
288 readers · 10 chapters · 3 free
I helped my husband Derek build his empire from the ground up. I stood by his side when we had nothing. Yet, when I was six months pregnant and needed him most, he told me he was going to a remote village for charity work. He'd always been kind-hearted, so as his wife, I understood and fully supported him. That was, until I saw a man, hailed as "the most discreet philanthropist," appear on my best friend Maya's livestream. Maya, flushed and coy, snuggled into his arms, thanking him for splashing a fortune on her. The man didn't show his face, but as he gently wiped the sweat from Maya's forehead, I saw the ring on his ring finger. It was that cheap $5 silver band we'd bought when we got married. "Honey, the signal in the mountains can be spotty, so please be careful. If you need more cash, just tell me." I gently stroked my six-month pregnant belly, softly reminding him over the phone. Derek's voice, tired yet content, drifted through: "Don't worry, sweetheart. Seeing the smiles on the kids' faces when they get their supplies makes it all worth it." "I just feel bad about leaving you alone at home while you're pregnant." "Don't be silly. You're doing good deeds. I couldn't be prouder of you."