I Lost Everything But Gained An Empire Overseas

After three years of trying, Vivian finally got pregnant with twins.

Just as I was about to share the joyous news with all our friends and family, I found Vivian's appointment slip for an abortion.

After my relentless questioning, Vivian, her eyes red-rimmed, finally explained.

Uncle Carter is terminally ill with cancer. His dying wish is to see Ryan carry on the family name. I must help him.

The news hit me like a thunderbolt.

I argued against it. All our friends and family also urged her not to terminate the pregnancy.

Vivian stared at me stubbornly.

Ethan, it's just one pregnancy! Are you really going to let Uncle Carter die with that regret?

All these years, it's my family who supported you. I found her ridiculous.

Wasn't taking the place of Mr. Wood enough? Now you want to control my body too?

I looked at her, heartbroken. The familiar face I loved now seemed cold and alien.

Vivian, if you just have our babies, I'll agree to you carrying a child for him later, via IVF and a surrogate. That's my final offer.

Vivian stood up impassively, placing her wedding ring on the coffee table.

I'm not heartless like you. Ryan saved my life. He's like a brother to me. I can't just stand by.

She lifted her chin, her gaze icy, devoid of any guilt.

I'm not keeping the babies. I'm telling you, not asking.

I unclenched my fist, the fight draining out of me.

Vivian, I want a divorce.

Everyone froze at my words. Vivian stiffened in the doorway.

She turned slowly, eyes wide with disbelief.

What? Divorce?

Before I could respond, my father surged forward and slapped me hard across the face.

Can't you talk things out like adults? Jumping straight to divorce? Are you even a man?

Everyone rushed to restrain my furious father, their voices buzzing around me.

Vivian frowned, irritation flashing across her face.

Ethan, you're thirty-two! How can you still be so childish?

Ryan is six years younger than you, and he thinks things through. This IVF plan was carefully considered.

Ryan promised that once his father's wish is fulfilled, he'll give us the child.

You can be the child's father. He'll even help raise it without complaint.

Vivian laid out her reasons as if they were obvious, scolding me for my pettiness and irrationality.

But her words felt like a tidal wave crashing over me.

So, I wasn't worthy of my own child? Raising someone else's was supposed to be a favor?

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment.

Ten years ago, when I was bullied in college, Vivian stood up for me.

Since then, she invented reasons for me to tutor her, paying me generously for it.

She was like sunshine piercing through my storm clouds, making me live a happy college life.

But I always thought we were just parallel lines, destined to drift apart after a brief intersection.

The year we graduated, the Wood family was suddenly accused of smuggling. All their assets were seized. Vivian's father died mysteriously in prison.

Vivian became a debtor, hounded and beaten by collectors.

I walked away from a Fortune 500 job offer to stay by her side.

It took us three years to prove the smuggling charges were fabricated by a vice president. Then another seven years to rebuild Wood Enterprises.

We knelt, begging key technical staff to return.

We drank ourselves sick to win back core clients, building Wood Enterprises sip by painful sip.

When debt collectors attacked, I shielded Vivian.

I broke three ribs and suffered damage to my groin.

When the doctor said my fertility was compromised, Vivian cried, held me, apologized, and swore she'd never leave me.

I refused to give up. Once the company stabilized, I sought treatment.

Three years ago, the doctor said I'd improved significantly.

Vivian and I were overjoyed, starting our journey to conceive.

When we learned it was twins, I held her all night, tears streaming down my face, too excited to sleep.

Now, met by Vivian's resolute eyes, my gaze dropped to her abdomen.

That moment of pure joy now felt like a knife twisting in my chest.

Only then did I realize my face was wet with tears, and my voice was a ragged whisper.

Vivian those are the children I've waited ten years for. How can you be so cruel?

Seeing my devastation, a flicker of guilt crossed Vivian's face.

I'm sorry, Ethan. It's for Ryan. I don't want him to live with that regret.

Besides, your sperm quality isn't great. Even if we carried this pregnancy to term, there could be complications.

Ryan is young, healthy. If we have a high-IQ baby, wouldn't you want an exceptional son?

My laugh was bitter.

So, Vivian, in your eyes, I'm damaged goods? That's why my children would be defective too?

If it's just about having a child, you could use a surrogate later.

Why destroy my children? Or is your goal to make me live with another man's child?

Vivian flushed crimson, her voice sharpening.

Ethan! How can you be so crude? Another man's child'? As if anyone could carry Ryan's child!

I told you: Ryan and I are only doing this for the baby. In that moment I I was still thinking of you.

The room filled with awkward coughs as friends and relatives averted their eyes.

After one person mumbled a few words of comfort and left, the others quickly followed suit.

Ethan, I know you're hurting. But I'm thinking of the future. A brilliant child will secure Wood Enterprises' legacy. Think about it.

With that, she walked out, closing the door behind her.

I collapsed onto the sofa, engulfed by pain.

Later, a mutual friend texted: Vivian was at the hospital.

Ryan was tenderly supporting her through the procedure, carefully feeding her soup afterward.

Vivian leaned into him, looking pale but content as she sipped the soup.

The stark image of the abortion paperwork burned my eyes. My heart plunged into an icy abyss.

I endured the whispers, shared her hardships, and in the end, couldn't even protect my own children.

Defeated, I made a call.

Mr. Harper, I accept. I'll help you break into the overseas market. I won't be coming back here.

I packed my things, printed the divorce papers, and headed to the hospital.

Pushing the door open, I found Ryan lying sideways on the bed, holding Vivian.

Their smiles froze when they saw me.

No accusations. No rage.

I calmly handed Vivian the divorce papers.

Sign them.

Vivian's hand trembled as she stared at the document. Her eyes slowly reddened.

Ethan you you really want a divorce?

Anger surfaced on her face.

Ten years of shared struggle, and it means nothing to you? Why can't you understand me just this once?

She tore the papers apart and threw the pieces in my face.

I watched impassively as her tears fell and she buried her face in Ryan's chest, weeping.

Ethan, you're heartless!

I lifted you from nothing to VP of Wood Enterprises! I loved you with all my heart!

And now you want a divorce?

Ethan! Do I mean less to you than a child? Was your love all a lie?

I looked at her, a cold laugh escaping me. The vibrant, honest girl I knew was gone.

Vivian kept glancing at me, waiting for me to cave and apologize like always.

Before, even a frown from her would make me ache with guilt, scrambling to make her happy.

But this time, I simply pulled another copy of the divorce papers from my bag and held them out.

Sign them.

Vivian exploded. Tears streamed down her face.

Ethan Winters! You bastard! Are you trying to kill me?

Before I could speak, Ryan lunged, his fist connecting with my jaw.

You piece of shit! How dare you divorce Vivian?

You worthless cripple! What gives you the right?

Vivian feeds you, clothes you, put you second only to herself!

How dare you ask for a divorce? You ungrateful animal!

I crashed to the floor. Ryan jumped on me, grabbing my hair, slapping my face, pounding my head.

Blood gushed from my nose and mouth. My vision swam red.

Blinded by pain, I grabbed a nearby stool and smashed it against Ryan's head.

He yelped, clutching his head as he crumpled.

I scrambled up and kicked him hard.

Clang!

A metal lunchbox hit my head. Dazed, I heard Vivian's furious shriek.

Ethan! How could you be so vicious? Hitting Ryan with a stool!

My mouth opened, but no sound came out.

Vivian shoved me aside, ignoring her own post-op state, rushing to Ryan.

Ryan! Are you okay? Dizzy? Nauseous? I'll get you to a doctor right now!

Her anxious figure vanished down the hall without a backward glance.

I swayed, then fell to the floor.

I woke to the sting of a needle.

A doctor was injecting something.

Sir, you have head injuries. I need to stitch and bandage you, then get a CT scan.

I shook my head, refusing the scan.

The doctor scowled.

Young man, why be so reckless with your health? You have five head wounds, some of them are deep.

If there's a concussion, you'll regret it.

He scribbled on a form, thrusting it at me.

Reluctantly, I took the form and headed for the CT room.

At the entrance, Vivian was helping Ryan walk out.

Seeing me, she slapped me hard, fury blazing.

I misjudged you, Ethan!

I just had surgery, and you storm into my room demanding a divorce! Ryan was only trying to help, and you attacked him!

As my husband, you don't care for me, and you won't let Ryan care for me? Do you want me dead?

Patients and families nearby gathered, drawn by the commotion.

Hearing Vivian's accusations, they turned on me.

Disgusting! Doesn't care for his wife in hospital, attacks the man helping her? If he were my husband, I'd

Divorce is too good for him! His wife suffers through pregnancy and loss, and he hits her? Police should lock him up!

They raged as if I were a monster, heartless and ungrateful.

Ryan leaned weakly on Vivian's shoulder.

Viv, I'm dizzy. Don't be mad at Ethan.

He just used the baby to threaten you, to get control of Wood Enterprises.

Otherwise, why cling to a damaged child?

I snapped. Tossing the forms, I punched Ryan square in the chest.

You fucking bastard! Say damaged' one more time!

Pain lanced through me again. That precious child I'd longed for gone forever.

Ryan crashed to the floor, eyes rolling back. Vivian screamed.

Ryan! What's wrong? Don't scare me!

She looked up, eyes bloodshot, voice raw.

If anything happens to Ryan, I'll make you pay!

The crowd erupted again.

Outrageous! So violent in public? Imagine what he's like behind closed doors!

Call the police! Menace to society!

Definitely call the police! Domestic violence and assault

Vivian hesitated, looking down at Ryan.

Ryan stirred, blinking, his voice weak.

Viv you just had surgery don't get upset

I'm okay really

He glanced fearfully at me.

Ethan it's my fault I'm sorry Please don't hit me every time you see me?

If you kill me it would hurt Viv's reputation

Vivian's expression hardened instantly.

Ethan, I've spoiled you too long. Made you forget your place.

Time you learned a lesson.

She decisively dialed 911.

The police arrived swiftly C so fast Ryan was still slumped on the floor, gasping, when they entered.

We received a report of assault. Who's involved?

Vivian helped Ryan stand up, pointing dramatically at me.

Officer, it's him! He assaulted my friend! Arrest him immediately!