Chapter 3

The "typing..." indicator appeared and disappeared.

Perhaps because I suddenly called her "Ma'am."

After a long time, she replied:

【Okay. Tonight at eleven, at the gynecology hospital where I scheduled your prenatal checkup.】

Dante gave the driver a few more instructions:

"If nothing's wrong, just take her home. Save us more trouble."

"Also, bring her wedding ring. The Donna's position needs a new occupant."

The call ended.

The driver yanked off my wedding ring.

A ring worn for five years, already like flesh and blood.

Forcibly torn off, it felt like my heart was being ripped out.

"Sorry, Miss Vivienne. This is Don's order!"

I clutched my aching belly.

Begged: "Please take me to the gynecology hospital. I have no money. I can't get a cab."

He hesitated a second.

His phone buzzed. It was Dante:

【Hurry up.】

【Emotional fluctuations affect the prenatal checkup. Put the ring on. Only then can Bianca be at ease.】

I closed my eyes in despair and let the driver go.

Dragging my exhausted body, I walked alone to the gynecology hospital three kilometers away.

When I arrived.

Dr. Adrian, who was handling the surgery, was shocked by my pale face.

He quickly helped me rest.

I waved my hand, insisted on completing the pre-op tests.

Dr. Adrian couldn't dissuade me.

He couldn't help asking: "Miss Vivienne, what happened? I looked at your records before. Your data showed you were very healthy."

"But in just a few days, significant weight loss, abnormal cortisol elevation. Forced abortion carries a risk of hemorrhage!"

"Sorry, we must notify your family. Only with a signed pre-op agreement can we proceed."

I lowered my eyes. "But I have no family left."

Dr. Adrian sighed. "We must be responsible for your safety."

I pressed my lips, not wanting to make things hard for Dr. Adrian.

Afraid Dante wouldn't believe it, I video-called him.

On the fifth try, he finally answered.

"What is it?"

The screen was pitch black. Dante's voice was hoarse.

Dr. Adrian quickly answered:

"Miss Vivienne is very weak. If we proceed with the abortion, the risk is extremely high."

"Mr. Vitale, you're her husband, right? Please come to the hospital to confirm the surgery."

The video went silent.

I asked: "Dante?"

The screen's glow revealed ambiguous red marks on his neck.

My eyes stung.

Bianca's voice carried an ambiguous breathiness:

"Miss Vivienne, you're quite the actress. Even changed the background."

"But since you're divorced, Don has real business to attend to. Please find someone else~"

Dante looked at me darkly, his tone certain:

"Vivienne, five hundred thousand isn't enough? Scheming to get more of my money. Are you that desperate?"

"Regretting agreeing to the net-zero exit in the agreement?"

My heart sank.

"No, I won't spend your money."

He snorted: "Fine. No money, I agree to anything."

The video hung up.

My eyes reddened.

"Dr. Adrian, please start the surgery."

Fortunately, the surgery went smoothly.

I rested for a day and could finally walk.

But the moment I turned on my phone, 99+ new messages popped up.

【Gold digger, had enough of scamming? Go scam your mother's coffin money!】

I was stunned.

Scrolled down for five minutes.

Only then did I see Dante's only three messages that day:

【Bianca is doing anti-fraud awareness lately. She posted your case online and accidentally exposed your personal information.】

【The post went viral. Netizens are aggressive. They'll probably come find you.】

【Be the bigger person. At most, after the court verdict, I'll have Bianca apologize to you.】