On the third day of Nathan’s silent treatment, I miscarried. I lay alone in the hospital and called

On the third day of Nathan’s silent treatment, I miscarried. I lay alone in the hospital and called my fiancé three times. He accused me of trying to get his attention and impatiently hung up. That night, he stayed with his assistant, Chloe, to redesign our wedding decorations. The next day, he handed her the wedding I had designed myself, gave her my position, and ordered me to complete the handover. I didn’t argue. I didn’t try to prove myself right. I simply handed over every file, submitted my resignation, and accepted a new job. “I knew giving someone like Emma the silent treatment would work. Look how obedient she is now. She’s only behaving because she’s afraid of losing you.” Nathan believed her completely and praised Chloe for being clever. Then he found me alone and told me that the wedding would go ahead as planned. After we got married, he promised he would be a responsible father—and expected me to remain as obedient as I was now. I looked at him and returned his ring. “You don’t need to be a father anymore.” His smile disappeared. “The baby is gone. And I’m no longer your fiancée.” I placed my resignation papers in his hands. “You already signed them.” Chapter 1 “Emma, remove the pregnancy announcement from the schedule and send me the revised version before you leave.” Chloe placed the wedding timeline in front of me and crossed out one of the sections. “The magazine editor is here to see the wedding design. No one wants to hear how many months along you are.” I picked up my pen. “Fine.” She still didn't seem satisfied. A moment later, she pushed another document toward me. “Make sure you remove your name from the original design, too. Nathan said this is my first major public project. We can't have people thinking you're the lead designer.” “Got it.” Satisfied, she walked away. My coworkers watched in awkward silence. No one said a word. Everyone knew this was my wedding. Everyone knew I had spent three months designing it from start to finish. Nathan and I had run a wedding-planning company together for five years. We had planned weddings for countless couples. Six months ago, we had finally begun planning our own. Three months ago, after I found out I was pregnant, Nathan had sworn to make me the happiest bride in the world. But two weeks earlier, he had handed the entire design over to his assistant, Chloe. He had even arranged for her to be interviewed by the magazine covering the wedding. When I asked to keep my name on the design, he accused me of being petty. “She needs a chance to make a name for herself,” he had said. “You already have me. What exactly are you fighting her for?” I had backed down. All I wanted was to keep the lace from my mother’s wedding dress and the announcement telling our guests that we were expecting a baby. But Chloe’s eyes had immediately filled with tears. “There’s Emma’s name all over this. Who would believe it was my work?” Nathan had closed the design folder. “Then the wedding is on hold. Emma, once you learn to respect her, we can discuss the date again.” He hadn't canceled the venue or the vendors. The magazine shoot would go ahead as planned. Whether I actually married him that day depended entirely on how well I behaved. I reminded him that the invitations had already been sent—and that I was carrying his child. “That’s exactly why you should know better,” he had replied. “Are you going to use the baby to force me to give in every time we argue after we’re married?” Footsteps sounded outside the office. Nathan was carrying Chloe’s coat. When he heard her tell him that I had agreed to make the changes, he finally turned to me. “See? If you’d just cooperated from the start, none of this would have happened. Chloe’s been upset for days. You owe her an apology.” “I’m sorry.” The tension visibly left his shoulders, and his voice softened. “It’s not that I don’t want to marry you. But some habits can’t follow us into marriage.” This had happened more times than I could count. At first, I had asked why he talked to Chloe every night before bed. He had called me paranoid. Then he started bringing her to private gatherings, forcing me to accept their “perfectly normal friendship.” I didn't want her wearing my slippers, so he brought her home again and again, insisting that I needed to learn how to be a better host. The more hurt I became, the colder he grew. Whenever I lowered my head and apologized, he refused to forgive me immediately. He made me explain exactly what I had done wrong. For a long time, I truly believed our relationship was falling apart because I wasn't generous enough. Now he was using our wedding to teach me obedience. “Our child needs an emotionally stable mother, too.” Nathan reached out and touched my head. I moved away and lowered my eyes to the schedule. He didn't seem to notice. “Chloe and I are meeting with the editor. Finish everything here, and I’ll reconsider the wedding.” Chloe slipped her arm through his as they walked away. “I told you she’d come around.” Nathan laughed. “She’s carrying my child. Where would she go? Give her a few days to cool off, and she’ll come to her senses.” I kept my head down. He had turned my love for him and our child into tools he could use to control me. I wanted a family. He only wanted a wife who obeyed. I deleted the pregnancy announcement and continued filling out the handover checklist. The final rehearsal was in three days. It would also be my last day there. Nathan didn't know that on the third day of our silent treatment, I had gone to the hospital alone. The baby was gone. That night, while he was ignoring my calls and waiting for me to learn my lesson, I had already stopped wanting to marry him. Chapter 2 By the time I finished the revisions, I was the only person left in the office. I opened my phone and saw the Instagram photo Chloe had just posted. She and Nathan were sitting on the terrace of our wedding venue. He was holding a dessert spoon to her lips, feeding her a bite of cake. It was the wedding cake tasting I had rescheduled twice to accommodate his schedule. The caption read: It feels so good having someone to share a wedding cake tasting with. The comments were already filling up. People said they looked perfect together. Others asked when they could attend the wedding. Chloe replied with a bashful, covered-mouth emoji. Nathan liked the post. Neither of them offered an explanation. In the past, I would have called him and demanded to know what was going on. He would have accused me of making a big deal out of nothing, then given me the silent treatment for several days to teach me how to be “more understanding.” This time, the only thing I noticed was that the lemon cake had been replaced with Chloe’s favorite chocolate flavor. I updated the menu, sent the revised plan to the team chat, shut down my computer, and went home. The moment I stepped through the door, Nathan called. “Emma, I got the revisions. Thanks for taking care of them,” Chloe said with a laugh. “We picked the cake for you, too. You should come try it sometime.” “What are you thanking her for?” Nathan said in the background. “It was her job.” “But she’s still the bride. You should be nicer to her.” She giggled and asked Nathan to finish the rest of her cake for her. I waited until they were done before asking, “Is there anything else that needs to be changed?” Nathan took the phone. “No, that’s everything. See? When you cooperate like you did today, everyone’s happy.” I set my keys down without answering. He didn't seem to care. “I’ll be home soon. Get some rest.” “Soon” usually meant four or five hours. In the past, I would have left the lights on and waited for him to come home, even if all we did was share a late meal and exchange a few words. This time, I went straight to the bedroom and continued packing. The pregnancy journal was still open on my nightstand. On the first page, Nathan had written down my due date himself. Every appointment after that, however, had been recorded in my handwriting alone. I closed the journal and placed it in a box with the tiny baby shoes. Three days left. Nathan had ordered me to hand over all our clients and active projects to Chloe before the final rehearsal. “You should go home and get ready for the wedding and the baby,” he had said. “Once you’ve gotten yourself under control, we can talk about whether you’re coming back to the company.” He had said it with complete confidence, certain I wouldn't dare refuse. Instead, I submitted my resignation effective that day, confirmed the handover schedule, and accepted another job. Once the rehearsal was over, I would be gone. I opened my laptop and video-called Rachel. She was the creative director of an event design firm in Seattle. She had offered me a position two years earlier, but I turned it down because Nathan insisted the company couldn't function without me. Over the years, I had kept his clients, completed his projects, and protected the business from one crisis after another. Meanwhile, he had handed more and more of the credit to Chloe. Now even my own wedding had become her portfolio. A few days earlier, I had sent Rachel my portfolio again. After reviewing it, she had quickly arranged an interview. Tonight, all we needed to confirm was my start date. “Would next week work?” I asked. “The handoverThe handover here is almost finished.” “Of course. We’re looking forward to having you.” Rachel smiled, then hesitated. “But aren't you pregnant and getting married soon? Will moving to Seattle be difficult?” I glanced at the suitcase beside my bed. “The wedding is canceled,” I said. “And I lost the baby.” The bedroom door suddenly opened behind me. Nathan stood in the doorway, staring at me with a frown. “What did you just say was gone?” Chapter 3 I ended the video call with Rachel and set my phone down. Nathan was about to question me again when his phone chimed. Chloe had sent him a photo. She was holding my bridal bouquet in front of the full-length mirror at our wedding venue. Do you think this bouquet suits me for tomorrow’s promotional shoot? Nathan looked down and typed back. It’s beautiful. A second later, Chloe called him on video. “Nathan, the florist said this bouquet was designed to match Emma’s wedding dress. She won’t mind if I use it for the shoot, will she?” Nathan turned the camera toward me. “Tell her you don’t mind.” “Go ahead.” Chloe smiled and thanked me. Nathan turned the phone back toward her and began helping her choose jewelry. He never asked what I had meant when I said I had lost the baby. When he finally got ready to leave, he noticed that I was still sitting at the desk. His brows drew together. “Didn't I tell you to go to bed earlier? You're pregnant. Do I really have to remind you every day?” “I still have some documents to review.” “Why didn't you look at them during the day? You always leave everything until late, then when you feel sick, you accuse me of not caring about you.” I didn't explain. I had spent the entire day revising Chloe’s design. He took his phone into the bedroom, and soon I heard her laughter coming from inside. I reopened the project brief Rachel had sent me. Aurelia Events was one of the most prestigious private event firms in the country. The budgets for the weddings they handled often exceeded our company’s total annual revenue. I was studying the estate wedding I would soon be working on when Nathan came back into the room. “Aurelia Events?” He glanced at the logo on my screen and gave a quiet laugh. “Why are you looking at their projects? Have you ever worked with clients at that level?” “I’m just familiarizing myself with them.” “Don’t waste your time. They reject most designers based on their résumés alone. Focus on finishing whatever Chloe needs first.” I didn't tell him that Rachel had already confirmed my start date. “It’s done. Did you need something?” He paused, clearly not expecting me to let his remark pass without defending myself. “There is something. The magazine editor loves the design, so I’m planning to announce Chloe as the new creative director at the rehearsal. What do you think?” Creative director was my position. And the design that had impressed the editor was the one I had spent three months creating. “I have no objection.” The tension visibly left his face. “Then post a congratulatory message in the team chat. Some people here still resent her. If you publicly support her, it’ll be easier for her to lead the team.” “I’ll include the handover details as well.” “And I’m giving her your office. She’ll be meeting with editors and clients. She needs a proper workspace.” “What about my things?” “They’re boxed up in storage. You can pick them up tomorrow.” He paused, then added: “You’re going home to prepare for the wedding and the baby anyway. Once you stop letting your personal problems interfere with work, I’ll consider letting you come back.” I stared at him. He didn't just want to hand my position to Chloe. He wanted me to admit that losing everything was my own fault. And he still had no idea I had already submitted my resignation. Whenever Chloe expressed the slightest concern, he called her immediately to comfort her. My resignation email had been copied to him days ago, yet he hadn't even opened it. When I stayed silent, Nathan’s expression darkened. “Didn't you just say you had no objection? Emma, don't start changing your mind now.” “I’m not.” “Then stop looking so unhappy. Chloe has already moved into the office. If you make her leave now, how is she supposed to face the team?” “This isn’t up for discussion. You can either cooperate with the handover or resign.” I looked up at him. Nathan leaned back in his chair, his eyes dropping to my stomach. His voice was calm and certain. “But think carefully. You’re pregnant, and the wedding is only weeks away. Are you really willing to throw all of that away over one position?” Chapter 4 “Fine. I agree to your arrangement.” Nathan nodded in satisfaction. He reached the doorway, then stopped. “What about our picture?” His eyes fell on the corner of my desk. A framed photo from our engagement had once stood there. Now, only a desk lamp remained. “I put it away.” “Are you still angry?” “No. I’m just sorting through my things.” He glanced at the boxes against the wall, and the tension left his face. “That’s good. Chloe is coming by tomorrow night to discuss the shoot. Clear the desk for her.” I nodded. A few months earlier, Nathan had brought Chloe home for the first time without warning me. When I came home from work, she had been wearing my slippers and sitting at the dining table. The dinner I had prepared for the two of us was laid out in front of her. When I asked why she was there, Nathan immediately set down his fork. “We’ve been working until now. She hasn’t even had dinner. Do you really have to make our guest uncomfortable?” After that, he brought her home more and more often. The more uncomfortable I became, the more determined he was to make me accept it as normal socializing. Now, I no longer cared. They wouldn't need to ask me how to use that table—or anything else in the apartment—ever again. The next day, I went to the storage room to collect my belongings. My design sketches, thank-you cards from clients, and the photos taken when the company first opened had all been shoved into the same cardboard box. The nameplate on my office door had already been replaced. Although Nathan planned to announce Chloe’s promotion at the rehearsal, he had already moved her into the office. He stopped when he saw me carrying the box. “Is everything there?” “Yes.” “Good. She was worried you’d be upset. She even asked me last night whether I should move her back out.” I didn't answer. Instead, I removed the company keys from my key ring. “Who should I give these to?” “The operations manager. If you need to come back for anything, Chloe can let you in.” I placed the keys in the equipment-return bag. Over the next two days, Nathan stayed busy arranging Chloe’s interview while I finalized my housing in Seattle. While they were choosing dresses for the promotional shoot, I shipped out the rest of my luggage. When Chloe posted photos of her new office online and thanked Nathan for “always believing in my talent,” I sent my final handover email. It included every contact, project update, and outstanding item that still needed attention. I deleted the sentence I always added at the end—If you have any questions, feel free to contact me—and replaced it with Chloe’s email address and phone number. On the day of the rehearsal, I arrived at the venue early. I checked the lighting, music, and entrance order against the checklist one item at a time. Chloe didn't arrive until the photographer was already there. She was wearing a long white dress and immediately took the bridal bouquet from the florist. She linked her arm through Nathan’s and stood with him beneath the arch for the test shots. When the photographer asked her to move closer, Nathan placed a hand around her waist. I stood beside the monitor, making sure every detail in the frame was correct. Then I checked the final box on the list. When the rehearsal ended, the operations manager took my tablet and company phone. “Did you receive all the files?” “Yes.” She glanced over the checklist. “We’ll contact Chloe directly about everything from here on.” “Thank you.” She was about to leave when she suddenly remembered something. “Nathan wants you to stop by the bridal suite before you go. He’s waiting for you there.” I checked the time. There was still plenty of time before my flight. I could take care of one final thing first. The engagement ring was already tucked inside a small box in my bag. At the end of the hallway, the door to the bridal suite stood slightly open. I raised my hand to knock, but Chloe’s laughter drifted through the gap. Through the opening, I saw her lying on the sofa with her head resting in Nathan’s lap. He was gently untangling an earring caught in her hair. “See? I told you,” she said. “Look how cooperative she’s been today. She didn’t even say anything about us taking pictures together.” Nathan smiled. “She has been much more reasonable lately.” “That’s because you indulged her for too long.” Chloe took his hand. “She’s carrying your child. How could she possibly leave you? Just keep your distance for a few days, and she’ll come to her senses.” Nathan didn't argue. He brushed the hair away from her face, his tone relaxed. “Yeah. Your plan worked again.” Chapter 5 I knocked on the door. Chloe immediately sat up from Nathan’s lap and smoothed down her skirt. “Emma, what are you doing here?” Nathan glanced toward the doorway. “How long have you been standing there?” “The operations manager said you wanted to see me.” Chloe pressed a hand to her forehead and explained softly, “I felt dizzy, so Nathan let me lie down for a while. Don’t get the wrong idea.” “She’s been standing in heels all morning,” Nathan added. “You walk in here looking like that, and who exactly are you trying to intimidate?” I ignored him. “What did you want to see me about?” Chloe reached for his hand. “Don’t scold her yet. The florist asked me how the centerpieces should be arranged today, and I didn’t know how to answer. Emma had to handle it in the end. Everyone probably thinks I’m only a creative director in name.” She had been taking photos at the time. She had handed me the tablet and told me not to bother her with minor details. Nathan looked at me. “Didn't I tell you to hand the design over to her?” “I sent it on Tuesday. The final version was also printed and placed on her desk.” “You think sending it over counts as a proper handover? She just took over. Couldn't you sit down and walk her through it?” “I asked to meet with her twice. She said she was busy.” Chloe lowered her head. “I was with the editor both days. I should have arranged my schedule better.” “All right. Stop taking responsibility for everything.” Nathan turned back to me. “Bring the design to the celebration dinner tonight and go through it with her again. Tomorrow, stay beside her during the interview and fill in anything she can’t answer.” “I’m not going tonight.” His brows drew together. “What now?” “The handover is finished. I have other plans.” “Chloe won’t even be able to answer the editor’s questions tomorrow. It’ll make the entire company look bad. Do you really have to be difficult at a time like this?” I took out my phone, opened the handover email, and placed it on the table. “Every file, budget, and vendor contact is there. She signed to confirm that she received everything.” Nathan didn't even look at the screen. “I’m asking you to help her one more time, and this is what you show me?” “If she has questions, she can contact the execution team.” I took back my phone and turned to leave. “Wait.” Nathan stopped me and glanced at Chloe. “Go check whether the photographer is finished outside.” Chloe hesitated, then picked up the bouquet and walked out. Once the door closed, Nathan approached me and took my hand. “You’re upset because you think I’ve spent the past few days focusing on her and neglecting our wedding, aren't you?” I tried to pull my hand free, but he held on. “We’ll take the wedding photos tomorrow afternoon. I’ll have my assistant schedule it. We don’t need to postpone the wedding anymore, either. We’ll keep the date on the invitations.” He waited for my response. When I said nothing, he added: “But what happened today can’t happen again. If Chloe can’t handle something, you deal with it. Don’t make her beg for help in front of the staff.” I pulled my hand free and took the ring box from my bag. “You don’t need to schedule anything.” “What?” I placed the box in his hand. “I’m not marrying you. Here’s your ring. I’ve already moved everything out of the apartment, too.” Nathan opened the box, then looked at my bare hand. “You’re ending this because I asked you to walk Chloe through the design?” “We’re over, Nathan. I’ve resigned, too. Today is my last day.” “Wasn't this supposed to be time off? You were going home to rest.” “My resignation notice was copied to you.” He pulled out his phone and searched through his emails. Then his finger stopped. I opened the door, but Nathan rushed after me and grabbed my wrist. “What about the baby? Haven’t you always wanted to give our child a complete family? I agreed to marry you. How long are you going to keep making a scene?” I shoved his hand away. “The baby is already gone.” My voice was calm. “I miscarried the night you hung up on my calls.”