Chapter 2 Miscarriage

Anna's heart lurched as news broke of the Smith Group's heir making a grand gesture at FY's new product launch, showering a beautiful woman with extravagant gifts.

The Smith Group... only Ethan Smith held that title. And the FY launch, showcasing their prestigious new line, was happening in their very own New York City.

A shiver ran down Anna's spine as her fingers trembled, instinctively clicking on the article. The accompanying photo confirmed her fear: it was Ethan.

He possessed an effortless grace, his tall frame and long legs perfectly accentuated by the tailored suit. He was the kind of man who always looked effortlessly captivating in photographs.

Normally, any glimpse of Ethan would hold Anna captive, her gaze lingering on his image.

He was breathtaking.

But today, she abruptly closed the page, a knot forming in her stomach.

Almost involuntarily, she navigated to her X and spotted a new post from Riley Gilbert, Ethan's classmate from their school days.

"FY's iconic pink diamond necklace, one of only ten in the world, now adorns Becca!"

The picture offered only a glimpse of the neck, the dazzling pink diamond necklace sparkling against the skin.

With a heavy heart, Anna tucked away the ultrasound report and hailed a taxi home, a persistent ache pulsing in her lower abdomen.

Reaching her apartment, she realized she'd forgotten groceries. Reluctantly, she ventured out again, carefully selecting Ethan's favorite ingredients. Upon returning, she busied herself washing, prepping, and cooking, her efforts stretching late into the evening.

Around nine o'clock, Ethan finally arrived home.

"I forgot to mention, I had a prior engagement tonight and already ate dinner," he announced, his voice even and his handsome face unreadable.

Anna silently accepted the suit from his outstretched hand.

In their three years of marriage, this was the first time she had seen him return from a social event with his hair untouched by hairspray, appearing almost freshly showered.

The suit carried no scent of alcohol, only a faint, unfamiliar perfume. It wasn't the same suit he wore in the news.

Suppressing her questions, Anna moved to retrieve his pajamas. Suddenly, Ethan's arms encircled her waist from behind.

The clean, minty fragrance of her hair filled his senses. Through the thin silk of her pajamas, Anna felt the increasing boldness of his touch.

As a stay-at-home wife, Anna rarely made public appearances. On the infrequent occasions when Ethan brought her to Smith family gatherings, he maintained a polite distance.

But in the privacy of their bedroom, the dynamic shifted dramatically.

Ethan's desires were strong. His physical prowess and technique were undeniable, and he possessed a devastatingly handsome face, especially his perfectly sculpted smile, capable of disarming anyone.

Under normal circumstances, Anna would have offered no resistance, willingly complying with his desires.

However, recent events, coupled with her delicate condition, left her feeling emotionally and physically drained.

"Honey, my stomach is feeling a little off. Could we skip tonight..."

The words were barely out of her mouth when Ethan swept her off her feet and deposited her onto the expansive bed.

"I'm pregnant..."

Before she could finish the word, his weight pressed her down, his mouth claiming hers in a possessive kiss.

He continued kissing her as he impatiently unbuttoned his shirt and released his belt, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity as he gazed down at her.

Sensing the unusual resistance from the usually compliant Anna Hendrick, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He swiftly used his belt to bind her wrists to the bedposts.

"Just perform your wifely duties," he murmured, silencing any protest with another passionate kiss.

Anna was lost to the night, driven into a dazed oblivion.

When she finally awoke, the room was shrouded in darkness. A discomforting ache in her abdomen and lower body prompted her to head to the bathroom to freshen up. As she did, she overheard Ethan speaking on the phone in the living room.

"Ethan, Becca is completely wasted, you need to get over here ASAP!"

In this moment, Anna found herself oddly grateful for Riley's booming voice.

In the dim light of the living room, Ethan's tall, lean figure stood out sharply. The shadows accentuated the sharp angles of his face, and his dark eyes seemed to absorb the surrounding darkness.

Anna was surprised to see him holding a cigarette.

To her knowledge, Ethan didn't smoke, or at least, not at home.

"I'm not trying to stir things up, but how long are you and Becca going to keep this up? Now that she's back, isn't it time to reconcile?" Riley's voice, amplified by the quiet of the night, resonated clearly.

Anna heard every word, her breath catching in her throat.

"Riley..." Ethan's tone was sharp, his gaze intense. "I'm married."

A wave of relief washed over Anna, like a shot of adrenaline to the heart.

"So what if you're married? Divorces happen all the time! That old hag who can't even support herself if you divorced her is nothing compared to Becca."

"But I don't *want* a divorce."

"Why not?"

"Because I can't bear to."

Anna's eyes began to well with tears, and she fought the urge to cry out.

Ethan's words moved her more profoundly than any expensive gift he had ever given.

Three years of marriage had the power to soften even the coldest heart, and Anna had never believed herself to be lacking in any way.

She diligently took care of the house, cooking and cleaning without complaint.

She also made sure Ethan was satisfied in bed.

Anna felt that her efforts had not been in vain. Ethan's feelings for her were stronger than she had imagined. This phone call was proof.

The knot in her stomach loosened. She turned to return to the bedroom. Eavesdropping was wrong, and now, unnecessary.

She loved Ethan.

And Ethan loved her, too.

"Of course I can't bear to lose such a hardworking maid!"

Anna's feet froze.

"Even though I don't need the money, it's different when someone puts in the effort. It feels good."

"And Anna is different from Becca. She's not particularly talented. No education, no job, just a housewife who spends her days in the kitchen. My grandfather likes her, my mother finds her easy to control, and my whole family is happy with the situation. Why would I get a divorce?"

"She's perfect as a stay-at-home wife. I don't have to give her much, just a little affection now and then to keep her in line."

Riley seemed to finally understand. "Oh, I get it. But Becca..."

"Send me the address. I'll be right there."

Ethan hung up and rushed out the door.

Anna remained pressed against the wall, not daring to move until she heard the click of the door closing.

Then, she broke down.

Tears poured forth like a broken dam, blurring her vision. A wave of nausea rose in her throat, and a sharp pain stabbed through her abdomen.

She sank to the floor, clutching her stomach, sweat beading on her forehead. A warm liquid trickled down her legs.

It was blood.

Darkness enveloped her...

When she opened her eyes again, she was lying in a hospital bed.

A nurse was the only other person in the sterile, quiet room.

"Excuse me, can I ask..." Anna's voice was raspy.

"Ms. Anna, you had a miscarriage."