When Love is No Longer Enough

After my miscarriage, I accidentally overheard Jacob Lopez, my husband, speaking to the doctor.

Find an opportunity to drug my wife, then remove her uterus. Make sure she can never conceive again.

He then placed his large hand on another woman's belly and instructed, Give her the best prenatal care plan. I want her child to become the heir of the Lopez family.

I recognized the womanit was a streamer from Jacobs company.

I heard him solemnly remind the doctor again, "And make sure my wife recovers well. If this surgery leaves her with any complications, none of you will escape the consequences."

My heart trembled. I never imagined that the man who once loved me like his very life would suddenly betray me.

Without hesitation, I left him with a divorce agreement, giving them my blessing for their "love."

As I walked back to my ward, my mind replayed the scene I had just witnessed.

The husband who had once treated me like a precious gem, who claimed to love me with all his being, was now plotting to betray meordering someone to take away my ability to bear children.

And he knew better than anyone how much I longed to be a mother.

Passing by, a young nurse glanced at me with admiration and said, "Her husband is incredible. To ensure she gets proper rest, he reserved this entire floor of the hospital for her. He even hired professional nurses to take care of her every need. And thats not allhe insists on staying by her side 24/7. Isnt her husband just the most loving man?"

Another nurse added, "When she hemorrhaged after the miscarriage, her husband cried until his eyes were swollen. Ive never seen a man care so much for his wife. I even heard theyve been together since their school days. To marry her, he moved his entire family business into her name."

If I had heard this before, I would have felt incredibly fortunate.

But now, my throat felt like it was clogged by a fly, leaving me nauseated.

At that moment, Jacobs furious voice boomed from a nearby room, "Youre all useless! It's just one person, yet you can't keep an eye on her?! If anything happens to Larissa, Ill make sure you regret it!"

Jacob rarely lost his temper. The last time he did, it was because I fell gravely ill, and no hospital could cure me. He was so desperate that he almost destroyed the hospital and even contemplated dying with me.

But now, seeing the veins bulging on his temple didnt stir the same emotion in me. I simply said calmly, "Jacob, Im here."

The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up. He rushed over and enveloped me in his arms.

"Larissa, where did you go? Why didnt you tell me? I thought something had happened to you." His voice trembled with fear, so genuine it was hard to doubt him.

I gently pushed him away and said, "The room felt stuffy, so I went out for some air."

Only then did he relax, though he still held my hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

Soon, he took a bowl of medicine from the nurse and brought it to my lips with a tenderness that seemed unshakable. "Sweetheart, its time to take your medicine."

Staring at the bowl of dark, brown liquid, a chill ran down my spine. The scene I had witnessed earlier flashed in my mind.

"This medicine is bitter. I dont want to drink it," I refused.

In the past, Jacob would never refuse my requests. But this time, he uncharacteristically insisted, "If you dont take your medicine, you wont recover, and you wont be able to have a baby. Didnt you always want to give me a child?"

He knew my desire for a child was my weakness, certain that the mention of it would sway me.

But I no longer trusted him. Without hesitation, I slapped the bowl out of his hands.

"I said Im not drinking it." I deadpanned.

For a moment, his gentle expression froze, and a flicker of displeasure crossed his eyes.

I thought breaking the bowl would let me escape, but the next second, darkness overtook me, and I lost consciousness.

When I woke up again, it was already the next morning.

A sense of foreboding filled me. Pulling back the blanket, I saw a surgical scar on my abdomen.

My world instantly crumbled. I wanted to confront Jacob, but before I could, he explained, "Sweetheart, you fainted suddenly last night. The doctors ran some tests and found cancerous changes in your uterus, so I had them remove it."

Afraid I wouldn't believe him, he even showed me the medical report. Sure enough, it stated uterine cancer.

If I hadnt witnessed his instructions to the doctor with my own eyes, I might have fallen for his lie.

Staring at the hideous scar on my belly, I felt as though my heart had been ripped apart, leaving only a gaping void of despair.

Jacob pulled me into his arms, his voice filled with pity as he tried to comfort me. "Sweetheart, I know how much youve always wanted a child, but your health is what matters most to me. I cant bear the thought of losing you. If it comes to it, we can always adopt a child."

I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could speak, the door creaked open.

Daisy entered with a fruit basket in hand.

"Sorry to interrupt. Im here on behalf of the company to check on Mrs. Lopez."

Daisy was a new streamer signed to Cosmic Entertainment. Beautiful, with a perfect figure and a captivating personality, her live streams brought in millions for the company.

It wasnt hard to see why Jacob would favor her.

Jacobs expression didnt change. He nodded at her indifferently, then turned his attention back to me.

But I knew, beneath this facade of calm, turbulent waters brewed.

I turned my back to them, suppressing my emotions, and said, "Im tired. Id like to rest."

I thought Daisy would leave, but to my surprise, she stayed. She sat quietly nearby, keeping Jacob company.

Jacob remained by my bedside, thoughtfully massaging my shoulders. Daisy, on the other hand, sat demurely, seemingly embodying the perfect image of a harmonious family.

Yet beneath the surface, under the bed where no one could see, Daisy was subtly rubbing her leg against Jacobs.

He didnt stop her, allowing her actions to continue until she became bolder. Only then did he reach out, gripping her thigh firmly to put an end to her teasing.

But Daisy was undeterred. She slid behind him and hugged him from the back, nuzzling against him like a playful kitten.

Jacob glanced at me, ensuring my eyes were closed and my breathing steady, as though I were deeply asleep. Emboldened, he turned and pinned Daisy against the nearby table, gripping her neck as he kissed her.

He quickly pulled back, his cold gaze warning her to behave.

But Daisy was fearless. She clung to him once more, wrapping herself around him.

This time, Jacob couldn't resist. After one last glance in my direction, he took her hand and led her out of the room.

As the door clicked shut behind them, I opened my eyes.

Jacob would never imagine that every detail of his interaction with Daisy had been reflected in the glass, allowing me to see everything with startling clarity.

I quietly followed them to a secluded corner.

Hiding behind a column, I peeked out to see Jacob gripping Daisy's neck, his teeth clenched as he hissed, "Didnt I warn you to behave yourself in front of Larissa?"

Daisy wasnt intimidated. She leaned coyly against his arm and pouted. "Its just that youve been so busy with her these past two days. The baby and I miss you."

She trailed her fingers along his chest, her voice dripping with seduction, "Mr. Lopez, havent you always wanted to try something more exciting? Lets do it. Theres no surveillance on this floor, and your wife is fast asleep. No one will ever find out."

Before Jacob could respond, she tiptoed and pressed her lips to his.

Jacob froze for a moment but quickly cupped the back of Daisy's head, deepening the kiss.

Jacob, be gentle. Im worried the baby cant handle it... she murmured.

Shut up. I know what Im doing.

I couldnt bear to watch what happened next. As I fled, their whispered words of intimacy echoed in my ears, stabbing into my heart like shards of glass.

The man who once vowed to love and cherish me forever was now secretly meeting another woman behind my back.

It felt as though an invisible hand had slapped me across the face. The humiliation was unbearable, consuming me like quicksand. My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the ground in a pathetic and laughable heap.

A passing nurse hurried over to help me up. Seeing the tears streaming down my face, she assumed I had hurt myself and comforted me, Madam, dont cry. If Mr. Lopez sees you like this, hell be devastated.

Looking at the nurses worried expressions, I could no longer suppress my emotions. I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

After crying until I was utterly exhausted, I returned to my room and collapsed into bed.

When I woke up, Jacob was still nowhere to be seen. Instead, Daisy stood at the foot of my bed, her expression dark.

There wasnt a shred of respect in her gaze. Instead, she looked at me with disdain and mocked, You saw what happened earlier, didnt you? Jacob loves me. Im carrying his child.

I clenched my fists and trembled as I asked, How long have you been together?

Daisy smirked, holding up three fingers with a triumphant air.

Three years. Three years ago, he met me at a dinner party and fell in love with me at first sight. That very night, he spent the entire evening with me. When he got back, he felt guilty about you, so he transferred all his assets to your name. But those things were supposed to be mine and my babys. You stole what rightfully belongs to us!

I bit my lip hard, suppressing the urge to slap her.

Seeing my restraint only made Daisy more brazen. She added smugly, Do you think he really loves you? Every night after you fall asleep, he comes to me. Even now, with me pregnant, he cant stay away. And just so you know, on the day you had your miscarriage, he wasnt at some business meetinghe was in my bed, enjoying himself. He cant live without me anymore. If youre smart, youll give him a divorce willingly.

Her words hit me like a sledgehammer. I thought back to that daythe excruciating pain that made me pass out multiple times, the near-death experience from blood loss.

The doctors called Jacob ten times, but he didnt answer. Eventually, his phone was turned off.

The next day, he came back and knelt by my bedside, claiming he had been stuck at a business meeting. He hated himself for not being there and even slapped himself repeatedly to punish himself.

But in truth, while I was writhing in pain and gasping for life, he was indulging in pleasure with another woman.

The last shred of hope I had for him shattered completely. My heart turned cold, lifeless.

Daisy, noticing my defeated state, became even more arrogant. Hands on her hips, she sneered, Oh, and tomorrow, Jacob will be marrying me. Its going to be even grander than the wedding he gave you. Dont forget to come celebrate with us!

With that, she strutted out of the room like a victorious rooster, her head held high.

As I watched her retreating figure, pain throbbed in my chest. The next moment, darkness consumed me, and I fainted.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already the next morning. The first thing I saw was Jacob, his eyes red as he sat beside me, keeping watch.

The moment he noticed I was awake, he pulled me into his arms, his voice choked with emotion.

Larissa, youre finally awake. You scared me to death just now.

The memory of what I saw in the storage room flashed through my mind, filling me with disgust. I pushed him away.

Im fine, I spat coldly.

Jacob froze for a moment, stunned by my rejection. A flicker of hurt flashed in his eyes.

I looked into Jacobs tearful eyes and finally asked the question that had been weighing on my heart for days.

Do you remember what I told you before we got married?

Before our wedding, I made it clear to him: if he ever fell in love with someone else, he should tell me, and I would willingly step aside. But if he deceived me, I would disappear from his life forever.

Without hesitation, Jacob nodded.

Why are you suddenly bringing this up? Did I do something wrong to upset you?

He stood up abruptly, his expression turning serious, and commanded the nurse behind him, Call every woman who has interacted with me recently!

In just a few moments, my room was filled with over ten womennurses, housemaids, and even Daisy, who stood among them with her hand resting smugly on her belly.

Jacob clasped his hands behind his back and sternly ordered, Tell my wife exactly how youve interacted with me recently. Be as detailed as possible!

One by one, the women reported their interactions.

Madam, the last time I interacted with Mr. Lopez was to submit your latest meal plan.

Madam, I only saw him when he asked me to bring calming incense to the hospital for you.

Madam, I interacted with him when he noticed your IV was running low and asked me to replace it.

Each woman recounted their encounters, all related to my care. Some couldnt hide their admiration for how attentive he was to me.

When it was Daisys turn, she said lightly, I havent interacted with Mr. Lopez since delivering the fruit basket yesterday. Madam, you can rest assuredMr. Lopezs heart is entirely with you.

Though her words seemed flattering, they dripped with sarcasm.

I chuckled bitterly, waving my hand to dismiss everyone.

After proving his innocence, Jacob seemed visibly more at ease. He sat beside my bed, held my hand, and said sincerely, Larissa, you know Ive only ever loved you. I would never have feelings for another woman.

I gave a faint Mm and withdrew my hand, ignoring the disappointment in his eyes.

As if remembering something, he added, Larissa, I have to go on a business trip tomorrow, so I cant stay with you. But my phone will be on 24/7. Call me if you miss me.

His words were full of affection, with no trace of pretense.

Suppressing my discomfort, I nodded. Take care while traveling.

For a fleeting moment, I caught a glimmer of guilt in his eyes. Then he spoke again, his voice tinged with reluctance.

But Ill miss you so much. Even though its just for a day, I hate being apart from you for even a second.

He sighed dramatically before adding, When we adopt a child, lets hand over the company to them. That way, I wont have to travel so much, and we can always be together.

If I didnt already know he was leaving to marry Daisy in seven days, I might have been moved by his words.

Finally, he kissed my forehead with evident reluctance and left the room.

The moment he stepped out, I left the hospital. At home, I packed my belongings and left a signed divorce agreement on the living room table. Without looking back, I boarded a flight to Switzerland.

Before takeoff, I deleted and blocked all of Jacobs contact information, severing all ties with him.