Chapter 4

In our seventh year of marriage, Mrs. Foster gave me an ultimatum.

"The Foster family has only had one child for three generations. We can't let the line end here. If you can have a child, do it. If you can't, I'll find someone else who can. But then I won't have time to care about the Thompson family's business!"

Faced with such a blatant threat, I had no choice but to give in.

That night, I found a romantic movie and invited Lucas to watch it with me. He agreed but left halfway through, saying it was boring.

After my shower, I changed into the lingerie Mrs. Foster had specially made for me and nervously knocked on Lucas's door.

"I'm going to sleep," he said.

"We can talk tomorrow."

Lucas blocked the door, not letting me in.

"I've painted a new picture of birds. I was hoping you could take a look," I said.

That's right, to please Lucas, I had even taken up painting classes.

Lucas finally agreed to let me in, but his expression remained cold and he wouldn't look at me.

"Where's the painting?" he asked.

"Don't rush. The paper is quite large, we need to spread it out on the bed."

I tried my best to overcome my embarrassment and acted seductively, like in the movies. The nearly see-through nightgown left little to the imagination.

But Lucas still had no reaction. His gaze was focused entirely on the non-existent painting.

"Stop painting," he said suddenly.

"What?"

"I said, stop painting from now on. Your brushwork is weak, you have no talent. Even a three-year-old could paint better than you."

I blushed, feeling extremely embarrassed.

"If I'm not good, you could teach me. I'd be the most obedient student," I said, reaching out to touch him.

He pushed me away roughly. At that moment, the strap of my nightgown snapped.

I stood there naked in front of Lucas, like a peeled egg.

"Get out! Get out of here!" he shouted.

"You filthy woman! Disgusting woman!"

"Painting is the most sacred thing. How dare you desecrate it!"

I had never seen Lucas so angry before. His bloodshot eyes stared at me as if I had committed some unforgivable sin.

In the past, I would have run out immediately, terrified. But not today.

Trembling, I wrapped myself in a blanket.

"Lucas, we need to have a child. Otherwise, I won't be able to stay here anymore."

"Who wants you to stay here?" he spat.

"Look in the mirror. See how disgusting you are!"

"I hate you. It would be best if you never appeared in front of me again!"

"Do you really mean that?" I asked.

Even though I knew he was ill, these words still hurt me deeply. After seven years of companionship, even a pet cat or dog would have developed some affection.

Lucas nodded firmly, ignoring the tears in my eyes as he roughly pushed me out of the room.