She Never Told You?

Before discovering the affair, Victoria and Arthur had spent nearly two years trying to have a child.

Arthur insisted that stress was the problem. He blamed Victoria’s travel schedule, her late meetings, and her unwillingness to step away from the company.

“You care more about Meridian than starting a family,” he told her during one argument.

The accusation wounded her because it was untrue.

Victoria underwent every medical test requested by their specialist. The results showed no significant problems.

Arthur repeatedly postponed his own examination.

Brooke attended one of Victoria’s appointments when Arthur claimed to be too busy. She sat in the waiting room, held Victoria’s coat, and promised that everything would work out.

Weeks later, the fertility specialist contacted Victoria privately.

Arthur’s childhood medical history contained references to emergency surgery after a car accident when he was nineteen. The specialist needed the complete records before recommending further treatment.

Victoria requested the archived file.

Because the records were old, the hospital sent a physical copy to her home office. Brooke happened to be present when the envelope arrived. Victoria opened it in front of her, believing she was with the one person she could trust.

The report was clear.

Arthur had suffered severe internal injuries. Surgeons had saved his life, but the damage had left him permanently infertile.

Victoria read the final paragraph three times.

Brooke stood beside her, silent.

“Does Arthur know?” Brooke asked.

“I don’t understand how he couldn’t.”

Victoria confronted Arthur that night, but he dismissed the report.

“My mother said the surgery fixed everything.”

“The surgeon wrote that the damage was permanent.”

“Doctors make mistakes.”

He refused additional testing.

When Victoria suggested they discuss other ways to become parents, Arthur became furious.