Jake tried to calm himself from the confusion caused by Mary's shocking statement. While gently patting Elsa, who was asleep in her arms, Mary began to share another part of her identity — as a breast milk donor.
She talked about the accident that forced her to face the painful reality of losing her precious baby. Of course, she didn't explain what happened to Kody that left him unable to have children anymore.
"I wanted to remember my baby. That's why I decided to donate my breast milk to babies in need. By sharing something that was meant for my own child, I feel like I'm not losing the experience of nursing him," Mary said with a warm smile as she looked at sleeping Elsa, showing no shame in her words.
"I just want to give what I have in abundance to babies who are lacking — whether it's because their mothers can't breastfeed or any other reason. I just want to help," she added.
"But, doesn't your husband get angry, Miss— I mean, Mrs.? Does he know about this other profession of yours?" Jake asked again.
"He didn't at first, but over time, he began to understand. Of course, there are boundaries I must follow to make sure everything stays okay for me and everyone involved. I'm only allowed to donate milk to babies with clear identities, to avoid any problems in the future," she explained.
"Most of the babies who receive my milk are from wealthy families. You know how many rich women care more about their figures than breastfeeding their babies. It's different with women from lower-income backgrounds — their financial struggles make them think twice before buying breast milk for their babies," Mary said, stating a common reality.
She also explained that she only donates to babies from families with clear identities — including the parents' names and religion. Everything must be transparent between the donor and the recipient.
However, Mary had lied about her husband's permission. There was no way Kody would have ever approved. And besides, Jake was an outsider who didn't need to know the details of her troubled marriage.
"So, Mr. Jake Porter? You can accept my offer and go to Gold Fashion right away. If you refuse to take money for the big favor you did for me yesterday, then I'll return the favor another way. I'm taking the day off today, and my husband is out of town on a business trip. You can leave your baby with me for a while while you take the test with my husband's assistant," Mary said again, and this time her words made Jake pause for a moment before making his decision.
"Alright, Ma'am. I'll take this opportunity," Jake finally replied with confidence.
"Great. Go now. I'll also be heading back to my apartment. Pick up your little one there after you're done at Gold. After all, as my husband's driver, you should know where we live," Mary added with a calm smile.
Meanwhile, in a different place, Mary's husband — Kody — was indeed out of town. But it had nothing to do with his work at Gold Fashion. He was having fun with a blonde woman dressed in tight clothes that accentuated every curve of her body.
They had just arrived at the hotel and were now standing in front of the door to suite room number 14. The curvy woman, named Milan, staggered slightly as she opened the door, and Kody suddenly picked her up.
"Hey, babe. Why are you in such a rush? I'm not going anywhere even if you play with me all day. Come on, freshen up first, then we'll have some fun," Milan said playfully, wrapping her arms around Kody's neck.
"No. I've missed you so much. It's been a week since I've had a proper release," Kody replied, his breath heavy with desire. He couldn't wait to inhale the scent of Milan's body — the woman who had captivated him since they met.
"Then what's the point of your so-called wife at home? Just a decoration, huh? Poor thing," Milan said while stroking Kody's hair like she was soothing a child, as he buried his face in her chest.
"Don't talk about that woman right now. You'll ruin my mood and delay my release. Just let me do what I want and treat me like a king. I'm not paying you to talk about my wife, am I?" Kody warned her with a raspy voice filled with lust.
"Alright, my King. As you wish..." Milan responded seductively. They exchanged hot kisses as the suite was soon filled with sounds of pleasure.
After some time and even wilder actions, Milan accidentally glanced at Kody's phone, which had lit up silently. On the screen, it said "Mary, My Wife" was calling. Seeing this, a sly smile appeared on Milan's lips.
Without Kody noticing, Milan reached out and slid her finger across the phone screen — answering the call.
"Don't turn your face away from me, you slut! Ahhh, damn. You feel so good! You'll drive me crazy!"
"Keep going, babe. Talk dirty to me! Harder, babe! Oh, yeah... Ah, yes, babe!"
Those disgusting moans rang clearly in Mary's ears. She had just wanted to talk to her husband, to have a proper conversation. But instead, what she heard were the filthy sounds of her husband with another woman.
Mary cried silently. Her whole body trembled, just like the last time she heard Kody's disgusting voice over the phone with another woman.
She ended the call, not wanting to hurt herself further. She put her phone down and looked at Elsa, who was now sleeping soundly after being fed.
"Is this fair, God? I nurse someone else's child so I can still feel what it's like to breastfeed my own baby — the one I lost. But this is what my husband does to me?"
"Is it right for him to fool around with a woman who can satisfy him? Sure, I may not be able to meet his sexual needs anymore, but does that mean he's allowed to do this just to ease his sadness?"
"What about my feelings? What kind of relationship are we even in, God?"
Mary cried as she hugged Elsa tightly, as if the four-month-old baby could understand the pain in her foster mother's heart.
No woman ever wants to be cheated on, especially not by her own husband. Mary was devastated by Kody's betrayal. Yet even after all this, she still couldn't bring herself to leave him. She loved him too much.
Even after four months since the accident and Kody's drastic change in behavior, Mary still believed that one day, he would return to the kind and loving man he once was. Just like in their early years of marriage, Mary believed they could get through this storm together.