On the day I found out that I was pregnant, Stefan was overwhelmed with joy.
He bought all the maternity and baby products available in the city and even got tens of millions of jade bracelets to show me his love during my pregnancy.
He held me, laughing and crying and kissed my belly again and again.
"Elle, I'm so happy."
"Once this child is born, I'll give you the best of everything in the world."
Seeing his tearful eyes, I smiled but remained silent. He was unaware that this child was destined not to come into this world. There would never be a future between him and me.
——
When I visited the hospital for an abortion, the nurse looked at me in surprise.
"Are you the famous Mrs. Miller? The one who was reported on TV? You are so beautiful."
I did not respond and another nurse quickly scolded her.
"Don't speak nonsense. Mrs. Miller's body is weak. She finally got pregnant after six years of marriage. Mr. Miller pampers her and would never let her come alone to this small hospital for an abortion."
She was right.
Stefan Miller, my husband, adored and loved me deeply.
I had been frail and sickly since childhood, so after our marriage, he built a private hospital solely for me.
He even invited the best medical team to care only for me.
Later, to bring good fortune, he opened the hospital to the public free of charge.
Upon learning of my pregnancy, he was overjoyed and immediately visited a church to make offerings and fulfill his vows.
Fireworks lit up the night sky, illuminating almost the entire city.
He bought all the flowers, new mom products and baby products available in the city.
He even lit sky lanterns, filling the night sky with glowing wishes and spent tens of millions on exquisite jade bracelets as a gesture to support my pregnancy.
When he gently slipped the bracelet onto my wrist, his eyes brimmed with tears of happiness.
"We've finally reached this moment. With you and our child, my life is truly complete."
How could he know that while he was lost in his joy, I had already resolved to end the pregnancy and disappear from his life forever?
"Ma'am, please sign here."
The nurse's voice broke through my reverie, pulling me back to the present.
On the hospital TV, Stefan's interview played in the background.
A man known for his composed demeanor, his voice cracked with emotion whenever he spoke of me.
"My wife and I adore children, but when I think of the trials and hardships of pregnancy and childbirth, it breaks my heart..."
"That's why we've decided this will be our only child. After its birth, I plan to transfer all my assets to my wife and child as a token of my unwavering devotion."
The young nurse who was watching the screen sighed wistfully, admiration gleaming in her eyes.
"Men like Mr. Miller are so rare. Where could I find one like him?"
"They say he and his wife were childhood sweethearts. When her family went bankrupt, he proposed despite facing opposition from everyone. He has treated her like a queen ever since. Geez, it's more romantic than any storybook..."
Upon hearing her words, my hand immediately froze.
I could not forget the betrayal. The servant who worked in my home had sold us out, leading to the Lynch Family's downfall.
Stefan had promised to me then, "There will never be lies or deceit between us. If I ever break this promise, let me pay for it with my life."
To prove his sincerity, he had knelt in the pouring rain for an entire day and night, pleading with his family to accept me.
When they finally relented, he had been so feverish and weak that he could barely stand. Yet, trembling, he placed the diamond ring on my finger.
"Don't be worried, Elle. As long as I'm here, I'll be your shield from all the storms and hardships of this world."
For six years, he fulfilled this vow, cherishing me as if I were the most precious gem in his life.
But the day I discovered I was pregnant shattered that illusion.
That was also the day I received intimate photos of him with his lover.
It was then I learned the hospital he had lovingly named after me, in reality, had been built specially for her.
Stefan patiently accompanied me to every medical treatment and checkup at all times.
In truth, they were merely excuses for him to spend more time with her.
