The company held a team-building event at the seaside. Dakota Morrone, my husband's assistant, knew I was pregnant and couldn't do intense activities, but she still insisted I join the jet ski ride.
I clearly refused, but my husband, Milo Dornan, gave me a cold look and said I was killing the mood and should leave. The atmosphere instantly turned heavy, and my colleagues looked at me as if I had done something terrible.
"Just because you're pregnant, you think you're a princess?" Milo's voice was so cold it felt like he was a stranger. "Which woman can't get pregnant?"
Ever since Dakota joined as his assistant, the man who once promised to protect me forever had changed.
"Milo, my body really isn't fit for this."
"If I say you can do it, then you can. If you won't play, then we'll get a divorce." His words were firm and final.
——
Dakota quickly spoke up. "Milo, she's pregnant. It was my thoughtlessness. Please don't divorce her over such a small matter. What would people in the company think of me?"
"What's so special about being pregnant? You didn't ruin everyone's mood when you were on your period, but she gets special treatment just for being pregnant?" Milo glared at me. "Today, she has to play."
"Milo, look at my belly. It's hard for me to even bend over right now," I said.
"Did I ask you to come?" Milo's face grew colder. "You insisted on coming. Did you come here just to disgust me?"
His words made him feel more and more like a stranger to me. I forced back my grief and held in my tears. It was true, he hadn't invited me to this trip. I was the one who had wanted to come.
Ever since I got pregnant, Milo had made me stay home to rest. Lately, I had been hearing too many rumors and often saw Dakota posting photos of her and Milo together. Sometimes, when Milo stayed out late at night, Dakota would post on her Instagram Stories.
In the quiet company at night, it was just the two of them. As a woman, my instincts told me their relationship was not normal.
I was an orphan, and I cherished this marriage deeply. I was afraid of losing him. Hearing his cold words now, I understood he was angry because I had shown up and ruined his good time with Dakota.
Thinking back to all the small changes since she joined, I realized deep down that the Milo who once loved me no longer existed. I just hadn't been willing to give up and had wanted to save us.
But now, with my big belly and him trying to force me onto a jet ski, I knew it was time to let go.
Looking at him, I felt a strange calm inside. I was relieved and said evenly, "I've just been lying to myself. When this team-building ends, let's get a divorce. I wish you and Dakota happiness."
Milo hit me across the face, catching me completely off guard.
"Who are you wishing happiness to?" he glared at me. "Dakota and I are pure. It's one thing for you to argue with me, but to slander her? Apologize to Dakota."
"Milo, forget it. I've heard pregnant women tend to overthink things." Dakota quickly grabbed his arm.
"No. She's my wife and a company leader. To slander you like this, she must apologize."
Nothing felt more tragic than my heart turning cold. I only wanted to leave as soon as possible.
"Dakota, I'm sorry."
"Alia, what are you doing?" Dakota came over to hold my hand. "It's all my fault."
I didn't want to speak to her; her touch only made me feel more disgusted. I pulled my hand away sharply.
"Oh!"
Because of my movement, Dakota fell to the ground and looked at Milo. "Milo, don't blame her. I just fell by accident."
If she hadn't said that, it might have ended there, but once she did, Milo immediately stepped forward and slapped me again.
This time it was even harder. I stumbled and fell onto the sand. Milo glared at me. "Kneel and apologize to Dakota."
