In Time, the Truth

My husband, Alex Carter, is a top AI engineer. He one day gets drugged by a new intern at his company, and one night of chaos follows. He calls me the next morning, his voice hoarse from a hangover and filled with unfamiliar panic.

"Em, I messed up. But don't worry. I gave her enough money to disappear from this city."

After ten years together, I believe it is just a momentary lapse in judgment. Six months later, Alex's company suffers the worst cyber attack in its history, with core data hanging by a thread.

I rush back from a fragrance exhibition in Astral, only to witness a scene at the data center entrance that sends me into shock. Alex stands outside the tightly sealed door, his face showing a weariness and guilt I have never seen before.

The doctor says that the intern, Brooke Anderson, is three months pregnant and has spent 72 hours with him in the high-radiation server room. Now, she shows signs of miscarriage.

Later, Brooke gives birth to twins, a boy and a girl. The entire Carter family is ecstatic.

I remove the wedding ring that has accompanied me for ten years, my fingertips turning ice cold. I dial the number saved with only one letter "S" and say, "Mr. Sullivan, I accept the collaboration you proposed last time."

A low, soft laugh comes from the other end of the line.

"Ms. Emma Shaw, that's a wise decision."

Alex seized my hand, his burning palm damp with perspiration. "Em, three months ago, her grandmother was dying. She was desperate when she begged me for help.

"That night, I'd just finished entertaining clients, and I'd had too much to drink. I never imagined…

"But you can relax, she'll never be welcomed into the Carter family. Your position is secure."

The hospital room door suddenly burst open, and Brooke appeared, wearing an oversized hospital gown. She collapsed to her knees before me, tears flowing freely. "Ms. Shaw, please let the babies live! I want nothing else!"

Alex turned to me, his tone almost begging. "Em, you've always been the most level-headed one between us. The babies are innocent."

I fixed my gaze on him, my senses assaulted by the cheap gardenia perfume emanating from Brooke, making me nauseated.

I smiled coldly. "Alex, either we divorce, or you make her vanish along with those complications she's carrying."

"I refuse to divorce!" Alex's eyes reddened as he clutched me desperately. "Em, but I... I must take responsibility for her."

Despite my ultimatum, Brooke gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. The entire Carter family celebrated joyously.

I removed the wedding ring that had been with me for ten years, my fingertips turning ice cold. I dialed the number saved under a single letter "S".

"Mr. Sullivan, I accept the collaboration you mentioned before."

A low, quiet chuckle came from the other end of the line.

"Ms. Emma Shaw, you've made a very wise decision."

…

I stood