Last year, I took a leap of faith and jumped to a new job, hoping for better opportunities. The company I joined is small, but the salary is quite competitive. My boss, the director, is a cheerful and open-minded woman in her 40s.
With my work experience, tall and attractive physique, and proactive attitude, I quickly gained my boss’s favor. She entrusted me with both large and small contracts, and at the end of each month, I received generous performance-based bonuses. She also often took me along when entertaining clients and networking.
As time passed, my boss and I developed a mutual attraction. (Illustrative image)
Over time, my boss and I grew closer and developed a mutual attraction. On one occasion, she had a little too much to drink and, on our way home, she hugged me and said:
“If you were with me, I could offer you so much more than this.”
I was quite shocked by her statement, but I attributed it to the alcohol and thought nothing more of it. However, one day after work, she asked to speak with me. She revealed that she was pregnant with another man’s child, and he had refused to take responsibility and disappeared. My boss shared her dilemma:
“My parents will not accept me having a child out of wedlock, and I cannot bear to abort the baby. If you agree to be the father of my child, I will give you everything…”.
I was taken aback by her proposal, but I thought of my own circumstances and how having a secure future could help me thrive. So, I accepted, not only for the benefits but also because I genuinely cared for her. We got married soon after.
True to her word, my wife provided me with a house, a car, and my career flourished. I vowed to love and care for her unborn child as my own, and we planned to have more children together, envisioning a perfect marriage.
I vowed to love and care for her unborn child as my own. (Illustrative image)
Unfortunately, fate had other plans. At 36 weeks into the pregnancy, my wife went into premature labor and suffered a postpartum hemorrhage, leading to uterine atony and a ruptured uterus. The doctors had to perform an emergency hysterectomy to save her life and that of the baby. After the delivery, the doctor informed me that my wife’s condition had stabilized, but she could no longer bear children. This news hit me hard.
My parents, unaware of the true paternity of the child, comforted me, saying:
“Although your wife can no longer have children, be grateful that she pulled through. She has given you a healthy and adorable son. These days, people don’t need to have many children. Focus on raising this one well.”
Hearing their words, I felt a knot in my throat, unable to reveal the truth about the child’s parentage. Was this my karma for agreeing to “take the fall” for another man in exchange for a better life? My thoughts are in turmoil, and I don’t know what to do next. I feel overwhelmed by sadness.
How to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage
To prevent postpartum hemorrhage, pregnant women should keep the following in mind:
– Regular prenatal check-ups.
– Undergo necessary ultrasounds and tests to detect any abnormalities in the fetus and the mother.
– Ensure adequate intake of iron and folic acid to prevent anemia.
– Maintain a balanced diet, rest adequately, and avoid strenuous labor.
– In case of unusual symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, or discharge, seek immediate medical attention to prevent dangerous complications.
An Unexpected Visit to My Mother-in-Law: Overhearing the Neighbor’s Whisper that Stirred My Emotions
This Mid-Autumn Festival, my husband and I took a few days off to visit my mother-in-law in our hometown. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with family and create lasting memories. We enjoyed delicious traditional treats and shared stories under the full moon, making it a truly magical celebration.