Her Baby’s Not My Husband's - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Without official IVF documentation, I was convicted of illegal medical practice—sentenced to life in prison. The courtroom had been icy, the judge's gavel slamming down my fate with a finality that shattered me.
When My Husband and His Student Did IVF | Tampered with the Entry
The damp cell walls absorbed my despair like sponges. In the end, crushed by humiliation, betrayal, and the endless whispers calling me a murderer, I lost my mind.
I still remember the rough stone against my forehead, the blinding pain as I smashed my skull into it again and again. Blood bloomed across the floor like macabre roses, staining the concrete with my last act of defiance. They didn't find my body until sunrise—cold, twisted, lying in the mess I'd made.
The memory sent a tremor through my hands. I sucked in a sharp breath, forcing myself back to the present.
"Mrs. Johnson?"
Jessica's voice yanked me into reality. Her fingers dug into my arm, icy despite her saccharine smile. When I turned, her lips curved in that same hollow grin—one I finally understood.
"You're Baywood's head of obstetrics," she cooed, syrup dripping from every word. "Surely you can arrange IVF without a marriage certificate?"
My throat tightened. Last time, I'd caved to her manipulation. This time, I squared my shoulders.
"No."
The word shot out like a bullet.
Jessica's eyes flew wide. Her rehearsed expression cracked, surprise and annoyance flashing before she could mask them.
"What do you mean, no?" she sputtered.
I didn't answer. Instead, I slid my hand into my pocket, thumb brushing my phone's record button. My stare pinned her.
"You want to cheat the system?" My voice was steel. "Unauthorized IVF is illegal. I won't do it."
I stepped back, putting space between us. "The rules are clear: marriage certificate, both spouses present, full verification. No exceptions."
Jessica's mask slipped further. She inched closer, voice quivering with fake distress.
"Please, Mrs. Johnson," she begged, a tear tracking down her cheek. "If I don't get pregnant, Ethan's family won't accept me. We're in love." She clasped her hands like a prayer. "I came to you because you're the best."
Once, that act would've gutted me. Now? Only ice filled my veins. Her performance was Oscar-worthy—all vulnerability and lies.
Last life, I'd fallen for it. Walked right into her trap.
Not this time.
A cold laugh escaped me. Jessica stiffened.
"What kind of love," I drawled, "demands a fertility test before 'I do'?"
I hardened my expression. "We're done here."
Just as I moved to shove her out, the front door clicked open. Isaac strode in, his cologne flooding the room. He paused, glancing between us.
"What's up?" he asked, too casual for the tension.
Jessica whirled toward him, relief plastered on her face. "Mr. Johnson! Your wife refuses to help me—says it's illegal without paperwork!"
Isaac sighed, turning to me with that infuriating you're-overreacting look.
"Lola, it's just IVF," he soothed. "Why the drama? Help her out. The guy's solid."
My stomach roiled as they exchanged a glance—a silent collusion I'd missed before. Now, it screamed at me.
"No." I stepped between them. "Rules exist for a reason. Bring a marriage certificate, or try another hospital."
Jessica's mouth opened, but I was done. Grabbing her arm, I hauled her to the door.
"No means no." The slam rattled the walls.
Isaac's voice rose behind me. "Jesus, Lola! They're in love—must you be so cold?"
I turned. The man I'd loved now looked like a stranger, betrayal etched in every line.
Silently, I yanked a suitcase from the closet.
"What the hell?" Isaac grabbed my wrist.
I shook him off, stuffing clothes inside. He begged, pleaded—but I was already gone.
The hotel near the hospital became my temporary haven. I'd file for divorce once the dust settled.
Yet at dawn, Jessica appeared at my office—marriage certificate in hand, fiancé in tow—demanding a consultation.