Chapter 55 Impulse Is the Devil
Lauren had been through a lot lately. She believed she had done everything in her power to protect this marriage and to win Quentin's love, and she had no regrets about her efforts.
Yet reality was harsh. No matter how hard Lauren tried, she couldn't change the fact that Quentin disliked her from the very beginning, resentful that she forced him into this marriage.
Despite her reluctance, Lauren was ready to concede defeat. She was simply too exhausted... too weary to fight a losing battle or even to muster the strength for explanations or reconciliation.
This time, she thought Quentin had come to divorce her, didn't he? Lauren mused bitterly.
But was Quentin really that eager? Just last night, he brought her home to meet his parents, and today he was ready to cast her out. He didn't even give her a brief respite. Quentin's cruelty knew no bounds.
That's it, she thought to herself, this is how it all ends. Why bother causing more trouble?
Lauren walked up to the second floor with heavy steps and paused before opening the door. She fought to calm her nerves, her pride not allowing her to appear weak in front of Quentin.
The door creaked open, and Lauren stepped in with her head held high and said with a smile, "Mr. Robinson, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
Quentin was observing Lauren. She didn't seem as upset as Hannah had described. His tension eased slightly.
"Uh." Quentin was at a loss for words.
Should he explain why he brought Wendy to the birthday banquet the day before? Or should he address the morning tabloid rumors about him and Wendy living together?
His male ego did not want to lay these issues bare.
"So, Mr. Robinson, did you need something from me?"
Lauren stared at Quentin intently, as if trying to see through him, to reach into his heart. She wondered what it was made of, why none of her efforts could ever warm it.
To Quentin, her words sounded almost confrontational. He thought Lauren was still provoking him, still as capable of making him angry.
"Instructions? I wouldn't dare, you are Lauren, after all. I just want to say don't do things that would worry the Dowager, otherwise…" Quentin trailed off.
A sorrowful look crossed Lauren's face. Otherwise, what? What more could he do? Wasn't he already here to discuss their divorce? What more did she have to lose?
"Otherwise? Hah, otherwise you'll leave me penniless? Or kick me out, right?" Lauren said with sarcastic laughter.
Quentin watched Lauren, feeling a pang in his heart which he mistook for anger.
"Lauren, do not test my patience over and over."
His words were squeezed through clenched teeth. He couldn't stand her indifference, couldn't bear the sadness in her eyes.
"Yes, of course, I can't compare to the gentle and charming future Mrs. Wendy. After lounging in the arms of a gentlewoman, naturally, blunt words like mine fall on deaf ears," Lauren said, biting with sarcasm.
"Just bear with it a little longer. Until the paperwork is done, then you'll have no need to put up with me being a Robinson," Lauren quipped with biting sarcasm.
At that moment, Quentin looked like a lion enraged, his eyes glowing red as they bore into Lauren.
She was infuriating!
"Lauren, since you admit you're still a Robinson, my wife, shouldn't you fulfill your duties?" Quentin pressed her relentlessly, cornering her against the wall.
Lauren, frightened by the look in Quentin's eyes, instinctively backed away until there was nowhere left to go.
"What...what do you want?"
There was no escape, Lauren had pushed Quentin too far.
"I'm going to do what I should do!" Quentin declared. With a strong grip, he seized Lauren's right wrist and, before she could react, he ripped the clothes from her body.
Lauren exclaimed in shock, "What...what are you doing!?"
Quentin smirked contemptuously, "What does it look like? Are you trying to let the whole house know we're making love?"
Lauren, seeing her exposed skin, felt nothing but shame. The humiliation, coupled with Quentin's threatening demeanor, made her suppress a low growl.
"Quentin, don't make me hate you! I'm carrying a child! You could hurt the baby!"
Her voice was hoarse by the end, laced with pleas for mercy.
But once Quentin saw Lauren's bare form, his eyes filled with lustful hunger.
He had seen countless women, many prettier and better-shaped than Lauren, yet he was obsessed with her figure.
Her body flushed with anger and embarrassment, casting a glow similar to a lotus blossoming quietly under the lights.
Disregarding Lauren's protests, Quentin threw her onto the bed and pounced without waiting for her to struggle.
At that moment, Lauren felt nothing but shame. What was she but an outlet for Quentin's desires...?
Lauren bit her lower lip fiercely, refusing to make a sound. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared blankly at the ceiling.
After Quentin finished, he saw Lauren lying limp on the bed, like a dead fish, and a twinge of guilt crept into his heart.
When had he become so impulsive? When had he become an animal driven by primal urges? Quentin despised himself internally.
Watching Lauren lay there devoid of life, Quentin's heart ached for her. He picked up the clothes he had tossed on the floor and began to dress her himself.
Lauren didn't resist; she was as passive as a marionette, letting Quentin manipulate her limbs.
After Quentin had meticulously helped her get dressed, Lauren suddenly bolted into the bathroom and began to vomit violently.
Quentin followed her into the bathroom, and seeing her coughing and retching desperately, he panicked.
Lauren took a long time to stop vomiting. Feeling weak and drained, she managed to get up and push Quentin out of the bathroom. As she pulled down her pants, she discovered blood flowing from her lower half.
Overwhelmed with anxiety, Lauren flung open the bathroom door and cried out, "My stomach... it's really hurting."
Without a moment's hesitation, Quentin rushed Lauren to the hospital.
Blood had seeped through her clothes, staining her pants red. She was so terrified, wishing she could teleport to the hospital that instant.
Lauren was scared out of her wits. She could give up anything, but not the child she was carrying.
Silently, she prayed fervently, hoping for a miracle to keep her child safe.
At this moment, Quentin was consumed with regret. Normally not one to act impulsively, he had, in a moment of passion, been too forceful with Lauren and feared he had harmed the baby.
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