Chapter 3
Elena’s pregnancy had been monitored closely from the seventh month.
The baby measured unusually large.
Her obstetric specialist documented the risks clearly: possible obstructed labor, blood-pressure complications, and a low threshold for surgical delivery if either mother or baby showed distress.
Preston knew every word.
He had read the chart himself.
That should have made Elena safer.
Instead, it gave him more information to control.
When contractions began, Elena wanted another obstetrician.
Preston refused.
“I’m the most qualified person here.”
“You’re my husband.”
“I’m also a surgeon.”
“You cannot be both in this room.”
He treated her objection like betrayal.
By the time they reached the private delivery suite, Preston had already told staff he would “coordinate care.”
The assigned obstetrician was delayed in another emergency.
Preston stepped into the opening.
The delivery nurse, Laura Bennett, immediately looked uncomfortable.
She asked whether formal coverage had been transferred.
Preston said it was being handled.
It was not.
Khloe entered wearing red scrubs, claiming Preston had requested assistance.
Elena stared at her.
“Why is she here?”
Khloe’s eyes filled instantly.
“I only came to help.”
Then she showed Preston a faint red mark on her wrist.
“She grabbed me in the hallway.”
Elena had done no such thing.
But Preston looked at his laboring wife with disgust.
“You humiliated her.”
“I never touched her.”
Khloe began crying.
May you like
And Preston made the decision that would later destroy everything he had built.
He turned Elena’s medical care into punishment.
