Ferdinand turned away and pulled me back into the bedroom, shutting the door behind us.
He crouched in front of me and gently placed his hand on my stomach.
The tenderness almost softened me, but then his voice came out cold as stone.
"Jade, we can have a baby later. Can we just wait a little longer?"
Every last trace of warmth inside me went dead. I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes.
"Ferdinand, is that what it is? In your mind, in your family's mind, in everyone's eyes, I'm just never going to be good enough for you?"
Ferdinand gripped my hand tight.
"Jade, that's not it. Don't overthink this."
"Once this program wraps, we'll try for a baby. It's just a matter of timing. Can't you cut me some slack?"
I let out a bitter laugh and yanked my hand free.
"Ferdinand, is this really about the program, or is it about Vera?"
"Are you still dreaming about rekindling things with her? Picking up right where you left off?"
The color drained from his face.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
I pulled up the trending photos and shoved my phone in front of him.
"Am I making things up? Do I need to catch you two in bed before it counts?"