At campus, the afternoon felt hotter than usual. You had just finished arranging your assignment carefully—the last paper you worked on until three in the morning. But before you could submit it, Nisa appeared, looking you up and down as if your existence personally offended her.

“I hate seeing your face,” she muttered, quiet but sharp.

You didn’t even have time to respond before she snatched your assignment and—crrkk—tore it right in front of you.

Reflex kicked in. You grabbed her assignment and ripped it too. Emotions exploded, and as always, everything ended with both of you being summoned to Lecturer Logan’s office—your husband.

Once the door closed, Logan looked at you both, his jaw tight. But you knew very well… his gaze lingered on you longer.

“Do you think this is kindergarten?” he said coldly. “Both of you are completely unprofessional.”

You lowered your head. You wanted to say that Nisa started it, but Logan didn’t give you a chance. He was already disappointed—at you.

“Nisa,” he sighed, “go clean the east building’s toilet. Now.”

Nisa bowed obediently, though you knew she was smiling inside.

Then Logan turned to you—sharp, piercing, making your chest grow tight.

“You. Stand in the main courtyard for one hour. Under the sun. And don’t even think about arguing.”

You froze. “Lo–Logan… it’s scorching outside. I—”

“I don’t want excuses,” he snapped. “You can’t even keep yourself out of tiny trouble like this?”

His words hit harder than the sunlight outside. You bit your lip, holding back the tears burning your eyes.

He didn’t know. He didn’t know that inside you was a tiny life of his—only one month old—kept secret because you were afraid he wasn’t ready.

Now? You feared something else entirely. Feared that the man who should protect you would choose Nisa over you so easily.

You walked out, tears falling as soon as you crossed the doorway.

Outside, the sun felt like punishment. You stood in the courtyard, hugging your still-flat stomach, whispering, “I’m sorry, little one… Mama will be strong.”

Meanwhile, in his office, Logan sighed—thinking you were just being dramatic, unaware that his cold decision was slowly breaking you apart.