Calvin arrived at the hospital the next day, behaving as if everything was perfectly normal. He gripped my hand with a nervous energy, apologizing earnestly: "Sweetheart, I'm sorry! I just wanted you to help enliven the event on stage, but I didn't mean to hurt you or the baby."

His tone seemed genuinely concerned, yet the glaring lipstick stain on his collar was hard to ignore. "Daisy is just a bit of fun. There's no reason to take her seriously; she doesn't threaten your position," he reassured me. "You must remember, we've known each other since childhood, and the person I truly love is you."

I looked up into his seemingly sincere eyes. Without the call that afternoon, I might have believed him. But knowing the truth, I couldn't trust a single word he said. I couldn't understand why he was pretending in front of me. Hadn't he already gotten Lea's shares as he wished?

The night I was discharged, he knocked on my door holding a set of provocative clothing. "Sweetheart, we've been sleeping in separate rooms for six months. I can't believe you haven't missed me. How about wearing this for your husband?"

Surprised, I glanced at him. His eyes were slightly bloodshot, filled with the familiar desire I knew too well. Yet, I shook my head firmly. "I'm exhausted. I need to rest."

Calvin's passion mostly dissipated upon hearing my refusal. His tone turned annoyed, impatient: "You're not still upset about yesterday, are you? I've already apologized. Can't you stop making a big deal out of it? Change into these clothes, or do you want your husband to help you?"

He started tugging at my clothes. The terror of being undressed in public returned. This time, without hesitation, I grabbed the outfit from Calvin's hand and dashed into the bathroom. The attire barely covered anything, but I knew if I didn't change, Calvin wouldn’t let me off easily.

When I emerged, he was snapping photos of me with a camera. I screamed, trying to dodge, but Calvin subdued me quickly, tying my wrists and ankles to the bed. On the other side of the camera were several leering men.

"She's the one up for auction, Regina Murphy. Pregnant, but with a face like hers, she's quite the prize!"

"Honestly, I've never been with a pregnant woman before. I’m definitely in on the bidding!"

"I heard she’s going to perform a dance at the auction, hahahaha, can't wait!"

Listening to these obscene, vile comments, tears rolled from the corners of my eyes. The intense humiliation made my stomach cramp painfully. My mouth was gagged; all I could do was helplessly look at Calvin, hoping he would mercifully let me go. Calvin understood my silent plea. He put down the camera, walked over, and gently wiped away my tears. But his gaze carried no warmth.

"You've let me take pictures much bolder than this before, why the sudden bashfulness now?" he taunted. "I told you, since you didn't want to dance at the opening ceremony, I've found another venue for you."

Then, he raised the camera again. The number of gawking men increased, their words becoming more and more degrading. I stopped struggling, lying in defeat, feeling all affection for Calvin dissolve completely.

After what felt like an eternity, Calvin finally released me. "Remember in the future, Daisy isn't someone you can provoke. Just be a good Mrs. Rodriguez."

With that, he left my room without a backward glance. I immediately wrapped myself tightly in the sheets, but the cold clung to my body, refusing to go away.

Later that night, Daisy messaged me again via WhatsApp:

[Dear Sister-in-law, the live stream was a success. Even though you're pregnant, many wealthy men are eager to spend the night with you.]

[The highest bid came from a seventy-year-old man, and Calvin has agreed to sell you to him. I've heard he's a bit twisted, so be sure to protect the baby in your belly. Otherwise, Mrs. Rodriguez's title might change hands!]

Upon seeing those two messages, I was at a loss for words.

I immediately grabbed my phone and went to find Calvin Rodriguez, who was video chatting in an inappropriate state with Daisy Williams.

Ignoring his flushed face and the disarray around him, I directly placed the two texts in front of him.

After reading them, Calvin sheepishly looked away.

However, he quickly started making excuses for himself and Daisy:

"Daisy is young; she loves to joke around. You took it too seriously, didn't you?"

"The suggestion that you should dance at the gala was just a way to get you to back off from Daisy. The other message was just playful banter between us."

"You're my wife—how could I ever suggest anything like that involving you?"

"Pregnant women often get overly worried; it's late. You should go back to your room and rest. I would feel terrible if you got exhausted."

His dismissive and insincere words twisted a knife in my heart.

For the last three years, I had been his wife, carrying his children.

Yet all he seemed to think about was Daisy Williams.

Clenching my fists tightly, I became numb to any physical pain.

As I was about to turn and leave, Calvin suddenly called out to me:

"I've prepared something special at tomorrow night's gala just for you."

Hearing this, I instinctively shook my head and declined:

"I'm not going. Take Daisy with you."

At this, Calvin's expression immediately darkened:

"Why are you making a scene now? If I bring Daisy, you'll get jealous over nothing."

"I know yesterday was tough for you. Tomorrow, just choose whatever you want at the gala. Think of it as my apology to you."

"You're different from Daisy. Daisy is focused on her career, while you don't work. You stay at home like a couch potato. Think about how your baby feels if you're not occupied."

Suddenly, I felt utterly ridiculous and pathetic.

Before marrying Calvin, I had a career of my own.

But after we married, he insisted I stay home so I wouldn't overwork myself.

Yet now, I am seen as nothing more than a useless freeloader.

Seeing me silent, with my head down, Calvin's patience ran thin.

"You must come with me tomorrow. That's final. I have things to do, so go back and rest."

The next day, it seemed he was worried I'd back out, as he kept an eye on me the entire day.

Only when I obediently got into the car with him did he finally relax.

While he wasn't paying attention, I discreetly sent a text to Lea Rodriguez.

As soon as the car stopped at the gala's entrance, Daisy Williams, who had been waiting, came over.

She looked at my belly with a mocking smile and remarked:

"I heard you're six months pregnant, but your belly doesn't look that big! No wonder everyone still compliments your figure!"

The next moment, someone chimed in:

"Our Calvin is always generous, willing to share his treats with his buddies. We've never seen a pregnant woman dance a jig. Why don't you give us a show?"

Laughter erupted around us.

Many, there for the spectacle, eagerly joined in.

Some even began eyeing me inappropriately.

Shame washed over me once more.

I frowned, my expression firm:

"Have you all had your fun?"

Only then did Calvin step in to smooth things over:

"Honey, they're just messing with you. Surely you're not upset?"

Seeing my face remain unchanged, Daisy raised her glass and approached me:

"It's my fault for speaking out of turn. I toast you as an apology."

Though her words were apologetic, her eyes held a malicious glint.

Realizing they intended to use me as part of some game, I suddenly understood.

The drink must be spiked.

I pushed the glass away, coolly replying:

"I'm pregnant. I can't drink."