Chapter 4
The moment those words were spoken, Dylan and Amy froze in place. After a long pause, they stam- mered, “How is that possible? Elizabeth is my wife! How could she be with Raymond? And doesn’t he dislike women? Wasn’t he born infertile?”
Aaron looked at Dylan, his voice thick with disappointment. “When you ran out on your wedding, Eliz- abeth married Raymond right then and there. The entire city of Philadelphia knew-everyone except you.”
Dylan went pale. After eloping with Amy, they’d cut all ties with Philadelphia to avoid being dragged back. They’d fled abroad, drifting from place to place. Only when their cards got frozen recently did they find themselves penniless. Even their return tickets were bought with a month’s dishwashing wages. They’d headed straight for the Martinez Family Manor upon returning-no time to catch up on gossip.
“It’s true Raymond was born sterile,” Aaron continued bitterly, “but not without hope. He spent years consulting specialists worldwide before they conceived. And now you’ve ruined everything.”
Remembering Raymond’s ruthless reputation, Dylan collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut. Just then, stone-faced bodyguards entered. Trembling, the pair begged Aaron for mercy.
“Grandfather, save us! I don’t want to die-”
“Grandfather… please…”
Ignoring their pleas, the guards dragged them away.
After carrying me to the car, Raymond had the driver speed to the hospital-we arrived in ten minutes. Pushed into the delivery room, I gave birth to a stillborn boy thirty minutes later. As the doctor prepared to dispose of the remains per protocol, I stopped her. “Bring him to me.”
She hesitated. “Mrs. Martinez, it’s better not to look. This could cause psychological trauma.”
My voice was faint but firm. “He’s my child. I must say goodbye.” At Raymond’s nod, she placed the fetus in my arms. His tiny body, no larger than my palm, glowed red. Cradling him delicately, I feared hurting him. Just this morning, he’d kicked playfully inside me. Now he lay silent forever.
Tears fell unchecked. “I’m sorry, baby… Mommy failed you.”
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“Don’t be angry with me, sweetheart. Please wake up?” I pressed him against my chest, willing my warmth to spark life. Nothing happened.
Raymond gathered us both in his arms, his eyes rimmed red. I knew his grief matched mine. Ten years my senior, he’d saved me at the altar when Dylan abandoned me. I’d assumed he married me to preserve the Martinez-Wright alliance. That night, I’d offered divorce papers-he tore them up instantly. Ray- mond confessed he’d been asexual for thirty-four years. But seeing me in my wedding gown, he’d fallen in love at first sight. This marriage was real, he’d said, and he hoped I’d give it my all.
After marriage, he pampered me endlessly. Precious jewels and designer gowns appeared before I even asked. His daily care was meticulous.
With my girlish heart, I gradually fell for him. Beyond his age, he had greater assets. Each night he drove me to ecstasy.
Later, seeing a friend’s newborn, my heart melted completely. I started yearning for a child.
But Raymond was naturally infertile. To fulfill my wish, he sought treatments everywhere-across the nation and overseas.
The day my pregnancy test came positive, he joyfully gave all employees an extra month’s salary to share our happiness.
That night we felt the baby kick, Raymond kissed my belly excitedly, saying having us was enough for this lifetime.
The crib, tiny clothes, and toys at home-Raymond and I chose each piece, filled with anticipation for this child. Now it’s all gone.
Remembering Dylan and Amy’s vicious faces, bitter hatred burned within me. I wished to tear them limb from limb.
“Raymond, Dylan and Amy killed our baby.”
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