7

"Ma'am Maddie?"

The tranquility in the room shattered, disrupted by a persistent knock on the door. I rose from my seat and greeted an unexpected visitor: Lucille.

"Ma'am, I've come to inform you about your scheduled appointment with Doctor Hayes at 2 pm today."

An appointment? But I couldn't recall having any plans to see a doctor.

"Mr. Marco Moretti set up an appointment for you with an OB-Gyn today," Lucille stated as if reading what’s on my mind.

"OB-GYN?" I repeated, questioning whether I had heard correctly. "Why would I need to see an OB-GYN?" What was Marco's motive behind this?

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, I don't have the specifics. However, I believe the doctor will provide all the necessary explanations during your meeting. Both Mr. Moretti and the doctor will discuss it with you."

Recognizing Lucille's limited knowledge and her role as a messenger, I ceased my interrogation. It appeared that she was merely following instructions to inform me about the appointment.

After lunch, I finally left the house to head to the hospital for my appointment. Renzo came along, guiding me to the clinic. When we arrived, he knocked on the door, and I was promptly invited in after confirming my identity.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Madison Rose Moretti. It's a pleasure to meet you," greeted Doctor Stella Hayes, motioning for me to take a seat in front of her desk.

I offered a smile to the doctor, still uncertain about the purpose of this visit that Marco had scheduled.

"I apologize, Doctor, but I'm actually not sure why I'm here."

"Don't worry. I just need to conduct some tests to ensure your wellbeing, Mrs. Moretti, and to determine which contraceptive pills would be suitable for you."

I was taken aback by her recent statement, feeling as though I had been struck with deafening silence. I couldn't help but question if I had truly heard her correctly. Did she really just mention prescribing contraceptive pills for me?

"I'm sorry, but I didn't quite catch your last statement. Could you please clarify? Did you mention that you intend to prescribe contraceptive pills to me?"

"Yes, Mrs. Moretti. That's what your husband relayed to us. Hasn't he discussed this matter with you?"

I found myself at a loss for words, unable to respond. The idea continued to reverberate within me, leaving me pondering the reason behind my husband's insistence on contraceptive pills.

#####

During my visit to the doctor's office, I lost track of time completely. I consented to undergoing some tests, and the doctor assured me that everything was fine. She also provided me with a prescription for the appropriate medication.

As I exited the clinic, I briefly glanced at the prescription without expressing my gratitude to the doctor. I promptly left without further ado.

I handed over the doctor's prescription to Renzo knowing that I could obtain my medication from the Moretti-owned pharmacy.

Even on my way back home, I couldn't seem to collect my thoughts. While I wasn't particularly yearning to start a family, the idea had been crossing my mind. Being married now, I found myself contemplating the possibility of having children someday — little ones whom both Marco and I would cherish deeply.

Was Marco possibly entertaining the same thoughts as me? It's a possibility. It's conceivable that he assumed because I didn't desire this marriage, I also lacked the desire to have children with him. I recollected our initial intimate encounter; he utilized protection.

"Any idea when Marco will be back?" I inquired of Lucille, hoping she had some insight.

"I'm not entirely sure, Ma'am. Earlier, he mentioned to Renzo that he might come home a bit earlier today compared to yesterday."

I simply acknowledged her response. Having requested solitude, I was left alone in my room by Lucille.

Lucille's observation proved right. Marco arrived home earlier today. Perhaps, unlike yesterday, he had fewer obligations at the office.

"I went to a doctor's appointment earlier... just like you wanted," I informed him the moment he stepped inside our bedroom.

As he glanced at me, his eyebrow raised and his icy gaze locked with mine. However, instead of speaking, he chose to remain silent.

He entered the spacious closet and emerged shortly after, having changed his attire.

"Why did she provide me with a prescription for contraceptive pills? Dr. Hayes said it was your instruction. Could you explain the reasoning behind that?" 

Feeling a myriad of emotions, I carefully selected my words, maintaining caution so as not to agitate Marco. After all, his reactions were unpredictable.

"That's right," he responded.

A chuckle escaped me. Was that the entirety of his explanation? He couldn't even offer a justification?

I believed my relationship with Marco was improving, anticipating that he would eventually open up and show concern as a husband. However, recent revelations shattered my illusion.

It became apparent that our relationship was one-sided, with Marco harboring different aspirations for our shared future.

Confused and longing for answers, I questioned him, "Why?"

Startled, Marco paused his actions to face me directly. An overwhelming sense of fear crept over me, not just for myself, but for him as well.

Whenever I gaze upon Marco, he radiates an aura of anger, despite his adeptness at concealing and controlling his emotions. Perhaps, my conditioned response stems from the memory of my father, where such expressions signaled the potential for harm.

I shook my head, determined to put my past behind me. Marco is nothing like my father, right? He would never hurt me, like my father used to.

"I'm just trying to understand why I have to take pills—" I started.

"I don't want to rely on condoms. And I assumed you wouldn't want an unplanned pregnancy either... We're on the same page. I want to avoid any unexpected or unintended pregnancies," he asserted.

His words made me bite my lip, and my heart raced. "I-I mean... I don't want children—"

"Good for you, then. As for me, I don't want to risk getting you pregnant. I'm not particularly fond of having kids in general," he said, his gaze narrowing as he locked eyes with me.

Marco approached me with a newfound closeness. Throughout our marriage, this was perhaps the first instance where his words caused me pain.

Following our first night together, I was deeply wounded when he abruptly left me. I couldn't help but feel sadness and question what was wrong with myself. He later returned, claiming it was for my safety. However, it was during our discussion about not having children that the hurt truly settled in. Despite not feeling ready in the present, I had still been open to the possibility in the future.

Marco directed his attention to me, placing both hands firmly on my sides. As I lowered my head, concealing my emotions, he gently held my cheeks. In that moment, a pang of anguish struck my chest. His touch was akin to the sharpest of blades, poised to cut.

When his fingers touched my chin, he gently raised my head, prompting me to meet his gaze. I attempted to conceal my emotions, striving to shield myself from any potential harm he might bring. However, my efforts were futile. In this intricate game of emotional hide-and-seek, Marco emerged victorious.

As our eyes locked, a gasp escaped my lips, leaving me trapped in a tempest of fear and unease.

"I don't desire to have children. It's just you and me in this marriage, Maddie. Do you understand?"

I couldn't grasp it fully. Numerous questions swirled within my thoughts. Why did he not want children? Was it solely because I was his wife? If he had married someone else, would his perspective differ? The mere contemplation of the latter notion infused an acute ache into my already shattered heart and fading optimism.

"Allow me to repeat, do you understand?"

Suppressing the inquiries swirling in my mind, I pressed my lips together tightly. To signal the termination of our discussion, I gave him a nod. Marco released his grip on me and assumed an upright stance. 

"Prepare yourself. Dinner will be served shortly. I'll be occupying my study until then." His penetrating gaze met mine one last time before he departed the room, leaving me perplexed and burdened with lingering unanswered questions.