Chapter 1 Zachary’s Choice
In the sweltering summer of July, Leine City was like a humid oven. However, Charlotte Lyn found herself shaking with cold as she stood outside her husband’s study room, fiercely gripping her pregnant belly as her breathing hitched.
Inside, her husband, Zachary Sullivan, was having a tense conversation. “Why did her situation become so critical out of the blue?” he asked with a palpable restlessness, nervously smoking his cigarette. “How many more blood transfusions does she need?”
“Three times more,” replied Dr. Justin Miller, his voice laced with regret. “But giving her more of Charlotte’s blood isn’t the answer. A bone marrow transplant is the only way.” Taking a pause, he continued, “The tricky bit is, the operation could put your unborn baby’s life at risk. If your child survives the procedure, the medication could potentially cause physical or mental handicaps. It could even harm Charlotte’s life. I suggest you think it through.”
Silence fell over the room. Peering through the slightly opened door, Charlotte observed the man inside. Zachary seemed distant, deep in thought as he put out his cigarette in the ashtray. After a moment’s hesitation, he pierced the silence. “Stop the pregnancy. Let’s get the surgery scheduled ASAP.”
His words cut the silence like a dagger of ice, causing Charlotte to shiver uncontrollably. She was too shocked to hear anything else they said. She retreated to her room, locking herself away from the world outside and heading straight into the bathroom.
In the mirror, Charlotte noticed the multiple needle Marys and bruises on her back. She realized they were caused by rough treatment after her blood was extracted. Fear and shock washed over her, and she broke down.
Zachary was always there, helping her shower ever since she had become pregnant. But having seen the mirror today, she felt betrayed.
Charlotte reflected on Zachary’s unusual manners. Her heart ached as she thought, ‘Every sweet gesture… they were all lies! No wonder I’ve been feeling drained recently, spending hours in deep sleep. He was scheming, stealing my blood while I was asleep! His love, his proposal… They were all fake. He just wants my blood. He wants to destroy me!’
Charlotte protectively cradled her belly, gently stroking it. Her baby was due soon, and she promised she would protect it, no matter what.
*****
In the evening, Zachary and Charlotte sat at the dinner table. Despite the intensity of his earlier discussion, Zachary seemed distant but somewhat softer. He served Charlotte some soup, mumbling, “Have this soup. It’s good for your health.”
Since they were married, Zachary had always been the one giving orders, with Charlotte yielding quietly. But today, the unusual gentleness in Zachary’s actions felt unsettling, considering what she knew.
“He was ready to trade our baby’s life,” Charlotte mulled over in her head. The realization hit her hard, causing her to jerk up from the chair, knocking over the soup bowl. The crashing sound echoed in the room, mirroring their fragmented relationship. Zachary’s clothes got drenched in the soup.
Surprise flickered across Zachary’s face, followed by a flash of anger. But he quickly composed himself, feigning concern. Brushing a hand over Charlotte’s forehead, he asked, “Are you okay? Should we call Justin?”
“So he can take more of my blood?” Charlotte challenged, looking straight into Zachary’s eyes. An awkward silence filled the room.
In response to her defiance, Zachary’s demeanor changed instantly. Seizing her collar, he brought her close, his voice low and threatening. “You know my plans, don’t you? Then you should know that you have no option but to comply.”
His words revealed the harsh reality. Zachary was the fearsome CEO of the Sullivan Group, one nobody dared to cross.
Tears welled up in Charlotte’s eyes as she met Zachary’s icy gaze. His hand around her neck made it difficult for her to breathe, the usual smooth face of Zachary now ruthless and indifferent. He let go of her and coolly added, “Since you’re aware, just tell me your price.”
Leaving Charlotte crumbled against the wall, Zachary indifferently turned away. In her desolate state, a pressing question haunted her: ‘Was our marriage ever real?’
“Tell me, who is she?” Charlotte asked, trying to understand the woman he was sacrificing her and their baby for.
Zachary paused but didn’t respond. Instead, he announced, “The surgery is in three days. Make a smart decision by then.” His message was clear: Charlotte had no choice. With that, he walked away, leaving Charlotte alone, wrecked on the cold, hard floor.
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