He Gave Our Bedroom to Her... So I Disappeared

Chapter 1

On the night of our ninth wedding anniversary, my husband, Michael Hudson, brought his pregnant secretary home.

With the same tone one might use to comment on the weather, he laid out a few casual commands.

"Daniela's picky about food, so starting today, make sure every meal is different."

"She scares easily and can't sleep alone. Pack up your things—you'll be moving to the guest room."

I didn't say a word. I just picked up the suitcase I had packed days ago and walked calmly toward the door.

The housekeeper tried to stop me, but Michael let out a cold laugh.

"Let her go. She'll come crawling back in three days, tops."

Laughter erupted around me.

Right in front of me, they placed a two-million-dollar bet—wagering I wouldn't last a single night out there before begging Michael to take me back like some pathetic stray.

What none of them knew was that a Maybach was already waiting outside the gates.

This time, I wasn't bluffing. I was done.

Just as I stepped past the front door, Michael called out from behind me.

"Ashlyn. Leave the safety bracelet. Daniela's been having nightmares. She needs it more than you do."

I froze.

That bracelet was the only thing my parents left me.

When I turned around, Michael caught the redness in my eyes—but his expression didn't change.

"Name your price," he said flatly.

Nine years of silent endurance in a loveless marriage—how much was that worth?

I didn't even try to do the math.

All I could think of was the last time I refused to give Daniela something—my ski goggles. Michael had stripped me down to nothing and left me shivering alone on a snow-covered mountain.

I took a deep breath, unclasped the bracelet, and fastened it around Daniela's wrist.

"May the child in your belly be safe and sound," I said softly.

For once, Michael seemed almost merciful.

"Ashlyn, as long as you behave, my child can be your child too."

The second the words left his mouth, the bracelet slipped off Daniela's wrist and shattered on the marble floor.

A shard of jade nicked her leg, and blood trickled down.

Michael rushed to her side like she was made of porcelain, scooping her up protectively.

"Call the doctor!" he snapped at the housekeeper, his voice full of panic.

Everyone turned to glare at me with accusing, scornful eyes.

I found it hilarious, honestly.

Last night, when I had a heart attack, Michael was too busy stargazing with Daniela to even check on me.

Even as I collapsed on the living room floor, foaming at the mouth, he didn't flinch—just stepped right over me.

Right before I lost consciousness, I heard him say to the housekeeper, "Disinfect the whole area. Daniela moves in tomorrow. I don't want her smelling anything foul."

Now gripping the handle of my suitcase, I turned to leave once again.

But Michael grabbed my wrist.

"Apologize," he demanded coldly.

"What—?"

Before I could react, he yanked me down and forced me to kneel in front of Daniela.

My knees landed hard on the shattered jade, slicing through my skin and staining the white tile red.

He looked down at me with disgust.

"You broke her bracelet and hurt her. Don't you think an apology is the least you owe?"

Since marrying Michael, I'm sorry had practically become my catchphrase.

The soup I made wasn't seasoned right? I apologized.

Texted him late at night to check in? I apologized for disrupting his peace.

Caught him red-handed with hotel messages from Daniela? I apologized for invading his privacy.

With blood in my mouth and pain in my bones, I slowly straightened.

I bowed deeply—three times—toward Daniela.

Then I lifted my head and looked at Michael with eyes as cold and empty as my heart.

"Is that enough?" I asked quietly.

His chest rose sharply, his gaze fixed on the blood trailing from the corner of my lips.

"Ashlyn," he sneered, "Your precious old man isn't here to protect you anymore. Who are you trying to play the victim for?"

Before I could answer, the family doctor arrived.

Michael brushed past me like I was invisible and rushed to Daniela's side.