Chapter 3

A year later, I got pregnant.

I had severe morning sickness and had to stay at home after six months of pregnancy.

I applied for unpaid leave from work, as my maternity leave hadn't started yet.

Lucas's face was very dark during that period. I thought he was worried about my health, but it turned out he was concerned about my income.

"We agreed to split expenses, remember? You haven't been paid for months, and I can't help you," he said.

I frowned. This was even harsher than settling accounts between siblings.

Seeing that I didn't respond, Lucas hurriedly explained.

"You still have some savings, right? It should be enough for a few months."

I made a list including formula, diapers, baby clothes, bottles, strollers, and more.

"We need to buy all these. It's a significant expense. You buy them first, and I'll pay you back later."

Lucas's frown deepened. He clearly hadn't planned for this.

"It's so expensive. I don't have money either."

"Where did your money go?" I asked.

Lucas glared at me, displeased.

"We agreed to split expenses, remember? We don't interfere with each other's spending."

"Split, split! So for having a baby, should I be pregnant for 5 months, then hand it over to you for the next 5 months? I had to take unpaid leave to have this baby, and you don't consider me at all. You just keep talking about splitting!"

Lucas looked at me incredulously.

"I can't help you with childbirth. It's not that I don't want to."

"But you can help with the expenses, and you won't?"

"We agreed to split, didn't we?"

I grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.

"Get out! If you won't cover it, I'll just starve. We can all starve together!"

Lucas muttered dissatisfaction as he slowly left the room.

I heard him making a phone call in the next room.

"Mom, can you transfer me $5,000?"

"Isn't my salary card with you?"

"Amelia has severe morning sickness, and I need to cover some expenses. She'll pay me back later."

"She'll definitely pay back. Once she starts working again, I won't cover anymore. I'll make her pay."

As I listened, my heart grew colder. Lucas had given his salary card to his mother.

No wonder he never said where his money went.

Now he needed $5,000 and had to ask his mother's permission.

What a calculation! He treated me like an outsider.

What if we had a conflict that led to divorce? Our marital property would be divided, but he wouldn't have any money!