Chapter 1: I Need More Children

Benjamin pov

The chandelier glistened above us seemingly mocking our already decaying union.

Stella stood in front of me in her expensive silk robe, her immaculately manicured fingers encircling a champagne glass.

The final straw was her lack of interest.

 I slammed my palm against the marble countertop

" Stella, this is serious!" I yelled." We have been married for five years. Five years Stella! I've always wanted to have children with you."

 She took a leisurely sip of her champagne while rolling her eyes.

" And I told you Benjamin that I have no interest in those outdated ideas of having children to fulfill your ancestors desire for a successor. We have Josh and that's enough, you don't want here littering with kids do you?”

Then she rolled her eyes and mumbled.

“ I'm not a pig.”

 "Ancestors?" I said in disbelief." You are my wife. We are the focus here, not just me." I shook my head. “ Just a child won't hurt.”

 With a gentle clink, Stella set the glass down and her lips formed a smirk that made my blood boil.

"Our future has nothing to do with this . We are free, wealthy and attend any parties we like. Why spoil it with crying babies and soiled diapers? "

Her remarks were akin to a slap.

 I inhaled deeply, trying to quiet the storm that was building inside of me.

 "We have tried everything Stella. The treatments and the doctors are ineffective. Our best option right now is a surrogate. Why are you trying to fight this?"

Her eyes narrowed as she snapped "Because it's pathetic Benjamin. Do you truly want everyone to know that we had to hire someone else to carry your precious heir because we couldn't do this on our own?. I don't know what else you need. We have a son and we should take care of him not asking for more.”

I growled ."One child isn't just enough, yes, I love Josh but we need more children.

 Or does that not matter to you?"

Stella let out a loud sigh and combed through her flawlessly coiffed hair.

"Benjamin living my life is what matters to me. I am not prepared to become a housewife and a mother to dozens of children while you flaunt yourself as the perfect father."

I was pushed to the brink by her words. My jaw clenched as I took a step closer.

"Stella, this is about more than just you. When we got married you were aware of how much this meant to me. All I've asked for is a family but I've given you everything. Is asking for that really too much?"

"Oh Benjamin, don't act the victim." she scoffed, crossing her arms ."You got a trophy wife which is what you always wanted. It wasn't my intention to become your baby factory. “ Then she looked up at me. “ Don't tell me you already hate my son?”

 I found it difficult to control my anger as it surfaced.

"You're unbelievable. I've been there for you through everything, loving you and supporting you and I don't hate our son

But this? Stella is self-centered. Or was I merely a tool to finance your lavish lifestyle? Do you even love me?"

 For a moment, her face wavered but she immediately covered it with a blank look.

"You're exaggerating. I still love you even if I don't want anymore children."

 The bitterness got in my voice as I muttered.

" It feels like it. I feel like I'm the only one standing up for our future and for us. Stella do you even think we have a future together or am I just an accessory?"

The silence was deafening as she took a moment to respond. The only sound coming from the room was the ticking of the old clock in the corner.

She finally spoke, her voice more icy than before.

" Benjamin, I see the future. one free from your absurd expectations and where I'm content and happy."

Her words struck me like a dagger.

 I brushed a hand through my hair and turned away.

"Stella, you have stated your position clearly. Let me clarify mine as well. I'd like to start a family. One more child is what I need. And what are we even doing together if you are unable to provide me with that?"

 "Are you threatening me?" she said, raising her voice. "After all I've sacrificed for you—. "

"Sacrificed?” I interrupted, turning back to her. " As long as I could remember, I've been the one giving up everything to keep this marriage going, so what exactly have you given up Stella? The never-ending parties, the lavish trips, the shopping sprees?"

 She started to argue but I stopped her. "No Stella. Here you are not allowed to act like the victim. I've waited patiently. I have been sympathetic and I am running out of patience and time."

 Anger blazed in her eyes but she remained silent. She was at a loss for words for once in her life.

" I'm done pleading with you to give a damn, about what I care about." I added in a firm voice." Perhaps we should reconsider this marriage if you are unwilling to make concessions. "

For the first time I noticed a glint of vulnerability in her eyes as her jaw dropped. "You're not being serious are you? "

  "I've never been more serious.” I declared with an unmistakable tone." Stella, I love you. But if you are unwilling to sacrifice for us, then love is a waste."

 It was evident that the room was tense. Stella's confidence appeared to falter but she immediately covered it up with a smug look.

 Finally in a cold voice she said .

"All right. Do what you want. Get your priceless surrogate. But don't expect to play happy family with you. I'll take my son and run away.”

 I refused to let her hurt me with her words. After nodding I took a step back." So be it if that's how you feel. But remember Stella, marriage is not a one-man show it is a partnership. You're forcing me to do what I don't want to do."

She was still standing there with her champagne glass still in her hand when I turned and left the room.

 I felt a heavy burden settle in my chest as I got down the grand staircase to my study.

 I loved Stella. I always have. But her inability to see things my way was causing us to drift apart.

 I felt really alone for the first time in our marriage. Furthermore I couldn't get rid of the thought that it might be too late to save us no matter what I did.