If Marcus were to discover that all of this was a ruse Sophia concocted to keep him by her side, he would undoubtedly sever all ties with her. Even the cold, distant demeanor he currently displayed would be replaced by complete and utter rejection.
Sophia took a deep breath and mustered the courage to speak in a self-assured tone. âMarcus, what are you talking about? How could I possibly lie to you? We are husband and wife. Before your car accident, we had our son, Tristan.
I now want another child because I feel like Tristan is lonely. Havenât you noticed how more and more reclusive our son has become?
Besides, I love children. Now that we have a son, I want a daughter. So, we can complete our family. It would be lively with the four of us, and Tristan would have a playmate. Donât you think that sounds nice, Marcus?â
Sophia was known for turning the tables in her favor. Marcus was no longer surprised by her moves.
He scoffed, âSo, youâre resorting to such a disgusting method to have another child, huh?â
Sophia looked guilty. âMarcus, this⦠this isnât disgusting! Itâs a legal and scientific method nowadays.
Many young couples who canât conceive naturally resort to this.â
He cut her off, âOthers donât face the treatment I do! They locked me in a room and made me watch nauseating videos. I even got touched by a nurse I donât even know, I suppose others volunteer for this, whereas I was tricked into coming here and subjected to this.â
Sophia, at a loss for words, started crying.
âMarcus, do you think I wanted to do it this way? Donât you know how jealous and upset it makes me feel? Youâre my husband, and I wouldnât want any other woman touching you if there were any other options.
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But⦠but your legs are impaired, and youâve always beenâ¦.
I was out of options. The doctor suggested this, and after much reflection, I decided to follow his advice. Marcus, I know youâre not willing. But this is just a process; it doesnât mean anything, and it wonât happen again.
Letâs forget about it. In the end, achieving our goal is what matters.â
Marcus looked at her coldly. There was no hint of disappointment in his tone, only sarcasm. âThatâs your goal, not mine.â
Sophia was taken aback, and her crying intensified. âMarcus, have you never considered having another child with me? Have you never held me in your heart?
I want to bear your child because I love you. Canât you understand that? Weâre a married couple.
Whatâs wrong with having another child?â
Marcus laughed coldly. âIn a marriage, having a child is not out of the question, but at least one should respect the otherâs wishes and choices.
Do you think Iâm in the mood to have another child in my current state? I think Tristan is enough. I canât even stand up, so how am I supposed to provide for and protect my child? Why would I want another child?â
Sophia, heartbroken by his words, tried to console him. âMarcus, I donât care⦠I donât care whether you can stand or not. All that matters is that youâre with me. Tristan doesnât care either, nor will our future child.
Whether you can stand or not, in our childrenâs eyes, you are the greatest and most handsome dad ever. So, you neednât worry about that.
As for providing for us and protecting us, you donât have to worry. My father left me assets that are enough to support us for a lifetime.
Marcus, donât let these things stress you out. If I minded your physical condition, I would have left you a long time ago. But Iâm still here by your side, arenât I? I donât care! I really donât!â âBut I do!â Marcus narrowed his eyes. âSophia, you seem pretty certain that Iâll never be able to stand again.â