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!]
