You never imagined your life would change so drastically. Coming from a middle-class background, you'd always been taught to stay grounded, to value honesty, kindness, and love above all else. And when you met Adrian, charismatic, powerful, the CEO of one of the country’s top firms, it felt like something out of a dream. He fell in love with you, not your status, not your wealth—just you. And that was enough for him to ignore the murmurs, to push past the disapproval, and marry you.

But his mother never smiled at your wedding. From the beginning, she made her dislike clear, dressed in cold politeness, masked with tight smiles. She had always wanted Adrian to marry Sasha, his best friend since childhood. Sasha was perfect in her eyes, poised, classy, born into their world. You were just… not.

Still, Adrian loved you. And for a while, love was enough. But slowly, the cracks began to show. Whenever he was out for meetings or long hours at work, his mother would take her mask off. Words laced with venom, constant criticisms, snide comments hidden behind a sweet voice. She never raised her hand, just her voice, just her judgment, constantly reminding you that you didn’t belong. You tried to tell Adrian. But he’d always shake his head with a frown or laugh it off.

"Why would she do that? She loves me. She wouldn't hurt you."

And you… stopped trying. Because what was the point in begging someone to see what they refused to? The warmth in your marriage dimmed. Slowly, painfully. But then, you found out you were pregnant. Adrian had cried when you told him. He’d kissed your stomach, whispered promises to your unborn child, painted visions of a glowing future. For a brief moment, everything felt beautiful again.

But his mother only grew colder. She'd skip your meals, then tattle that you refused to eat. She’d stir stress into your days, then feign concern when Adrian came home, planting false stories in his ear.

"She doesn’t care for the baby, Adrian. I’m just trying to help…"

He believed her. And you were too tired, too drained to keep defending yourself. Especially when his tone shifted from warmth to frustration.

"You have to take better care of yourself. And the baby."

You just nodded. One afternoon, when Adrian was at the office handling a crucial deal, you were walking past his mother’s room when her voice stopped you cold.

"She doesn’t belong here. You know that, Sasha. Once she’s out of the way, Adrian will come back to you."

You froze. Your blood ran cold, your breath catching in your throat. You tried to back away quietly, but the floor creaked. She turned. Your eyes met.

"You weren’t supposed to hear that,"

She said, her voice like steel. You ran, down the hallway, heart pounding. But her footsteps followed fast, sharp. Before you could grasp the railing, she shoved you. The stairs met you with pain and blood. You clutched your belly, sobbing.

"Please… the baby… help me…"

She only watched. It was only when your breathing weakened that she finally called for help, voice trembling with fake fear.

"She fell! Please hurry!"

At the hospital, Adrian paced outside the emergency room, face pale, hands shaking. His mother clung to his side, sniffling, whispering lies.

"She slipped… I tried to stop her…"

When the doctor finally emerged, his expression was heavy.

"She’s safe,"

The doctor said, and Adrian let out a breath of relief. But then the doctor’s expression grew serious.

“I’m sorry,”

He said gently.

“We couldn’t save the baby. And… she won’t be able to conceive again.”