Chapter 10 After twenty years of a child free marriage , Charles Davis suddenly returned home with a seven year old child .
When I dug deeper , I uncovered the truth : he had been secretly supporting another woman , and she was pregnant again .
Even my mother in law , who should have been enjoying her retirement , had moved in with her , personally tending to her during the pregnancy .
} I lost all composure when everything came to light and confronted Charles in a heated , heart wrenching argument .
} Relatives and friends tried to reason with me .
Why make such a big scene ? Youve been married for twenty years .
Honestly , we understand Charles .
A man needs an heir .
Unlike a woman , he cant live without roots … } Tears blurred my vision as I stared at Charles , who stood silently .
He was already in his forties , yet time had barely touched him .

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His face was still strikingly handsome and well maintained as if he had never carried the burdens I had .
You can bring the child home .
That is the greatest compromise I can offer .
} Charles grabbed his car keys and walked toward the door .
I thought my words had settled the matter , that he had silently agreed .
But just before stepping out , he reached up and took down our wedding photo from the entryway .
Eleanor went through the agony of carrying my child for ten months .
It wasnt easy for her .
I wont abandon her to fend for herself .
} His gaze met mine , cold , indifferent , stripped of the love I once knew .
If you cant accept them , then from now on , Ill spend odd numbered days with her and even numbered days with you .
} My fingers curled into fists .
Any lingering hope that we could mend what was broken crumbled instantly .
In that case , lets get a divorce ! } -8 The room fell into a suffocating silence .
Even Charles , who was about to shut the door , stopped in his tracks .
He turned back slowly , his expression unreadable , lips pressed into a thin line .
Natalie … dont be ridiculous .
Tears burned my eyes , but I wiped them away , refusing to let them fall .
Im not being ridiculous .
Charles , lets divorce .
} His face darkened , his gaze sharpening as it settled on me with a mix of disbelief and reproach .
Natalie , its been twenty years .
Why are you still so stubborn ? } Eleanor is ten years younger than you , yet shes gentle and understanding .
She knows her position is difficult , but she never complains .
She only wants to stay by my side and care for our child .
Shes done nothing wrong .
She gave birth to my child , and now you expect me to take the baby from her and abandon her like she never mattered ? I cant do it .
I wont be that heartless .
} His voice was calm , almost detached , yet every word struck me like a blade , cutting deeper than I ever thought possible .
I closed my eyes .
Twenty years ago , Charles and I had been inseparable , bound by love and shared convictions .
We had believed in the same future where children had no place , not because we didnt care but because we werent ready to shoulder the weight of parenthood so young .
I had feared the pain of childbirth , and without hesitation , Charles had undergone a vasectomy .
We had taken every precaution , ensuring our choice remained unchanged .
Our decision sparked outrage on both sides of the family .
His father had been livid , throwing us out without a second thought .
But Charles hadnt wavered .
He had stood by me , choosing to break away and build our own life .
Together , we had started from nothing , carving out a future with our own hands .
@ Ten years ago , when the pressure to have children reached its peak , his mother had even pressed a knife to her throat , demanding we give her a grandchild .
I couldnt pretend I hadnt been shaken .
The sight of her so desperate had unsettled me , and for the first time , doubt crept in.§ Do you not want children ? I had asked , my voice unsteady .
Even seeing your mother like this , are you still sure ? We could have a child … Charles had taken my hand , his grip firm , his eyes filled with unwavering love .
Natalie , I dont want you to suffer through childbirth .
And I dont want us to bring a child into this world because of someone elses demands .
Do you understand ? @