They Took My Uterus While She Took My Place in His Bed novel Chapter 1

Liam walked in, tossed a gift box into my lap, and sat beside me, scrolling through his phone.

"Your anniversary gift. See if you like it."

I didn't bother opening it. I placed the box on the couch.

I recognized the wrapping.

Yesterday, it sat in the pile of gifts for Olivia.

The torn corner hadn't even been taped back.

She had rejected it.

It wasn't the first time he treated me like an afterthought.

Even if Olivia hadn't discarded it, he'd have just had his assistant pick something out, like checking off a to-do list.

Now he couldn't even be bothered with that—just handed me whatever was left over.

Of course. He couldn't even remember our anniversary.

How could I expect him to pick a gift for me?

Three days ago, I came home to a beautifully set table, a homemade cake.

For a moment, I thought he actually cared.

Then I took a bite.

Strawberry filling.

I'm allergic.

I collapsed on the floor, went into anaphylactic shock.

The doctors tried calling Liam.

His phone was busy.

That night, in our home, he was celebrating Olivia's birthday.

The romantic dinner? The handmade cake?

None of it was for me.

"Don't bother," I said, pushing the divorce papers toward him.

"Just sign."

Liam didn't even glance at them before tossing them in the trash.

"You're too old to be acting like a child."

"So letting her have this house isn't mature enough?"

That got his attention.

For the first time tonight, he actually looked at me.

Not with regret.

Not with concern.

Just like she had this morning when Liam walked her to the door.

"You should be nicer to her," she had murmured to me.

"She's your wife."

Now, over the phone, her voice was small, pitiful.

"I keep seeing my parents' accident whenever I close my eyes."

"I'm so scared."

Liam hesitated, then exhaled.

"I'll be there soon."

He hung up and looked at me.

"See? Olivia worries about you."

"You're going to be a mother, Charlotte."

"Stop acting like a jealous kid."

I bent down, pulled the divorce papers from the trash, dusted them off, and held them out again.

I smiled.

"But I won't be a mother, Liam."

"Not anymore."