Part 1My Husband Ignored My Call While I Miscarried His Legacy

The challenge was trending online: “Call your husband and ask for money to buy something.”

The wives at the table were dissolving in laughter.

Mrs. Davies asked for a handbag; fifty grand hit her account instantly. Mrs. Rodriguez asked for a necklace; thirty grand, cleared.

When it was my turn, my palms were sweating, especially since my sister-in-law, Vivienne Lane, was also present—the perpetually grieving widow of Gideon’s older brother.

“Maybe I shouldn’t…” I tried to demur.

Vivienne suddenly spoke up, her voice honey-soft, “If Mia feels awkward, I can go first.”

Before I could react, she had already dialed my husband, Gideon Thorne.

The line connected.

* * *

Mrs. Thorne—the group had always called me Mrs. Thorne, but somehow, I felt like the placeholder—set her phone down, her eyes sweeping over us. “You all saw the viral challenge, right? Call your husband, ask for money for a splurge, and see who’s the most enthusiastic about spending.”

A low hum of laughter filled the private dining room.

The other wives feigned shyness but their eyes were bright with competitive excitement.

Mrs. Davies went first, cooing that she’d spotted a vintage Cartier. Fifty thousand dollars was instantly transferred. Mrs. Rodriguez followed, mentioning a rare art print. Thirty thousand dollars landed in her bank app before she hung up.

When it came to Mrs. Allen, her husband was in a board meeting. He spoke in a low, muffled voice, promising a transfer later, but still sent two thousand instantly as a placeholder.

“Amelia, you’re up,” Mrs. Thorne said, turning her attention to me.

I gripped my phone, my palm already damp.

To be honest, I didn't want to play this game—not today, not with Vivienne Lane here.

Vivienne sat in a corner booth, wearing a simple, pale linen dress, holding her five-year-old son, Callum, on her lap. Her husband, Gideon’s older brother, had died in a car accident two years ago.

“Maybe I should skip it…” I tried to find an excuse.

“Oh, come on, everyone’s done it!” Mrs. Thorne insisted, nudging me.

Vivienne looked up abruptly, her voice soft and tender. “If Mia’s having trouble, I’ll go again.”

Before I could protest, she had dialed Gideon’s number.

It rang once. He picked up.