Chapter 2
It was the first real argument of our marriage. He’d knelt on the ground, begging me not to tell his family about his problem.
He didn’t want to lose face. I suggested seeing a doctor, but he said that if his colleagues or students found out, it would be worse than death for him.
“Ivy, other than this, I’ll do anything you want. I promise I’ll treat you better than anyone else could.” He kept his promise in every way.
After graduation, I stayed home, and each month, he handed over his paycheck, never letting me lift a finger around the house. He even took me on regular trips.
“Ivy, we can’t let the family name end here; you know he’s our only son,” Walter finally spoke up, urging us to have a child. Under the table, Law grasped my hand, silently pleading.
Swallowing my frustration, I forced a smile. “Mom, Dad, Law and I are actually planning to have a baby next year. We want a child born in the Year of the Dragon.”
Seeing their blank looks, I continued my ruse.
“Dragon children are supposed to be ambitious and destined for great things. They bring luck and success to the family. Just look at Uncle Earl’s son, Forrest! He’s moved to Washington, D.C., and it’s all because he’s a Dragon.”
Knowing how superstitious they were, I hoped it would appease them. They often consulted “experts” for auspicious dates, especially when we got our marriage license.
Sure enough, they were satisfied, nodding in approval. They even complimented me for thinking it through so well.
As we left, Law hurried ahead to put his arm around my waist, but I sidestepped without making it too obvious.
“What’s wrong? Are you still upset?” he asked.
“Law, what’s our plan for having kids? Are you just going to keep hiding it? I’m not getting any younger—I want a baby.” Tears welled up, and I bit my lip to hold back a sob.
Seeing my tears, his eyes flashed briefly with something I couldn’t place before he pulled me close, full of sympathy.
“Ivy, I promise, we’ll have a child next year. We’ll…try IVF if we have to.” His tone was gentle, his eyes full of love, but the words felt ice-cold.
I was devastated. I’d thought he’d finally swallow his pride and see a doctor. But instead, he’d rather put me through the grueling process of IVF than touch me.
In three years, he’d only been intimate with me during the first few months of marriage, then he’d avoided it altogether. I’d tried everything, from seductive clothes to working out and dressing up, but he was unmoved.
I’d grown up with my grandparents, left to fend for myself after they died, so Law had filled a void in my heart. As long as he treated me well, I’d decided I could overlook these things.
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