"After Betty gives birth, the child will be raised as a York. I’ll be the father, and you’ll be the mother. To reassure Betty, I’ll transfer all my property to her so she’ll never have to worry again."
"But there’s one condition. Before we gain custody of her child, we must both undergo sterilization. It’s the only way Betty will trust that we’ll truly care for the baby. After the wedding, we’ll proceed with the operation."
He wasn’t asking for my opinion—he was informing me of his plan, as though it was already decided.
Clyde seemed confident I would agree. Perhaps he thought my love for him was so deep that I’d accept anything.
I stared at him, his words echoing in my mind. He wanted to give all his assets to Betty, use my wealth to support her child, and rob me of the chance to have children of my own—all while expecting me to comply without question.
It became clear that Clyde’s supposed affection for me had always been an act for Betty’s sake. Even our marriage was likely orchestrated to provide legitimacy for her child.
But I needed him to admit it. I wanted him to say it outright. If he did, it would be like handing me the knife I needed to sever all ties with him.