Cutting My Losses

Vivian's frown gradually eased as she glanced at me standing outside the door. I could see her hesitation.

I had wired her living expenses every month without fail over the past five years. It was obvious to everyone that Cora couldn't possibly compare to me in terms of financial stability.

My heart felt like it had sunk into icy waters. As my husband, Abel not only failed to inform me about this situation beforehand but also chose to humiliate me in public.

Did he truly think I had no temper and no self-respect?

As the room fell silent, Cora's eyes reddened, and she began to sob. "The child I'm carrying is innocent, and I will give birth to him, no matter the circumstances.

"You can say whatever you want about me, but I hope my child won't be dragged into this."

Large teardrops rolled down her cheeks, painting a picture of vulnerability and pity.

Abel's face was full of anguish as he wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. His voice carried a note of blame as he spoke, "Mom, please say something. You know a pregnant woman needs to stay emotionally stable."

After Abel and I got married, his parents had immediately started pressuring us to have children. Even so, I hadn't been able to conceive for five years, and I was well aware of the hurtful comments they made behind my back.

Abel's father, Tatum Brooks, was busy considering the importance of having an heir. He, who had been silent until now, finally chose to speak up, saying, "Cora is carrying the Brooks family's bloodline, after all. Everyone should try to control their tempers for the next few months."

As soon as the words left his mouth, all eyes turned to me. They stood together as a unified front, and I felt like an outsider for a moment.

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "Does anyone even care about my opinion?"

When he noticed my displeasure, Abel angrily positioned himself in front of Cora and snapped, "Aspen Larkin, are you deaf?

"We've already explained everything to your face. What more do you want to know?"

I let out another cold laugh. My dear husband had been away on business for half a year, and he had returned home with such a shocking surprise.

Now, not only did he refuse to offer a proper explanation, but he also treated me with such an overbearing attitude.

Seeing me remain silent, Cora began crying again. She clung to Abel's wrist and sobbed. "Abel, if Aspen is truly upset, maybe I should just leave."

Vivian quickly interjected upon hearing this, "You're carrying our grandchild. How could we possibly let you leave?"

Abel glared at me and demanded, "Say something! Look at how scared Cora is. The child in her womb is mine, after all. If you have any objections, you can vent them to me in private, but I will not allow you to harm her."

Cora gripped Abel's wrist tightly and spoke anxiously, "No, Abel. I don't want you to bear any resentment, either. It would break my heart."

That single sentence from Cora brought tears to Abel's eyes.

His parents exchanged smiles and nodded in approval. They seemed clearly satisfied with Cora.

I couldn't bear to hear another word, so I turned and walked away. I locked myself in the master bedroom for the rest of the afternoon, refusing to come out.

The laughter echoing from the living room felt unbearably grating.

…

Later in the day, Eve knocked on the door and came in to tell me something. Cora had initially intended to move into the master bedroom, but Vivian had stopped her.

"She said that they're still getting supported by the Larkins and that the family still relies on you to handle important matters. They can't afford to provoke you completely. She also mentioned…"