My Husband Crippled Me, Then Crawled Back Crying

I used to be the worlds top mercenary. But three days before my wedding, I walked straight into an ambush on a secret mission, and just like that, I lost the use of my legs.

The second my fianc found out, he dumped me. No hesitation, no second thoughts. And then he turned around and got with his best friend, Jacqueline Beckett.

I hit rock bottom. But while I was drowning in despair, Scott Foster, our leader, was the one who got me to the hospital. He pulled every string, called in every expert, did everything he could.

And when the doctors finally said I might never stand again, Scott didnt flinch. Instead, he got down on one knee and proposed.

He told me he had loved me for years. That nothing else mattered. That I was the only woman who could ever stand beside him.

I was overwhelmed. Moved. In front of everyone, I said yes.

Four years later, I was eight months pregnant when I overheard a conversation that turned my world upside down.

"Sir, we owe it all to you. If you hadnt traded Abigails legs to the Snake Troops, we never wouldve won that battle so easily. Soon, youll have full control of all the organizations."

Scott chuckled, sounding pleased. "That was nothing. The real victory is Jacqueline marrying Jared. I may not get to be with her in this life, but Ill make sure nothing stands in her way."

Then he added, "As for Abigails baby, Ill send it to Jacqueline once its born. That way, she can secure her place in Jareds family for good."

I felt my stomach drop. So that was it. The love, the marriage, everything, I had been nothing but a tool. And the baby I had fought so hard to protect was just another pawn in his game.

I wiped my tears, picked up my phone, and sent a single message. [Ill be your hostage in three days. Interested?]

The moment it was sent, the voices in the room carried on. "By the way, sir, hows that other plan coming along? Jared has azoospermia, so the kid cant look nothing like him."

"But dont worry," the tactician assured him. "Dr. Ainsley is the best from Leninia. As long as we inject Jared and Jacquelines cell fluid into Abigails amniotic fluid every day, the baby will grow up looking like them. The process might hurt a little, though."

The moment I spotted Scott on the other side of the wall, I saw his tense expression relax. Then, he let out a sneer. "Pain? Dont forget, Abigail was the top mercenary. Whats a little pain to someone like her? Inject it hard. And dont even think about using anesthetics, the babys safety comes first."

His words slammed into me like a punch to the gut. My whole chest tightened, and I had to slap a hand over my mouth to stop myself from making a sound.

I turned my wheelchair around and rushed back to the bedroom before Scott could notice me. But I couldnt stop the memories from rushing in.

Four years ago, during my last mission, my location was leaked. I didnt even have a chance to react before I was completely surrounded.

The moment they caught me, their excitement was sickening.

They stomped on my head over and over. Then came the hammers. I could still hear the sound, my bones shattering, the sharp, unbearable pain before everything went black.

When I woke up, I was lying on the street like trash. That was when I saw him. My fianc. He took one look at me, bloodied and broken, and walked away. Not a word. Not a glance back.

And just like that, I lost everything.

Then Scott showed up. He was the one who took me to the hospital, the one who stayed by my side, the one who made me believe I had finally found real love.

But it was all a lie. He was the one who betrayed me.

If someone close to me hadnt sold me out, theres no way my location would have been exposed. And now, I finally knew why. Everything he did, all of it, was for Jacqueline.

My life, my body, my baby nothing but tools for his plan.

My hands clenched into fists. I pounded my legs over and over, but there was nothing. No pain. No feeling. Just cold, dead weight.

I lost my strength and slid off the wheelchair, collapsing onto the floor like a lifeless doll.

Just as I was about to struggle to get up, I heard Scotts anxious voice. "Abigail, what happened? How did you fall out of your wheelchair?"

He rushed over and scooped me up effortlessly, holding me close before kneeling to check my legs for injuries. His touch was as careful and gentle as ever, but it no longer felt warm. No longer felt real.

"I'm fine," I said quietly. "I just wanted to see if I could stand."

Scott's expression softened instantly. He pulled me into his arms, his voice filled with pity.

He said, "Abigail, don't worry. I'll always take care of you. Even if you cant stand for the rest of your life, it doesnt matter to me. And our baby is already eight months along, I swear, once our child is born, Ill devote myself completely to you both."

If I hadnt overheard that conversation outside the study, I might have been touched. I might have believed him, let his words ease the ache in my chest.

But now, all I felt was cold.

"Oh, right," Scott said suddenly, his tone casual, like he hadnt just shattered my world. "An expert from abroad arrived today. I met with him earlier, he says he can help with your delivery, but the process will be painful. Youll have to endure a little more discomfort each day."

Then, as if it were nothing, he added, "You know how hard it was for us to conceive this child. We have to make sure the birth goes smoothly, no matter what."

At his signal, a doctor in a white coat stepped into the room, carrying a syringe as thick as my finger. My breath caught. I shook my head and looked at Scott. "I dont need the injection. The baby will be fine."

For a split second, his face hardened. A flicker of irritation crossed his features, gone almost as soon as it appeared.

Then, in a voice that left no room for argument, he said, "No. This is for your own good."

Before I could protest, he shoved my shoulders down. The needle plunged into my spine.

Pain exploded through me; cold, sharp, unbearable. The sensation twisted deep, spreading like fire and ice all at once. My body trembled violently, and as darkness crept in, I realized something.

Whatever love I had left for Scott, it was gone. When I woke again, it was late. The room was dim, silent except for the faint sound of Scotts breathing.

He was still there, sitting by my side. Scotts face was full of worry when I opened my eyes. "Abigail, you're awake! Are you feeling okay? The doctor said the baby is doing great. He even called you the bravest mother in the world!"

He looked at me like he actually cared, like I was supposed to be touched by his words. But all I could manage was a bitter smile.

I reached up and brushed my fingers against his tired, red-rimmed eyes. "I'm fine. You should get some rest."

It didnt take long for his breathing to slow beside me.

That was when I noticed the spare phone on the nightstand, the one he always kept close but never let me touch. I had never tried to unlock it in the four years we had been married.

Tonight, I did.

It took only one guess, sure enough, it was Jacquelines birthday. The first thing I saw was his pinned chat: [Lovely Jacqueline.]

I clicked on it.

The messages were endless. Sweet, thoughtful. Full of warmth and care, more than I had ever received from him.

She sent him pictures, and he responded with the kind of affection I used to wish for. Every single one of her photos was saved.

An entire album. A thousand pictures labeled as: [LOML.]

Love of My Life, huh? I already knew, deep down. But seeing it spelled out so clearly still hit me like a punch to the chest. Tears burned in my eyes, slipping down my cheeks before I could stop them.

Then I checked his private drive. Thirteen years worth of memories, all about Jacqueline. Even her menstrual cycle was marked in red. A "special reminder."

And yet, when we were newly married, when I curled up in pain from years of untreated injuries, Scott had just glanced at me, stone-faced, and muttered, "Why are you being so dramatic?"

Then hed walked away.

It took me until today to finally get it. It wasnt that Scott couldnt love someone. He just couldnt love me.

Then I saw a message that made my stomach drop. The date was our wedding day. [If marrying her makes you happy, then Im willing to sacrifice.]

His words were simple, but the meaning hit like a punch.

The perfect love story, except I was the sacrifice. And all the love belonged to Jacqueline. Fine. If that was how it was, I would play my part.

The next morning, I woke up to a sharp pain in my back as a cold needle pierced my skin. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them.

I barely had the strength to lift my head, but when I did, I met Scotts worried gaze. "Abigail, I know this is hard on you, but its all for our child. You dont blame me, right? Once the baby is born, Ill make sure they know how incredible their mother was."

His voice was so soft, so sincere. As if every word he said was the truth. But I knew better.

I didnt bother arguing. I just nodded. Scott smiled, clearly relieved. He called for the nanny to bring over the special soup she had prepared, then carefully blew on each spoonful before feeding me, as if he was afraid it might burn me.

For a second, I almost believed in this version of him. Almost. But the lingering ache in my spine reminded me, this was all real. And none of it was love.

After dinner, Scott left to take care of some work. That was when my phone rang.

"Ms. Langley," an old yet familiar voice said. "Just reminding you, two days from now, everything is set. Dont forget our agreement."

It was Yosef Lambert from the Dragon Squad. We had trained together years ago.

I glanced down at my swollen belly. "I wont forget. Just make sure you do what you promised. He has to believe Im dead, I have to die in front of Scott."

The line went dead. Right then, the door swung open.

Scott leaned against the frame, arms crossed, eyes sharp. "I heard my name, what exactly are you planning to do in front of me, honey?"

I quickly locked my phone and kept my voice even. "Nothing, just asking the psychologist if giving birth in front of you might traumatize you for life."

Scott didnt even hesitate, just pulled me into a hug, his voice thick with emotion. "How could it? You went through hell for our child. The least I can do is be there. Besides, Im the team leader, Ive seen worse."

I just smiled at him, saying nothing.

"By the way, Abigail," he continued, "were having a celebration tonight. Its for the successful recovery of the Dragon Squad and to prep for the mission the day after tomorrow. Youve been through enough lately, so get some rest, I wont be home."

I shook my head. "Take me with you."

Scott's expression tightened. "No. You're still recovering, and I wont allow it."

And just like that, he turned and walked out, leaving me in the bedroom. But how could I sit this one out? A party to celebrate what cost me my legs, I had every right to be there.

At 7 p.m., I rolled myself into the venue. Glasses clinked, laughter filled the air, but as soon as I entered, the whispers started.

"Isnt that Mr. Fosters wife? She never shows up to these things."

"I mean she was impressive once, but now? Just dead weight."

"Poor Chief. Hes stuck with her. If hed married Commander Beckett instead, hed actually be happy."

"I think old feelings might spark up again. Didn't you see them step out to the terrace together?"

Hearing that, I turned my wheelchair toward the terrace and overheard a familiar conversation.

"Jacqueline, dont blame yourself. Its not your fault that Jared has azoospermia," Scott said.

"But I still feel incomplete," Jacqueline replied. "And my mother-in-law wont let me forget it. Scott, I cant wait any longer, please, help me."

Scotts expression softened with heartache, his eyes filled with something I had never seen before; hesitation, longing.

Then, without missing a beat, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "Dr. Ainsley, I want my wife to have a C-section the day after tomorrow. Get everything ready."

"Mr. Foster, thats risky," the doctor warned. "Its too soon after the cell fluid injection. Surgery now could be dangerous, and shed almost certainly lose her uterus."

Scott didnt even flinch. "It doesnt matter. Ive made my decision. Whatever it takes, I want Jacqueline to be a mother."

But what about me, Scott? Was I nothing more than a means to an end? Was my body just something to be sacrificed for your great love?

Tears burned my eyes, but before I could wipe them away, my wheelchair bumped into a vase, knocking it over with a loud crash.

Scott turned sharply, a flicker of panic in his gaze. "Abigail, when did you get here? Did you hear"

"I didnt hear anything," I cut in smoothly. "I just got here when I heard voices on the terrace."

Relief washed over his face. Jacqueline gave me a polite smile. "Abigail, long time no see."

I forced a small smile. "Yeah, its been a while. I was bored at home, so I thought Id come out for some fresh air. But Im good now, I will leave you two to it."

I turned to leave, but Scott caught up quickly, slipping his suit jacket over my shoulders. Crouching in front of me, he met my gaze. "Don't overthink it. Jacqueline is the team commander. I invited her here to discuss the upcoming battle, nothing more."

Scotts tender expression had the cameras flashing nonstop, capturing what looked like a heartfelt moment. But I knew the truth, he wasnt doing this for me. He just didnt want Jacquelines reputation to take a hit.

"Its fine, Im not that petty. You two go ahead and talk. Ill head home," I said with a small smile, turning away before he could see through it.

Back home, I went straight to the nursery, grabbed every piece of baby clothing I had knitted, and tossed them into the trash. This child was never meant to exist.

Scott walked in just as the last tiny sweater landed in the bin. His eyes flickered with surprise. "Why are you throwing those away?"

I kept my voice even. "Its too early for the baby to be born. These are useless now."

Scott didnt press further, but Jacquelines lips curled ever so slightly. "Oh? Well, I have a relative whos about to have a baby. Mind if I take them?"

I paused, then shook my head. "No. I made these for my child. If you need baby clothes, go buy them yourself."

I turned to leave, but before I could take another step, Jacqueline grabbed my arm, her nails sinking into my skin.

"Youd rather throw them away than let me have them? Do you really hate me that much?" she asked, her voice soft, almost pitiful.

A sharp sting shot up my arm as I pulled free. Jacqueline staggered back dramatically. "Scott, help me!"

Scott lunged forward, catching her just in time. Then, without hesitation, he turned to me, his face cold, his movements swift.

The slap came out of nowhere. My head snapped to the side, and before I could react, I was on the floor, my wheelchair tilting slightly from the impact.

"Abigail, when did you become so heartless?" His voice was low, filled with disappointment.

"Jacqueline just thought it was a shame to throw them away. If you didn't want to give them to her, fine, but did you really have to hit her?"

Scotts voice cut through the ringing in my ears, sharp and accusing. My cheek still burned from the slap, but his words stung worse.

A cold laugh slipped from my lips. "Scott, you think I'm cruel? I'm nothing compared to you."

His expression stiffened, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Dont change the subject. Apologize to Jacqueline."

Before I could respond, Jacqueline sniffled dramatically, wiping at her eyes. "Forget it, Scott. Abigail didnt mean it. Im just a little hungry could you make me something to eat?"

Just like that, his anger softened. Without another glance in my direction, he took her hand and walked away.

And just like that, the last piece of me broke.

I forced myself into my wheelchair, my hands trembling slightly, but I kept my face blank. No more tears. Not when tomorrow would change everything.

Scott, I hope you like the gift I have for you.

The next morning, Scott left early for battle. Jacqueline, however, found her way into my bedroom. She stepped inside, her lips curling into a smirk as she tugged down the collar of her silk nightgown.

Dark, unmistakable marks covered her skin.

"Abigail," she purred, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "You really are pathetic. Four years and you still couldn't hold onto your man. If Scott hadnt told me last night, I never wouldve known, hes always loved me. You? You were just there for convenience."

Her gaze flickered down to my belly, her expression darkening with jealousy. "But dont worry. Once your baby is born, Ill make sure it never gets the chance to take a breath. Do you really think Id let you leave behind something that ties you to Scott? And once you lose your ability to have children, Ill take your place for good."

I met her gaze, my expression unreadable. "Alright."

She hesitated, caught off guard by my lack of reaction. But before she could say another word, I glanced at the time and ended the recording.

A second later, the door burst open. A sharp pain shot through my skull and the world went black. When I woke up, my hands were bound, and a rough sack covered my head.

Jacqueline's panicked voice trembled beside me. "Let me go! If you hurt me, Scott will make you pay!"

I glanced at the time. Almost there. Right on cue, the door burst open. Scott and his men charged in.

A pair of rough hands yanked me up, and Yosef smirked. "Mr. Foster, you got here fast. The moment you heard it was Jacqueline, you didnt even put up a fight."

Scotts voice was sharp. "Let her go. Ill concede todays battle."

Yosef chuckled. "Oh, Scott, this isn't about winning or losing." He tilted his head, amused. "You're just in time for a little test."

His gaze flicked between us. "On one side, your frightened little lover. On the other just your loyal mercenary. So tell me, who do you pick?"

Scott didnt even think about it. "Jacqueline. No matter what."

Yosef let out a dramatic sigh and pulled out his pistol. "Then do it yourself. Kill the mercenary, and Ill let her go."

Through the tiny gap in the sack covering my head, I saw Scott raise his gun. His voice was steady, almost indifferent. "As a soldier, you had to know this was coming. Dont worry, Ill make sure your family is taken care of."

A hollow laugh caught in my throat. If he had just looked a little closer, he would have noticed. My legs were unsteady. My belly had started to round.

But he didnt.

The gunshot rang out. Pain tore through my chest, hot and unbearable. Blood spread fast, soaking through my clothes.

Then, I felt something else. A deeper kind of pain. Something breaking. Something ending.

Before my eyes fully closed, I saw Scott rushing forward, catching Jacqueline in his arms. "Someone call a doctor! Jacqueline, are you hurt? I'm so sorry, I should've been here sooner."

Scooping her up, he bolted for the door. Just before disappearing, he shot a glance at the body on the ground.

"Take care of it," he told a soldier, then left without a second thought.

At the hospital, after the doctor confirmed Jacqueline was fine, Scott finally let out a breath. But something still felt off.

His gut told him something was wrong. Pulling out his phone, he was about to call home when a soldier came sprinting toward him, his face pale.

"Sir it's bad. That body we just brought in, it's your wife."