My Ex Stole Our Son's Bone Marrow

Astrid Richards lit up like a Christmas tree at her grandson's promise, her smile practically radiating pure joy. Nadia Simpson shared in the warmth, though she'd never once pressured the young couple about giving her a great-grandbaby.

Emelia Chapman fixed David Richards with a serious look, her lips pressed into a thin, hard line. David, on the other hand, met her gaze with that teasing glint in his eyes — like he was genuinely getting a kick out of her discomfort.

After a while of chatting with the elders, Astrid gently shooed the young couple upstairs to their bedroom, clearly eager to give them some private time to talk.

Once the door clicked shut, Emelia didn't waste a second. "What was that about? We're talking about a divorce, remember? Why would you make a promise like that to Nana? Are you doing this just to piss me off?"

David closed the door, his posture stiff, his voice edging with frustration. "Piss you off? What was I supposed to say with Nana practically glowing at the idea of a great-grandchild? Announce our divorce and shatter her heart?"

Emelia shot back, "You could've been vague about it. Now you've got us promising a baby in six months. How are we supposed to handle that down the road?"

David mulled over her words, his irritation flaring as he thought about the way she'd bolted out that morning without a word. "Did you even think about how upset Nana would be when she found out you moved out without telling anyone?"

"She wouldn't have known!" Emelia huffed, exasperated.

"There are no secrets in this family. You really think Mom and Nana won't find out just because they don't stop by often? You're being naive!" His voice matched hers in intensity, but he couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes anymore. He turned and flopped onto the sofa.

Emelia paused, the truth of his words sinking in. The bodyguard, the housekeeper, the occasional driver David had assigned to her — they'd all notice her absence. It was only a matter of time before Mom and Nana caught wind of it.

A wave of helplessness washed over her. All she'd wanted was to escape this suffocating marriage, but she hadn't thought about how the household staff would inadvertently spill the beans to the elders.

Was this where their divorce would hit a brick wall? Just to spare the elders any worry, was she doomed to endure a loveless marriage forever?

The room fell into a heavy silence — a tension-charged pause as thoughts churned between them, neither willing to break it.

It lasted until dinnertime, when Aylani Bailey came to call them downstairs.

Before stepping out, Emelia cautioned, "Please don't make any ridiculous comments during dinner, alright?"

David brushed past her. "I know how to handle it without your advice."

Emelia rolled her eyes at his back and followed him out.

In the dining room, a lavish dinner awaited them. Not long after they took their seats, Nadia and Astrid entered, with Emelia helping Astrid to her chair.

Astrid took the head of the table, and Emelia settled in beside her.

Patrick Richards had fallen from grace years ago — thanks in large part to his own indiscretions. David's father had gotten tangled up in an affair and tried to legitimize his second family. Already struggling with heart disease, the elder Richards suffered a severe heart attack, undone by his own betrayal.

In the aftermath, David cut all ties with his father, clawing back the inherited properties and leaving the old man just enough to scrape by. With his father out of the picture, the woman who'd been gunning for a social climb took what little was left and vanished, leaving her five-year-old son, Braylon, with Patrick.

That left the unfortunate father and son to fend for themselves, and Braylon's mischief quickly piled years onto Patrick. Even their wedding day had been tainted by scandal — Patrick had shown up uninvited, lurking among the guests, only to get tossed out by David.

Astrid, ever doting, served Emelia a piece of fish, her voice warm. "I know how much you love fish. I had the chef fix one up for you to take home."

Emelia smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Nana."

"No need to thank me, dear. You're my only granddaughter-in-law, so of course I cherish you. As long as you and David are happy, I'm happy. And when I'm happy, I'll live longer — so I can enjoy more days playing cards, scrolling on my phone, and savoring those cappuccinos you bring me!" Astrid joked, smiling warmly as she sipped her coffee.

Emelia listened to Astrid's words, her chewing slowing as she felt the weight of expectations pressing down on her — like she was being hoisted up onto a pedestal she never asked for.

She stole a glance at David, who was peeling a shrimp with a serene smile that seemed to mock her.

"Nana, you're as healthy as ever — I'm sure you'll live to a ripe old age!" Emelia told her cheerfully, piling some of Astrid's favorite dishes onto her plate.

David placed a plate of shrimp in front of Emelia, his tone playful. "Honey, did you hear that? Nana's given us a mission. The happier we are, the longer she'll live!"

Emelia met his mocking gaze, her jaw clenching. "Stop gloating."

Clearly amused by her exasperated expression, David held a shrimp up to her lips. "Open wide, dear."

Seeing the approving smiles on Astrid and Nadia's faces, Emelia forced a blush and accepted the shrimp.

"Anything to add?" David whispered after she swallowed.

Emelia kept up the act. "Thank you, darling."

Beneath the table, she didn't hesitate to stomp on his foot.

After dinner, they lingered over coffee and small talk for a while, until David announced it was time to head home.

Before they left, Nadia packed up some of Emelia's favorite treats for them to take along. Astrid's parting words to David were a stern reminder: "Don't waste any time!"

David could only offer a helpless smile at her serious tone. "Alright, Nana, I understand."