It wasn’t because we didn’t want them. A hospital checkup had revealed that I had fertility issues.

I tried everything—medicine, treatments—but still, no pregnancy.

Seeing my silence, Anna seized the chance to strike harder.

In front of everyone, she mocked, “Claire Thompson, what can I even say about you?”

“You spend my man’s money, sleep with him, and still have the nerve to humiliate me?”

“Tell me, everyone—shouldn’t such a shameless woman just die?”

Immediately, people chimed in:

“She’s right! Women like her deserve it!”

“Immoral, shameless—you should be locked up!”

“If her parents knew their daughter was a mistress, they’d die of shame.”

Listening to their curses, I almost laughed at the absurdity.

Who was the real victim here?

I was the wife, yet the mistress accused me to my face.

And she incited the crowd to curse me as well.

I looked at David, wanting to know what he thought.

But he just stood there, silent, not even offering a word in my defense.

I was disappointed—but reality had become painfully clear.

The more silent David remained, the bolder Anna became.

If my own husband wouldn’t defend me, what else could I expect?

I asked David, “So this is how you’re celebrating my birthday?”