He immediately ordered a private medical suite prepared, hot broth, dedicated security, and a total communications blackout on my personal line. I was given the exact medical luxury that should have been guaranteed from the beginning.

They monitored my vitals, brought me food, and placed Leo in a pristine new bassinet directly beside my bed.

Late that evening, when the medical staff left us alone, I gave my father the full account of the marriage. The fifty dollars. The city bus. The family driving off to their high-end lunch.

The leftover rice in the refrigerator. Dominic’s confident smile through the tinted glass.

My father didn’t interrupt once. He simply tightened his fists until his knuckles turned completely white.

Right then, the internal line chimed. Mr. Vance appeared at the door.