A Stranger in My Marriage

"He only called me 'Mommy' once, and you can't even tolerate a child that young? You're worse than an animal," Cynthia screamed.

I got to my feet, about to say something, but my father-in-law—his face twisted with anger—shoved me to the ground again.

"Johnny, I always thought you were a man who understood manners and respect. But your behavior today has truly disappointed me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the whole family spat at me with vicious contempt before turning around, carrying the child as they left together.

Curled on the ground, I watched their backs recede into the distance. I pressed a hand over my stomach, which burned fiercely.

Last night, I had forced myself to endure glass after glass of liquor just so I could wrap up the business party early and hurry back to accompany Cynthia. Now, the pain in my stomach felt like it was on fire.

My eyes stung despite myself.

'Cynthia, since this is the path you've chosen… then I'll grant you your wish.'

Coldly, I dialed a number.

"Hello, Corey? Recover all the shares under Cynthia's name. Then draft a divorce agreement."

After giving instructions to my special assistant, I could no longer endure the pain and went to the hospital for treatment.

While waiting in line, I unexpectedly saw Cynthia and Bobby arrive with the child to register at the hospital.

Bobby's arm was wrapped tightly around Cynthia's waist. She smiled at him and leaned into his shoulder, the two of them so close it was as if no one else in the world existed.

Even though I had already decided on divorce, the sight still stabbed painfully into my chest.

In the past, whenever I tried to be a little more affectionate with Cynthia, she would refuse, saying she had never been used to standing too close to people since childhood. I had suppressed my disappointment and respected her wishes.

Even when we were intimate, aside from her physical reactions, she rarely gave me a smile.

So it wasn't that she couldn't smile. She simply didn't want to smile at me.

Bobby turned slightly and noticed me. A provocative smile curled at his lips as he deliberately lowered his head and kissed Cynthia.

She blushed shyly and kissed him back, deeply, almost forgetting they were in a hospital.

It wasn't until the child's young voice interrupted them that they finally pulled apart.

Cynthia turned her head awkwardly—and saw me standing there, my expression cold.

For a moment, her heartbeat seemed to skip. Then she quickly composed herself, her face turning indifferent.

"Why are you following me here again? Do you think pretending to be sick will make me feel sorry for you?

"Johnny, don't use these cheap tricks women play to gain sympathy. It only makes me look down on you."

The cramping in my stomach intensified.

I looked at her coldly.

"You're overthinking it."

"Number 28, Johnny King. Room 7." My number was called just then.

I stood up and walked over for my appointment, not sparing them another glance.

Cynthia hadn't expected that I was really here to see a doctor—and that I would treat her with such indifference. Watching the direction I left in, she pressed her lips tightly together.

"Cynthia, Johnny must be putting on an act," Bobby said.

"You can't soften your heart so easily. Otherwise, you won't be able to keep him under control in the future.

"When that happens, his immense fortune might end up going to some other woman."

"He wouldn't!" Cynthia refuted instinctively. "Johnny said he would only love me for the rest of his life."

A glint flashed in Bobby's eyes.

"All the more reason to keep a firm hold on him."

Cynthia nodded. "You're right. I can't seem too eager, or he'll think I can't live without him."

Bobby shot the child a look. The boy immediately clung to Cynthia and began acting spoiled, and just like that, she completely forgot about me.

After I returned to the hotel, I received messages from Cynthia and my in-laws.

First came Cynthia's accusation.

[Johnny, this afternoon we checked the child, and his back is all bruised. Transfer 100 thousand dollars for medical expenses right now. After that, come apologize to Bobby and his son in person, or I'll make you regret it!]

Then several messages arrived from my in-laws.

[Your baseless suspicion of Cynthia today was absolutely outrageous. She's so upset she couldn't even eat dinner. You must kneel and sincerely apologize, otherwise, don't expect us to forgive you easily.

[You'd better transfer some shares as well to show your sincerity. And Bobby and his son were innocent bystanders caught up in this. Coincidentally, Audi just released a new car recently—go pick one up tomorrow and give it to him as an apology.]

I stared at their utterly self-righteous demands, one after another, recalling all the benefits I had given to Cynthia's family over the years.