Her Widow’s Tantrum: My Pregnancy Must End

Just because I was pregnant, his widowed sister-in-law threatened to kill herself.
To appease her, my husband insisted I have an abortion, just to put her mind at ease.
Eleanor is just so lonely since my brother died, he told me. Im just taking care of her for him, giving her a child. Dont overthink it.
When I refused, he drugged me and took me to the clinic himself.
When I woke up, my eyes were burning with tears. Samuel, just because she was unhappy, youve made me lose three children!
He was impatient.
Its just a baby. We can have another one later.
For now, Eleanor needs to prepare for the pregnancy, so Ill be staying with her. Ill come back after she conceives.
He and Eleanor left together, hand in hand.
A month later, Eleanor returned, one hand resting on her still-flat stomach.
Im pregnant, she announced. Youll have to take good care of Samuel for me now.
I burned the letter in my hand.
It was from the city.
The wedding date is set. Im coming to get you.

1
Samuel glanced at the smoldering paper in the hearth.
What are you burning?
My voice was flat. Nothing.
He looked at me, a flicker of guilt in his eyes, and reached for my hand. Phoebe, I know youre still angry about what happened.
But you shouldnt have used your pregnancy to provoke her.
You know how fragile shes been ever since my brother and nephew died in that accident.
This is for the best. I give Eleanor a child, she has a new reason to live, and our lives can finally be peaceful.
If you want a baby that badly, well have our own next time.
No, thank you.
I pulled my hand away.
This wasnt the first time hed forced me to abort our child because of Eleanor.
The thought of my three lost babies made it hard to breathe.
He wanted to make amends, but I was done.
Samuel thought I was just sulking. He tried to coax me again.
Its just one baby Eleanor promised that after the child is born, shell leave us alone. We can have as many as we want then.
Shes being so generous about it. Why are you still holding a grudge?
Eleanor, standing beside him, added with a soft smile, Yes, Phoebe, please dont be upset.
I almost laughed out loud. We were husband and wife, but we needed an outsiders permission to have a child. It was a sick joke.
I took a deep breath and handed him the divorce papers Id prepared.
Samuel, lets file for divorce.
Seven years of my life, three of my children.
It was the price I paid for loving the wrong man.
It was time to walk away.
As I grabbed my packed suitcase, Eleanors eyes lit up.
Samuel didnt see it. He was staring at the papers, his whole body shaking with rage.
Eleanor lowered her gaze, the picture of innocence. Phoebe, I know youre angry with me, but you dont have to resort to these games. The baby is innocent.
That snapped him out of it. He tore the papers to shreds.
Dont think you can manipulate me, Phoebe, he sneered.
And dont forget, if it werent for me, a disgraced tycoons daughter like you would have nothing!
The words were a dagger in my heart. In this new era, my familys past was a stain. Samuel, on the other hand, had come from nothing, a former militia man who had clawed his way up to the rank of Commander. He truly believed I owed my comfortable life entirely to him.
Seeing my silence, his tone softened. Alright, Phoebe. Lets just forget this. Stop making a scene.
Eleanor and I have discussed it. Were going to have a ceremony, to give the unborn child a name.
But dont worry, he added, as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world. Well get a divorce as soon as the baby is born. You are my only real wife.
Eleanors expression darkened for a split second.
The reception is today. Weve already arranged everything. Youll come with us, as a witness. With you there, people wont gossip.
He tried to take my arm, his voice turning gentle. After the ceremony, Ill move back in. Eleanor has just conceived, so I need you to take good care of her.
I ripped my arm away, trembling with fury. Samuel, shes carrying your child, and you want me to be her nursemaid?
His eyes flashed. Youre my wife! Whats wrong with looking after my sister-in-law and my child? Besides, when the baby is born, itll have to call you Auntie anyway.
I sucked in a breath. I refuse! I told you, I want a divorce!
Samuels face hardened. Before he could speak, Eleanor sighed, her voice thick with emotion.
Phoebe, are you still holding this against me? If you hate me, Ill leave. Ill never come between you and Samuel again. But please, I beg you, let me keep this baby. Its the only thing I have to live for.
Please dont use these tactics to force Samuel to get rid of another one
She looked as if she was about to drop to her knees.
Samuel rushed to her side, pulling her up, his voice urgent and tender. Eleanor, this isnt your fault. You dont need to kneel to her.
The way he looked at her, full of concern it was the same way he had looked at me, all those years ago when he first told me he loved me.
He soothed Eleanor, then turned to face me.
His eyes were ice.
Dont push your luck, Phoebe.
Weve both told you, this is temporary. The baby and Eleanor are no threat to your position. What more do you want?
The ceremony is about to start. I dont have time for this. Lets go.
He glanced at his watch and reached for me.
I slapped his hand away and turned to leave.
That was the last straw. He grabbed the heavy thermos from a nearby table and smashed it over my head.
CRACK
The world spun. A dull, blooming pain exploded at the back of my skull.
I froze, stunned. After a few seconds, I reached up to touch the spot.
My fingertips came away slick with red.
Slowly, I turned to look at him.
Samuel stared for a moment, then his face hardened again. You asked for this.
I told you, today is the ceremony. I dont have time to play your games!
He shoved me violently toward the door, then called for two of his men. They manhandled me into the back of a pickup truck waiting outside.
Eleanor, holding his arm, climbed in after me.
When we get there, you keep your mouth shut, Samuel warned. Youll tell everyone that you and I divorced a long time ago, and this has nothing to do with Eleanor. If you damage her reputation, dont blame me for what happens next.
Rage ignited inside me. Samuel, when will this end? I told you, I want a divorce
SLAP
His hand cracked across my face before I could finish.
Phoebe, you can have your tantrum after today!
The blow left my head ringing. He looked at me with disgust, then pulled a piece of cloth from the dashboard and threw it at me. Wipe the blood off your face. Dont give people the wrong idea.
I looked down. The cloth was a pair of womens panties.
I went rigid.
Eleanor noticed and snatched them back, a strange mix of embarrassment and playful annoyance on her face. Samuel, I thought you put these away. Why are they still here?
He glanced at them, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. Must have overlooked them.
He grabbed a clean rag and tossed it to me.
The thought of what they had done in this truck made my stomach turn.
I moved to get out.
Samuels voice was a blade of ice. Phoebe, disobedience has consequences.
I remembered the last time. Because Eleanor had complained my cooking was bland, he had poured a pot of scalding soup over my shoulder. I was covered in blistering burns, but he forbade the local clinic from treating me. I spent two weeks in agony, fighting off infection and fever, until my body finally gave out or gave in. The right side of my shoulder is still a mass of scarred tissue.
The memory made me sink back into my seat.
Seeing my submission, Eleanor smiled and leaned against Samuel, starting a cheerful conversation, asking if he was tired, asking if the baby was bothering him.
I knew she was trying to provoke me. To make me lash out so Samuel would punish me again. It was an old, familiar game.
But this time, I just closed my eyes.
My lack of reaction seemed to annoy Samuel. His face fell.
The ceremony was being held at the Officers Club in the city. When we arrived, my legs were unsteady.
He shot me a look of contempt. Youre a mess. Clean yourself up.
And when you get inside, you behave.
He nodded to his two men, then let Eleanor lead him into the club.
The summer sun beat down, making my head spin even more.
I licked my cracked lips and forced myself to walk inside.
The room was filled with Samuels friends and colleagues.
When he and Eleanor entered, cheers erupted.
When I followed, the room fell silent.
Everyone stared.
She came? someone whispered.
Eleanor spoke up, her voice clear. I invited Phoebe to be our witness today.
The guests exchanged uneasy looks, then forced a few laughs. Their eyes, when they looked at me, were filled with scorn.
She still has the nerve to show her face? Shameless.
Eleanor smoothed things over. Samuel stood beside her, his arm around her. They were both dressed in their finestEleanor in a smart, tailored suit and polished shoes, her face glowing. I, on the other hand, looked like a ghost, my hair matted with blood, my face deathly pale.
Right! This is a joyous occasion! someone shouted. Commander, Ms. Eleanor, congratulations!
Eleanor smiled, tightening her grip on Samuels waist and glancing at me. Then she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
The crowd roared.
Another one! Another one!
Samuel blushed but leaned in and kissed her fully on the lips. They melted into each other, oblivious to the world, lost in a deep, passionate kiss.
The guests cheered and clapped, their eyes darting to me, hungry for the drama. They all knew how desperately I loved Samuel. In the past, Id chased off any woman who showed an interest in him. When he first brought Eleanor to live in the compound, I had lost my mind, screaming, smashing things, even threatening him with a knife to make him send her away.
To everyone here, I was the crazy one.
But now, I just stood there, perfectly still.
All I could think was, Theyre so in love. Maybe now hell finally agree to the divorce.
After a moment, as if just remembering I was there, Eleanor pulled away. Samuel, Phoebe is watching. This isnt right
He glanced at me, unconcerned. Who cares about her?
Eleanor patted his arm playfully, then looked at me with an apologetic expression. Phoebe dont be angry. Samuel didnt mean it.
Im not angry. I offered a faint smile. Seeing you two so happy, I can only wish you the best.
I looked at Samuel. If you truly love each other this much, you should have signed the papers a long time ago, for her sake.
His face went cold.
Eleanor looked panicked. Phoebe dont misunderstand. Samuel and I are only doing this for the baby
After the baby is born, Ill leave him.
Someone in the crowd scoffed. Are you crazy, Phoebe? The Commander and Ms. Eleanor are in love. They have a child on the way. And youre still trying to break them up?
Dont you know that makes you the other woman?
The speaker was Corporal Davis, one of Samuels subordinates and his biggest supporter. None of his men thought my background was good enough for him.
Please, dont say that about Phoebe Eleanor pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. Its all my fault
Seeing her cry, Samuels heart melted. He comforted her for a long moment before turning his fury on me.
Phoebe, how many times do I have to tell you to behave?
Eleanor has the kindest heart. Does it make you happy to see her cry?
I knew he only had eyes for her. It didnt even hurt anymore.
Youre right. My mistake. Ill leave.
I turned to go, but Eleanor rushed forward and grabbed my arm.
Phoebe, no I should be the one to leave, not you
I tried to pull my hand free.
In the next second, her expression changed. She threw herself backward, crashing into a nearby table. A pot of hot tea overturned, splashing onto her arm.
She screamed in pain.
Eleanor!
Samuel shoved me aside and ran to her. The force of his push sent me stumbling into a chair, the corner digging sharply into my back. Pain flared through my body, aggravating my existing injuries.
Samuel Eleanor whimpered, cradled in his arms, a red blotch already forming on her skin. Its not Phoebes fault, it was me
Her words were meant to sound like a defense, but they only fueled Samuels rage.
Phoebe! Do you have to be so malicious? Do you have to hurt her?
Fine. Words dont get through to you. Maybe I need to teach you a lesson youll remember!
He cupped Eleanors injured hand, his voice dropping to a gentle whisper. Eleanor, she hurt you. What should her punishment be?
Eleanor feigned reluctance. Samuel, we shouldnt
His voice was grim. Youre too kind! A vicious woman like her needs to be punished!
Even if you wanted her dead, she would deserve it!
The guests stared at me with amusement and contempt. A chill washed over me. The whole situation was laughable. Ten years together, seven years of marriage, and he didnt have a shred of trust in me. Eleanor didnt even have to try. She won without a fight.
Finally, Eleanor spoke, her voice laced with false sympathy. The hot water spilled on me so I suppose its only fair she gets the same.
Samuel didnt hesitate.
Davis, he commanded. Fetch a bucket of hot water!
Davis ran to the kitchen and returned with a steaming bucket.
My pupils shrank. I backed away instinctively.
Samuel! Youll kill me!
You know my health is poor
A few years ago, during a major flood, he had been on the front lines and gone missing. I had searched for him for three days and nights, wading through the floodwaters. A falling tree had crushed my leg, but I ignored the pain and kept searching until I found him. The wound became infected from the contaminated water, and I was hospitalized for three months. Ever since, my immune system has been compromised. Im prone to infections and allergic reactions. A major burn could be a death sentence.
He paused.
But then Eleanor moaned beside him. Its fine, Samuel, Im okay
His expression hardened.
You hurt her first. This is what you deserve.
If you die, youll have brought it on yourself!
My heart clenched. I stared at him in disbelief. When he had learned how badly I was injured saving him, he had cried, staying by my bedside, caring for me himself, terrified I would have the slightest discomfort. When the doctors told him about the permanent damage to my health, he had held me, his eyes red, and promised he would protect me, that he would nurse me back to health no matter how difficult it was.
But now everything had changed.
He nodded at Davis.
Davis and another man blocked my path. He smiled cruelly, advancing with the bucket.
Seeing the steam rising from the water, I tried to run.
They grabbed me and forced me to the floor.
Ms. Xie, Davis sneered, if you just accept your punishment, it will be over quickly. Otherwise, I cant guarantee things wont get messy.
I shook my head, screaming for help.
No one moved. They all knew who held the power here.
Davis laughed, and lifted the bucket.
SPLASH
A wave of scalding water crashed over me. I curled into a ball, trying to shield my head with my back.
Searing pain exploded across my skin. I screamed.
The world went dark at the edges. I lay on the floor, my body convulsing. The air filled with the sickening smell of burned flesh. It felt as if my skin was being peeled off.
Davis laughed again. Well, look at that, Ms. Xie. I didnt know you could breakdance.
The crowd joined in the mockery.
My body twitched in agony, a roar filling my ears. Through the haze, I heard Samuels voice, cold as a blade.
You deserve it! You hurt Eleanor, you pay the price!
I struggled to lift my head, my vision blurred with pain. I could only see his distorted, monstrous silhouette. Nothing remained of the man I once loved.
I stared at him, a white-hot hatred consuming me. He knew what he had done to my body, how fragile I was. And still, he did this, just to please her.
Youre right. It is my fault.
My mistake was ever knowing you.
My empty, numb gaze seemed to unnerve him. A flicker of doubt crossed his face, but he quickly suppressed it.
Still unrepentant, Phoebe?
It seems you havent suffered enough!
He snatched another bucket of hot water from Davis and poured it over me.
A piercing scream ripped through the club.
Every cell in my body was on fire. My exposed skin was blistering and peeling away.
Still not satisfied, he grabbed my raw, burned hand and dragged me in front of Eleanor.
If you still wont admit youre wrong, then you will kneel here and beg for her forgiveness!
Nine hundred and ninety-nine times. Well be done when youre done!
I was numb with pain. I looked up at him.
If I do it, will you sign the papers?
His eyes blazed. He couldnt understand why I was being so defiant. In the past, he only had to raise his voice, and I would crumble. Today, I wouldnt break.
I repeated, Promise me, and Ill do it.
He looked like he wanted to strangle me.
Eleanor put a hand on his arm. Samuel, just agree. Shes in a pitiful state.
He took her hand, his voice softening. Alright. Whatever you say.
Then he glared at me. Fine, I promise!
Eleanor shot me a triumphant look. Phoebe, this is your only chance. Dont waste it.
I fought through the pain, forced myself to my knees, and began to bow my head to the floor.
One after another.
Blood and sloughed-off skin smeared the tiles. My whole body felt like it was splitting open. It was a horrific sight.
I continued like a machine, feeling nothing.
Samuels expression, however, grew darker and darker.
Someone in the crowd murmured, This is too much
She shouldnt have crossed Ms. Eleanor. Everyone knows shes the Commanders whole world.
Eleanor beamed at the comment and kissed Samuel again.
I ignored them. My indifference seemed to spoil his mood.
Suddenly, he spoke. Phoebe is badly hurt. If she keeps this up, she might actually die.
How about this instead? If she drinks a cup of urine, Ill call it even.
She smiled sweetly. They say urine is a natural antiseptic. It would be good for her wounds.
My head snapped up.
Before I could speak, Samuel said, Enough.
For a second, I thought hed found his conscience.
But then he continued, Well do as Eleanor says. Shes a teacher. She knows what shes talking about.
This is for your own good, he added, as if granting me a great favor.
I laughed, a silent, broken sound. I was a fool to think he had any humanity left. He would do anything to please her.
My laughter seemed to make him uneasy. He lowered his voice.
Phoebe, just drink it, and we can go back to how things were.
After the baby is born, he whispered, well be happy again.
I smiled. After torturing and humiliating me for her, he thought we could just go back?
Seeing that I wasnt responding, his patience wore thin.
Davis! Hold her down! Make her drink it!
Davis and two other men pinned me. Eleanor returned with a bowl of foul-smelling liquid and handed it to Davis with a smirk. Dont waste it, Phoebe.
Davis brought the bowl to my lips. The stench made me gag. I shook my head, struggling, fighting with everything I had left. The movement tore at my burned skin, and fresh blood welled up.
Samuels voice was suddenly gentle. Phoebe, its for your own good.
Be a good girl. After you drink it, Ill take you to the hospital.
I stared at him with pure hatred, but Davis forced my head toward the bowl.
The overwhelming pain and humiliation finally consumed me. A wave of blackness washed over me.
I coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed.
I was dying.
The last thing I saw was Samuels panicked face rushing toward me.

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