But I ignored his advances, turning away and closing my eyes. He leaned closer, whispering sweetly in my ear, "Nothing happened between us, sweetheart. It was purely science. We didn't even touch each other during the process."
"Does it have to be you?" I asked, trying to stay calm. "Couldn’t someone else do it?"
"It had to be me," he sighed. "But once the baby’s born, I won’t have anything more to do with her. You understand, right?"
My silence must have seemed like acceptance because he moved closer, trying to be intimate. I pushed his hand away, harder this time.
"What more do you want, Veronica?" he snapped. "This alliance is important! If this is what it takes for security between the families, then I’ll make the sacrifice. Why can’t you understand that?"
I sat up, my voice steady but pained. "Do you really think I don’t understand? There are other ways to secure this connection. Isn’t her father your godfather? Isn’t that enough?"
"It’s not enough," he said sternly. "You know the rules, Veronica. We need more reassurance."
I smiled sadly, shaking my head. "Or maybe this isn’t about reassurance. Maybe it’s about her. After all this time, do you still—"
He slapped me before I could finish. "Stop acting like a jealous wife! I could’ve kept this from you, spared you the pain, but I was honest because that’s what a husband should do! And now you’re making me the bad guy?"
I touched my stinging cheek, shaking. "You hit me?"
He grabbed his coat, clearly ready to leave. "Where are you going?" I asked, following him to the door. "We’re not done talking. Are you going to see her?"
He pulled away from me. "Didn’t I choose you after all these years?"
"W-what do you mean?"
He didn't answer, just gave me a sneer. Dread washed over me as I reached for him, but he pushed me away, harder this time. I stumbled onto the edge of the cabinet, the sharp pain jolting through me.
Alexander didn't help me. He just looked at me—maybe there was guilt in his eyes—but then he slammed the door behind him, leaving me alone.
I laughed bitterly at the mess my marriage had become, at how blind I’ve been. Apologies meant nothing to him—they were just words to get me to forgive him. And I always did it because I loved him.
But now, I’m paying the price for that love.