---- Chapter 8 In the simulation, Damion spent two years as a hands -off husband, leaving Subject Three to shoulder the dual burdens of earning money and managing the household. Finally, after those grueling years, Subject Three managed to save up a modest 15 thousand dollars. That same year, an unexpected pregnancy turned their world further upside down. But instead of joy, betrayal awaited. During the pregnancy, Damion had an affair. His excuse? "A wife should be magnanimous." Subject Three swallowed the pain, suppressing every ounce of anger and sorrow. After all, showing emotion would only prove she was a failure, right? The audience watching the scene unfold bristled with rage. "This is outrageous! She should've ended it right there-gotten an abortion and divorced him!" ---- "You've got terrible taste in men, girl," another voice called out. ''When you get that three million dollars, you'd better watch out for scumbags like him." I nodded in agreement. Back when I married Damion, I'd believed I wasn't worthy of genuine love. I set my standards so low, as I was desperate for companionship. But life has a way of teaching you harsh lessons. After enduring betrayal from my closest family, I threw myself into work, where I met a broader spectrum of people. Only then did I understand what healthy relationships looked like. On the screen, Subject Three toiled on, alone in raising the child. She woke up in the dead of night for feedings, changed diapers, and cooked meals for the entire family even during her postpartum recovery period. She juggled job-hunting alongside child- rearing, facing rejection after rejection until despair became her constant companion. The realization struck her like a cruel joke: she was ---- supposed to remain perfect, always attractive to her husband. Yet the stretch marks and the weight she'd gained during pregnancy were stubbornly resistant to change. Between work, childcare, and managing the household, there was little time left for self-care. Still, she forced herself into shapewear that made it hard to breathe, applied makeup with expired cosmetics, and donned a smile. All in a desperate bid to win back her husband's affection. One male spectator in the audience couldn't help himself. "That's right! Wives shouldn't let themselves go. It's disgusting. At least make an effort to look decent if you're asking for living expenses!" I turned to him with a pointed smirk. "Why don't you give ita try?" Subject Three had shared that same naive hope-that looking good might mend things. But instead of appreciation, Damion sneered, "What's with all this dressing up? Trying to attract another man, are you? Our son needs money for everything, and you're out here wasting it on new dresses? Stupid fool!" ---- See, when a man doesn't love you, everything becomes a crime. Dress up? It's wrong. Don't dress up? Still wrong. The truth is, he simply doesn't care. Subject Three's attempts to rekindle affection failed miserably, and her life remained a grim cycle of solo parenting. She handled every expense, every doctor's visit, every vaccination-all alone. The frustration bled through in moments when she'd snap at her child, only to quickly compose herself. " Just hold on," she whispered to herself. "Things will get easier once the kid starts school." But when that day finally came, the burden didn't lift -it crushed her. Her carefully saved money for her child's education was stolen by Damion. When she confronted him, his response was venomous. "You dumb woman. If someone like you can save this much, you've got more stashed away. Hand it over!" His mother chimed in, ever the supportive voice. " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!