Chapter 1 1

In a dimly lit room at night, there were sounds of heavy breathing that caused embarrassment and a racing heart. Taylor Parker lay on the bed, biting her lips as her sobs grew louder, eventually turning into tears.

Alexander Grant wiped her tears away and said mockingly, "Why do you act so aggrieved?"

She remained silent, shutting her eyes and letting her tears soak the sheets.

"Listen carefully," he turned her to face him, saying, "Despite feeling wronged, you're still my lawful wife. These are your responsibilities."

"But as you've said, I'm not worthy of bearing your children! What are you doing now?"

He exerted force, making it hard for her to breathe. She endured for a while, her trembling body collapsing against him, feeling pain and discomfort.

Ignoring her pleas, he continued, pinning her down. He spoke more forcefully, "Of course, you don't deserve to have my child. Your impure body disgusts me. It was true before, and it remains so. But now, I need this child, and you must give it to me..."

"Why?! Why? Why..." She kicked at the sheets in despair, struggling beneath him, crying, but her efforts were in vain.

He paid no heed to her resistance and kept going until he was exhausted.

...

Taylor lay on the bed, gazing at the ceiling, reflecting on the past months as tears flowed uncontrollably.

For a long time after her marriage to Alexander Grant, he avoided her touch and seemed to despise her. She believed they were destined to be in name only.

Suddenly, one day, he began demanding her relentlessly, day and night, regardless of her feelings.

More than once, she woke up feeling empty and shattered.

Only when she became pregnant with his child did he cease tormenting her physically, resorting to verbal cruelty instead.

"Taylor, isn't that why you crept into my bed? How did you go from being cheap to demanding respect?"

"Taylor, take care of your baby. If anything happens to him, you'll regret it!"

"Taylor, let me warn you. Don't think that having my child means you'll gain something from me. This child, like you, won't receive my love. Do you expect the mother to manipulate her son? Don't even dream about it."

...

As time passed, Taylor felt as if it crawled by, yet three months had already gone by.

Early one morning, she sat on a sofa near the window, thinking about the two years since marrying Alexander Grant.

His words and actions felt like descending into a cold abyss, even her once-beloved sunlight now felt icy.

Her youth had been dominated by Alexander Grant. Despite her years of affection, he viewed her as "repugnant," "unclean," "worthless," and "shameless."

So why did he insist on having a child with her?

Taylor's hand rested on her flat stomach, where her and Alexander's child was growing.

Though not yet fully formed, she could almost envision the child's appearance—innocent, adorable, with bright eyes, a fondness for laughter, and a love for sweets. Thinking of this brought a gentle smile to her face.

Alexander entered the room and saw Taylor's maternal smile. He despised her, so her smile seemed out of place.

He stood by the window, observing her, and asked impatiently, "What do you want now?"

Without looking up, Taylor anticipated his expression. Her gaze drifted to a leaf outside the window, and she replied softly:

"Could we spend time together, just for once?"

She hoped for a positive response. After all, he was the father of their child, and her request didn't seem excessive.

But Alexander's reply dripped with sarcasm: "One, no time. Two..."

He leaned close, his voice sneering, "Two... You're not deserving."

Taylor had heard countless hurtful words from Alexander, so this no longer affected her as much. Still, she felt a pang for her baby and offered a weak smile:

"Yes, how could I forget that only Raven Blackwood is worthy of your attention!"

"Shut up, Taylor! Consider the harm you've caused Raven. Do you have the nerve to bring up her name? Aren't you ashamed?" Alexander angrily interrupts her.

Taylor looks up at the unfeeling man. "It's not me who should feel ashamed, but your precious Raven. Who's the one who's done awful things? She knows deep down."

Her lack of remorse surprises her. She's never been one to shy away from standing up to Alexander's mistreatment.

Alexander's anger intensifies. He pinches Taylor's chin, gripping so hard it feels like he's crushing her bones.

"Taylor, you're just a tool for giving birth. Don't try to smear Raven's name, and don't even think about things you shouldn't. Otherwise, I'll wipe out your entire Parker family overnight!"

Taylor thinks, I'm more than a mere tool for giving birth. I'm a pawn you're manipulating to control the Parker family.

She retorts with a smile, "Fine, let's get divorced after the child is born. You and Raven can be together then."

Without waiting for his response, she heads to the closet to find her clothes. Seeing him still standing there, she pauses, turns to face him, and speaks calmly:

"Alexander, let me give you some advice as a husband and wife. Reality might not always be what it seems." With that, she heads into the dressing room to change.

When she reappears, the nanny notices her distressed look and approaches. "Madam, do you want me to come with you to the hospital?"

"No, I'm going for a prenatal checkup. Just come along and let Alexander know."

It's meant as a joke, but the nanny takes it seriously. She works hard to support her family and can't afford to lose her job.

Seeing the nanny's alarmed expression, Taylor chuckles. "I was joking, don't worry. I don't need your company anyway. I can manage on my own."

With that, she leaves the house.

On the second-floor balcony, Alexander watches Taylor leave while smoking. He's annoyed. He clearly despises her, yet hearing the word "divorce" from her hits him unexpectedly.

The nanny, concerned, rushes to inform him about Taylor mentioning the child.

Enraged, Alexander stubs out his cigarette and rushes out. He grabs Taylor's arm and pulls her into the car.

"What's going on?"

Taylor can't break free, so she lets Alexander push her into the car.

"Going for the prenatal checkup. Don't want my child to be killed by its cruel mother!"

"Well, isn't that a surprise! I should be thanking you for the baby then!"

Silence fills the ride.

At the hospital, the prenatal checkup goes smoothly. Taylor listens to the doctor's advice alone.

Alexander steps out to take a phone call. When he returns, his expression is dark. He asks the attending doctor, "When's the earliest possible time for the baby to be born?"

The doctor assumes Alexander is eager to meet his child and replies with a smile, "I understand your excitement, Mr. Grant. It's best for the baby's health to be born at full term."

"But if a cesarean section is necessary before full term, the earliest is usually around 36 weeks. This increases the chances of the baby's survival."

Alexander's patience wears thin. "I can't wait that long. Can you give me the earliest option?"

The doctor hesitates, glancing at Taylor with concern.

Taylor's heart feels like it's been stabbed as she hears Alexander's question. Her chest grows heavy, making it difficult to breathe. She forces a smile:

"Doctor, please tell him."

The doctor sighs and replies, "The earliest would be around seven months. The survival rate depends on the circumstances. But Mr. Grant, remember, you're not the only one involved. You should also consider your wife's wishes."

Alexander looks at Taylor, who hasn't said a word, and forcefully takes her out of the office.

In the car, tension fills the air.

Alexander gazes at Taylor and declares, "We'll have a cesarean section four months from now."

Taylor's face goes pale as she glares at him. "I won't agree!"

He sneers, "That's not up to you!"

Taylor retorts, "Alexander, this child is mine too. You told me to take care of the baby."

"I won't go back on my word. You heard the doctor. Seven months is acceptable..."

"Alexander, you heartless jerk!" Taylor's anger boils over, and she hits him.

Alexander grabs her hand, waiting for her to vent her frustration. Seeing tears on her face, he shows his disgust, "Had enough? Once you're done, go home."

"Alexander, I won't let you manipulate this situation."

He laughs disdainfully, "Taylor, remember that you forced me into this marriage two years ago and coerced me to leave my home. I'll never let you have peace in your life. Your child means nothing to me! If I didn't need this child, I wouldn't touch you for the rest of my life. Allowing this child to be born is the most I can tolerate!"