The familiar terror of miscarriage flooded every nerve. "The baby... call an ambulance!"
Piers's voice turned cold and accusing. "This is exactly why you can never carry to term. You're too impulsive."
"No..." The pain shredded my words. Warmth spread between my legs, and I looked down to see blood.
His pupils contracted. Finally, with a reluctant frown, he reached for his phone.
But Julie let out a wail. "Piers! My stomach hurts so badly. Did Geraldine push me? Is that why—"
The color drained from his face. He hurled the phone aside. "I'm taking you to the hospital!"
He scooped her into his arms and bolted for the door. He never looked back.
But I saw his face before he turned. The panic. The anguish. All of it real.
None of it for me.
The door slammed shut, and the last fragile shard of hope inside me shattered into dust.
We were both at risk of losing a pregnancy. For me, he had nothing but blame and impatience. For Julie, he gave every ounce of worry and devotion he possessed.
Through the blinding pain, hatred kept me conscious. I dragged my phone closer and dialed emergency services, then called my attorney.
"Draw up a divorce agreement. And hire someone to investigate Piers Stephens." My voice trembled, but it did not waver. "One week. That's all I need to take everything he has."
The ambulance arrived in time. The baby survived.
I spent three days in the hospital. It wasn't until the day I was discharged that I received a call from Piers.
"You've had your little tantrum long enough, haven't you? There's a reception tonight. You're coming with me."
So that was it. Three days of complete silence, and he'd assumed I was sulking. That the cold shoulder was deliberate punishment for my so-called rebellion.
I wanted to refuse, but the hostess, Mrs. Xu, had been one of my mother's closest friends. I couldn't not go.
At the reception, Piers played his usual role to perfection, intercepting every glass of wine offered my way. The women around us practically swooned.
"Mr. Stephens is so attentive. He never lets his wife touch a single drop."
"Remember that fool who tried to pressure Mrs. Stephens into drinking? He flipped on the spot. Who would've guessed that a man with such impeccable composure would put someone in the hospital over it?"
"That's what they say. Love your wife and the fortune follows. Just look at how far Stephens Corp has come!"