Chapter 4

Before the doctor could even finish, Austin spoke up impatiently.

He said, "I heard we can do amniocentesis for precise genetic screening right now. Arrange it."

His tone was calm, but it was an absolute command.

The doctor immediately objected.

"Mr. Sterling, the gestational age is far too early. Amniocentesis right now carries an extremely high risk."

"It could cause severe harm to both the mother and the fetus. I highly advise against it."

Austin interrupted him, his eyes icy.

"I’ll pay double."

"I'll sign the waiver."

"Just do it."

His words were ruthless and cold, devoid of any warmth.

Intimidated by his authority, the doctor didn't dare say more and went to prepare for the procedure.

I let out a bitter laugh, staring at Austin, and finally spoke.

My voice was dry and raspy.

"Why are you in such a rush?"

He looked at me blankly, as if I were a stranger.

"Evelyn is weak. She gets anxious when things are left uncertain."

"Let's get this over with so she can have peace of mind."

What a ridiculously absurd excuse.

At that moment, my heart was completely crushed by his own hands.

It turned out that in his mind, the immense pain and risk I was about to endure didn't even compare to Evelyn's slight "anxiety."

The nurse wheeled me into the operating room.

To my horror, those two investors actually followed us right to the door.

They stood outside, discussing loudly in English.

"I bet it's black!"

"No way, Austin’s genes are dominant. It’s got to be Asian!"

Their shameless conversation drew stares from everyone in the hallway.

Those scanning, judging, and curious eyes stabbed me like needles.

This was a public humiliation.

I lay on the cold operating table.

As the long needle pierced through my abdomen, a sharp pain shot through my body.

But that pain was nothing compared to the agony in my heart.

I bit my lip hard, refusing to make a sound.

Yet, tears streamed uncontrollably down my face, dampening my hair.

"My baby, I’m so sorry."

"Mommy couldn't protect you."

When the procedure was over, the nurse wheeled me out.

I was completely drained, my face paper-white.

At the door, I immediately saw Austin.

And Evelyn was right beside him.

The moment Evelyn saw me, she clutched her head, leaning weakly against Austin.

She frowned, her voice trembling. "Austin, I feel so dizzy. I think I’m running out of oxygen."

Austin immediately scooped her up in his arms, his face filled with panic and care—a look he had never directed at me.

He didn't even cast a single glance in my direction.

Holding Evelyn, he turned to leave.

As he passed by my gurney, he stopped for a fraction of a second and snapped at me coldly.

"Take a cab back yourself."

"Don't embarrass me here!"

With that, he walked away with the woman he loved, never looking back.

I was left all alone in the crowded hallway.

Like a piece of discarded trash.

My husband forced me into a high-risk procedure for a sickening bet.

And then, to comfort his beloved sister-in-law, he abandoned his weak wife at the hospital.

Betrayal could really be this absolute.

At that exact moment, my heart died completely.