against me?"

The butler narrowed his eyes. "Johnson is her lover. I saw them myself."

"I warned you, Mrs. Calloway..." the cleaner added, fake tears in her eyes. "I told you someone would find out!"

The chef joined in, his voice trembling. "She was on top of him... I couldn't believe it!"

I stared at them in horror. These were the same people I had treated kindly; the ones I secretly gave extra money to, the ones I defended when Linda and Cara mistreated them. And now they had all turned on me.

Marcus's face darkened further. "Where is that gardener!" He slammed his palm on the table so hard the plates rattled and food scattered onto the floor.

I clutched my stomach instinctively, tears streaming down my face. "I didn't do it," I whispered brokenly. "Marcus, please... I'm carrying your child. I would never betray you like this."

The guards soon dragged Johnson in. The gardener kept his gaze downcast, looking guilty and ashamed.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Calloway," Johnson muttered. "I cannot keep this secret anymore."

My breath hitched. "Johnson! What are you talking about? What sort of joke is this?!"

"We can't continue to lie!" he said, his voice shaking. "That baby is mine."

Fresh tears burned my eyes. How did he know I was pregnant? I had only told Marcus today. This was all planned. All of it.

Before I could defend myself, Marcus rose from his chair like a predator. He grabbed Johnson by the collar and punched him hard across the face. The gardener stumbled backward with a cry of pain.

"How dare you!" Marcus roared, his voice filled with controlled fury. He landed several more powerful blows, each one making me flinch. Johnson begged for mercy, curling on the floor.

Aunt Linda and Cara stood back with satisfied smirks, arms folded as they watched the chaos they had created.

I watched in horror, my heart breaking into pieces. How much had they paid these people to betray me like this? The same staff I had cared for like family had sold me out.

"Marcus, please!" I cried, stepping forward. "This is all a setup! I swear on my life I never touched him. I love you... I've only ever been loyal to you!"

Marcus turned his icy gaze on me. The man I loved, the father of my unborn child, looked at me with pure disgust. "You disgust me, Isla. After everything..."

He pulled out his gun, and my blood ran cold. But instead of shooting wildly, he pressed it against Johnson's leg and fired once. The gardener screamed in agony.

"Marcus, stop!" Aunt Linda shouted, though there was no real fear in her voice. "You are not a killer, my boy!"

The guards quickly dragged the bleeding Johnson away, leaving a trail of blood on the expensive floor.

Marcus turned back to me, breathing heavily, his massive frame towering over me. "Pack your bags and leave my house before I return. I don't want to see your face here again."

"Marcus, no..." I sobbed, reaching out for him. "Please believe me. This baby is yours. Give me a chance to prove it, we can do a DNA test right now!"

But he didn't listen. He stormed out of the dining room without another word, leaving me standing there surrounded by my accusers.

Aunt Linda stepped closer, her lips curled in triumph. "You heard him, Isla. Get out. And take that bastard with you."

My world shattered completely in that moment. The hope I had carried all day, the beautiful dream that this baby would finally bring us together, lay in ruins at my feet.

~Isla~

I remained frozen in the middle of the dining room, my body trembling with a mixture of rage, heartbreak, and disbelief. The scattered food and bloodstains on the marble floor felt like a cruel painting of my destroyed life. Marcus had stormed out, leaving behind only the echo of his furious footsteps and the scent of his cologne that now turned my stomach.

Aunt Linda and Cara stood there wearing triumphant smiles, like predators who had finally caught their prey.

"What did I ever do to you?!" I shouted, my voice shaking as I glared at the mother-daughter duo. "Why would you do this to me? Why?"

"You don't deserve to be here, Isla!" Aunt Linda spat, stepping closer with pure venom in her eyes. "We never wanted you as part of this family. You shouldn't have been Marcus's wife in the first place, much less carry a child for him!"

Cara moved even closer, her eyes filled with malice. "You're such a low life!" she barked directly in my face. "You think we're going to let you sit here and enjoy Marcus's wealth like some gold-digging parasite?"

Aunt Linda let out a cruel laugh that echoed through the grand dining hall. "Marcus hates you! He was forced into this marriage just to save that pathetic family of yours. Did you really think a man like him could ever love someone as ordinary as you?"

My chest tightened painfully. The words cut deeper than any physical blow could. I had spent five years trying to prove my worth, cooking, managing the household quietly, enduring their constant insults, all while hoping Marcus would one day see my love.

"What a fool you are for staying in this miserable marriage, hoping he'd love you?" Aunt Linda continued, clicking her tongue. "You're not the type of woman Marcus would look twice at!"

"That is why she took advantage of his drunken state, seduced him, and got pregnant!" Cara added with a sneer. "She wants to use this baby to trap him and steal his wealth!"

"We will never let that happen!" Cara yelled suddenly, grabbing a fistful of my hair and yanking hard.

"Let me go!" I cried out in pain as she pulled viciously. Aunt Linda joined in, slapping me hard across the face. The sting burned my cheek, but the emotional pain was worse.

She shoved me backward with surprising strength. My head slammed against the wall with a sickening thud. A sharp cry escaped my lips as warm blood trickled down the side of my face.

"She is so pathetic!" Aunt Linda laughed coldly.

"She has hurt his ego by cheating with a common gardener!" Cara added, still holding my hair.

"I didn't cheat with the gardener!" I screamed, tears streaming down my face. "I would never do that! This baby is Marcus's!"

"How are you going to prove yourself then?" Cara smirked, finally releasing me. "Marcus will never believe you! And you better pack your bags quickly, because if he returns and finds you here... we won't stop him from putting bullets in that belly of yours!"

A crushing wave of despair washed over me. I clutched my stomach protectively, the small life inside me feeling more vulnerable than ever. "I will never forgive any of you for this!" I cried, stumbling out of the room as their mocking laughter followed me.

"That's right!" Aunt Linda shouted behind me. "Pack your bags when you're done crying, you worthless whore!"

I ran to my room, the small, lonely space I had lived in for five years, my mind spinned. Aunt Linda and Cara had always hated me. They constantly reminded me that I was nothing but property traded to save my father's failing business. Marcus had never stopped them. He never cared enough to protect me.

Yet today, for one brief moment during dinner, I had seen something different in his eyes when I told him about the baby. A flicker. A crack in his ice. Maybe he was starting to care. Maybe the child could have healed his deep wounds from his mother's infidelity and his broken family.

But now everything was ruined.

Marcus is a proud man. He would rather believe I cheated with a business rival than a lowly gardener. How was I supposed to prove my innocence when the entire household had turned against me? Johnson, whom I had helped with money for his mother's treatment, had betrayed me too. They must have paid him well.

Still, I loved Marcus deeply, more than words could ever express. I believed he would change someday. That my patience and sacrifices would finally be rewarded. With this baby on the way, I couldn't let everything slip away so easily.

I had to try.

Quietly, I crept toward Marcus's private study. The door was slightly ajar, and I could hear his deep, angry voice.

"Sir... I would advise that you investigate this matter before taking this step. What if this whole thing is a mistake?"

"It is not!" Marcus barked, his voice filled with raw fury. "That is exactly how women are! All they do is cheat and sleep around without shame!"

My heart clenched as I listened, pressing myself against the wall.

"Especially Isla. I don't touch her. This marriage is nothing but a contract, so of course I'm not surprised she would stoop so low!"

Tears filled my eyes. This was what he truly thought of me.

He slammed both palms on the desk. "This is exactly what my mother did! That bitch ruined our lives with her filthy behavior. And even though I don't care about my wife, I can't believe I actually married a woman like her."

The lawyer sighed. "I understand your pain, but-"

"Enough!" Marcus snapped. "You have one hour to get the divorce papers ready! That woman is not spending another day in my house!"

Pain and anger coursed through my body. What was the point of trying to explain myself? He had already judged and condemned me. With everyone against me, he would never believe the truth.

I walked back to my room in a daze, my mind blank. There was nothing I could do now.

"Isla!" My mother's sharp voice suddenly cut through the silence. I turned around to see my entire family standing there: father, mother, and my brother Mike. They didn't look concerned. They looked furious.

"How could you do this?!" Father yelled, shaking his head in disgust. "Do you have any idea what we will lose because of your stupidity?"

"I didn't do anything..." I sobbed, breaking down completely. "They're all lying! Please believe me."

"You're so unfortunate!" Mike snarled. "You should've chosen a man outside the mansion if you wanted to cheat! How could you have an affair right under his nose?!"

"They are lying!" I cried desperately.

"Oh please," Mother rolled her eyes. "We understand you have needs... but you should've been smarter about it! Now the family business is at risk again!"

I stared at them in complete disbelief. These were the people I had sacrificed everything for. And all they cared about was their precious company.

"I made a huge mistake trusting you to keep the family afloat!" Father said with pure hatred in his eyes. "I wish I had a smarter daughter, not a selfish whore!"

My chest felt suffocating. "If Marcus divorces you, we will also disown you!" Mother added coldly. "You will be of no use with that bastard in your belly!"

"My child is not a bastard!" I yelled, my lips trembling with fury. "Stop calling my child a bastard!"

Heavy footsteps approached. Marcus entered the room, his presence filling the space like a dark storm. He clutched divorce papers in one hand and his gun in the other.

"Marcus... please believe me..." I cried, falling to my knees in front of him. "I did not cheat on you! They are all lying. This baby is yours!"

He glared down at me with pure disdain. "The only reason I'm not ending your miserable life right now is because I want to use you as an example. It's been too long since I showed the world what happens to those who betray me."

I sobbed harder. "I didn't do it... please... give me a chance to prove my innocence. We can have a DNA test right away!"

"You disgust me, Isla! I'm glad this happened. I'll finally get rid of you!"

"No!" I shook my head desperately. "This baby is yours... I'm carrying your child!"

His eyes darkened with uncontrollable rage. "If you ever call that bastard my child again, I will yank it out of your belly myself!"

My heart shattered completely at his words. The man I loved, the father of my child had become a monster in his anger.

"Now sign these papers and get out of my life!" he barked, throwing the documents at me. "If I ever see you near me or my territory again, I will have you beheaded in the most painful way imaginable!"

With trembling hands and a broken soul, I picked up the pen and signed the papers. I refused to beg anymore. I would not raise my child in this hell.

As I handed the papers back, our eyes met for one final second. Something, perhaps regret, flickered in his blue eyes before the cold mask returned.

But it was too late.