Chapter 8 Sister-in-law's Birthday

• "Give me your bag." He looked up at me and held out his hand.
• I froze for a moment, unsure of what he wanted, but I handed over my shoulder bag without hesitation. "What's the problem?" I asked.
• He didn't answer. His long fingers unzipped the bag and pulled out the medical report I had tucked inside. His dark eyes turned icy.
• I suddenly realised what was happening and tried to grab it back, but it was too late.
• He sneered and asked in a low voice, "You can't tell the difference between 'pregnant' and 'gastritis'?"
• I looked down, licked my lips, and said seriously, "I just wanted to know if you'd be okay with me having the baby if I were pregnant."
• His expression was hard to read, but he didn't hesitate to reply, "You won't get pregnant."
• Yeah, if everything went according to his plan, I wouldn't get pregnant.
• Every time we had sex, he almost always used protection. The few times he didn't were during my safe period, like yesterday.
• I forced a smile and tried to sound casual. "But what if?"
• He stood up and towered over me, leaning in slightly and lifting my chin so I had to look him in the eyes.
• His dark eyes were like whirlpools, pulling me in. His voice was cold. "Jasmine, do you want to have my baby?"
• The word "yes" got stuck in my throat, and I couldn't bring myself to say it.
• I couldn't forget what he had said before: that between us, it was only about money and sex.
• As I remained silent, his gaze grew even more intense. He softly asked, "You didn't suddenly fall in love with me, did you?"
• His voice had a seductive quality, making my heart race and the air feel thin.
• I wanted to say that it wasn't a sudden feeling but that I had been in love with him for over four years.
• For over four years, I've been trying to get just a little bit of your genuine feelings and care.
• A sudden pain in my chin brought me back to my senses, and I looked up, panicked. I quickly shook my head. "I just like kids."
• His eyes were full of mixed emotions as he let go of me and asked with a meaningful tone, "Really?"
• My eyes filled with tears, and I nodded. "Yes, I'm tired. I'm going to bed."
• After saying that, I headed upstairs, each step making me want to cry.
• All I wanted was a child, a child that was ours.
• Why did such a simple wish have to be kept from him, my husband?
• …
• The next day, right after a meeting at work, I got a call from my mother-in-law reminding me that it was Stella's birthday that night and that I needed to come back to the Campbell residence for dinner.
• Stella Campbell was Henry's younger sister, my sister-in-law, and the most beloved member of the family.
• The only problem was, we didn't get along.
• In the afternoon, I stacked up the documents that needed my boss's approval and carried them to his office.
• I placed the documents on his desk and pulled out one specific report. "Mr. Miller, these are the files you need to review. This marketing plan for the Valentine is quite urgent, so if you have time, please take a look at that one first."
• Kayden Miller was focused on a contract and gave a slight nod. "Okay, just leave it here."
• I nodded and said softly, "Alright, I'll head out now."
• I had been working at this company since my college internship, and I had been Kayden's assistant for exactly five years.
• It was through business dinners with him that I had met Henry.
• "Jasmine, hold on a second."
• Just as I was about to leave the office, Kayden suddenly called out to me.
• I turned around and saw him look up from the contract. He checked his watch and said gently, "It's nothing. You can leave for the day."
• I was surprised and asked, "Is that okay?"
• He smiled and replied, "If I didn't say anything, you'd still take the day off, right? You always have something to do on this day every year."
• I felt a bit embarrassed and was also surprised that, despite his busy work schedule and colourful personal life, he still remembered such a small detail.
• If I had just met him, I might have thought more about his thoughtfulness. But as his assistant, I know him well.
• He was the kind of person who could be surrounded by many people and remain unaffected. That was just who he was.
• I didn't refuse. I smiled and said, "Thanks. I do have plans today."
• He raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Okay, you can head out now."
• After marrying Henry, I was late to Stella's first birthday because of traffic, and Stella ended up giving the gift I brought to the servants.
• Since then, I always made sure to arrive early for her birthday every year.
• She hadn't liked me, and I hadn't had much feeling for her either. I had tried to win over the Campbells, but it had all been just for Henry.
• When I arrived at the Campbell residence, it was only a little past four, and the place was lively. My mother-in-law and a few relatives were gathered around a table playing cards.
• I walked over to greet them, and my mother-in-law set her tiles aside, smiling as she asked, "Isn't Henry coming back with you?"
• I pressed my lips together and said, "He said he had something to take care of and would come over later."
• Before coming here, I had already called Henry, and he told me to come on my own first.
• My mother-in-law sighed lightly but didn't say anything. She understood better than anyone what our marriage was like.