Chapter 1: Send them away.

"Madam, Mr. Henry is back!" Hanna called from below the staircase. "Great!" Madison retorted under her voice, clutching the ultrasound report, beaming with excitement as she hurriedly came down the stairs. She was eager to surprise Henry with the news. At the staircase, Madison met Hanna just as Frank was about to come into the house. Unable to hide her excitement, Madison confided in Margaret, "I'm really feeling the joy of motherhood now," she said with a beaming smile on her face. "I had my doubts about IVF with donor sperm, but now it's pure happiness. The challenges of pregnancy are nothing compared to this joy."She continued. Hanna, with a look of concern, replied, "You've been through a lot. Most people put on weight during pregnancy, but you seem to have lost some. I guess I'll have to cook more nourishing meals for you," she replied. Madison smiled and said, "Thank you for caring so much." "It's my pleasure. Your health is what's important." Hearing sounds from the entrance, Madison quickly said, "I should go and meet him now." Seeing Madison rush away, Hanna called out, "Be careful!" "I will!" Henry entered, looking tired. He took off his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and sank into the couch. "Hanna, I need a glass of water." She promptly fetched a glass of ice water, placed it before him, and said, "Here's your drink." Thank you," he replied. After that, she went off to attend to other duties. The living room was now quiet, giving Madison the chance to approach Henry. Clearing her throat to draw his attention, she sat next to him. "I went for a check-up today. The doctor says the twins are doing really well. We can even see their outlines in the ultrasound now." She said it with excitement in her voice. At seven months pregnant, Madison found strength in the thought of soon meeting her two beautiful babies, despite recent hardships. However, Henry had been preoccupied. Ever since her pregnancy began, Madison has attended all her check-ups alone. Seeing other couples together often left her feeling isolated. Madison was eager to see how Frank would react to the news. As she reached for the ultrasound report to show him, Frank, putting his glass down, casually said, "Let's send the kids to an orphanage after they're born." Madison's hands stopped mid-air. The disbelief in her mind echoed, 'Did he really say that? Is this a misunderstanding or some cruel joke?' Thoughts rambled in her head as she tried to unhear what he just said. But Henry's serious face told her otherwise. 'I thought he was just tired from work, but...' What are you talking about? I don't understand," Madison said with a sour, confused look on her face. Throughout their five-year marriage, the couple had longed for a child. The journey was marred by Henry's extremely low sperm survival rate, eventually leading them to the path of IVF with donor sperm. Only a few months ago, they had agreed on this path, leading to the conception of their twins after high-tech procedures. Henry was deeply invested in these babies, and even Henry's mother was excited for their arrival. As a result, Madison was astounded by Henry's suggestion to give them up. "I talked to a friend. He thinks I might be cured," Frank said earnestly. "Maybe later, we can try for a child that's biologically ours." Madison was hurt. "But we agreed on this. You said it didn't matter and that you loved me regardless. This is really painful to hear." She still wanted to show him the ultrasound, hoping it would change his mind. "Look at this. The twins are healthy. I'm seven months in. They'll be here soon. Don't you want to see them grow, Henry!?" "I don't want these kids. They aren't mine!" Henry said, his voice rising with emotion. "It makes me uncomfortable." Madison couldn't fathom Henry's sudden change of heart. ? How can he suggest an orphanage after seven months?' She thought to herself She often envisioned a happy family scene similar to those she saw in restaurants, picturing a future with her own children. Throughout their relationship, Madison had never resented Henry for his infertility. Her deep love for him and their eight-year bond outweighed the desire for children. Now, burdened with the emotional weight of her solitary pregnancy journey, Madison couldn't hold back her true feelings any longer. "I adore children, Henry, and I've poured my soul into preparing for their birth. I can't just let them go," she said, her voice quivering. Henry, noticing her tears, gently wiped her cheeks. His tone softened as he said, "I do love you, Madison. But this is hard for a man in ways I can't explain." Madison had given up her cherished job to focus on her pregnancy, frequently talking with friends who were already parents. Henry's casual talk of abandoning their unborn children shattered her heart. The irony was not lost on her. Henry had been the one to propose IVF with donor sperm, a suggestion she had initially been reluctant to accept. Yet she had, for their shared dream. Now, it was as if he was the one backing away. "I'm not giving up on them. If you're uncomfortable, that's your feeling to manage. I'll raise them myself. And should you be cured, we can consider another child," Madison said, holding onto a thread of hope that he might change his mind. However, Henry grabbed the ultrasound report, tore it without even looking at it, and declared,There's no need for more discussion. I've arranged for an orphanage to take them. I'll be there with you when it's time, and that's final!." Madison's frustration boiled over. She thought about how Henry had never accompanied her to any of the check-ups, yet now he seemed eager to be involved, only to ensure that the children were given away. In her mind, it was clear that he was acting out of fear that she might decide to keep them. She couldn't hide her shock and sadness. "I can't believe how cold-hearted you've become, Henry." She exclaimed with a disgusted look on her face. Henry stood abruptly. "There's no more to discuss. I'm going to study. Leave me alone," he said, and he walked away. Madison watched him leave, feeling like the man she had loved for eight years had become a complete stranger. The resolve in his eyes as he turned away was new and unsettling to her. Just the night before, they had been discussing potential names for their children. She wondered how he could change so drastically in just one day. Hannah, unaware of their heated conversation, came in to clear the cups. Seeing Henry gone, she approached. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Madison broke down, tears streaming down her face. Hannah rushed over, concerned. "What happened?" she asked, gently patting Madison's back. "He doesn't want our children anymore. What am I supposed to do?" Madison sobbed. Hannah's surprise was evident. "But... Mr. Henry seemed so excited about the babies. Why don't you try talking to him again? He's not usually so cold-hearted." Madison, shaking her head with a sense of defeat, replied, "There's no point. He made his intentions very clear."