Oscar's forehead was beaded with sweat. He knew if Pearl left now, he might never get her back. Taking a deep breath, he decided to come clean. "Pearl, listen to me. I know you've been upset about us not having kids. It's because of me."
Pearl paused, turning to look at him, confusion flickering in her eyes.
Oscar continued, "A few years ago, I participated in a medical experiment and was injected with a new type of contraceptive. It makes men unable to get women pregnant for several years. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to disappoint you."
Pearl scoffed, her expression skeptical. "Do you think I would believe such a ridiculous excuse? Oscar, I'm not a child."
Oscar hurriedly explained, "Pearl, it's true. You can ask Quincy; he knows about it. I did it to help develop safer contraceptives, not because I didn't want kids with you."
Pearl shook her head, disappointment filling her eyes. "Even if what you're saying is true, so what? It doesn't change anything. I've given so much to the Brown family, working tirelessly for the company, and what do I get in return? Haley can casually swipe your card, while I have to carefully budget even for a piece of clothing."
Hathaway snorted from the side. "See? This is the wife you chose, only caring about money."
Pearl shot Hathaway a glare and turned to leave. Oscar, seeing this, grabbed her and hoisted her over his shoulder, ignoring her struggles as he carried her to the bedroom.
"Oscar! Let me go!" Pearl struggled on his shoulder, her voice filled with anger and frustration.
Hathaway shook her head and retreated to her room, closing the door behind her.
Oscar gently placed Pearl on the bed as she tried to get up, but he pinned her down.
"Pearl, don't go." Oscar's voice was low and hoarse. "I know I've made a lot of mistakes, but I love you. I really do."
Pearl turned away, refusing to meet his eyes. "If you really loved me, why were you with Haley? Why did you keep so many secrets from me?"
Oscar gently caressed her cheek. "I admit, I felt guilty about Haley. She has been facing financial troubles, so I lent her some money."
Pearl's eyes showed a flicker of doubt but quickly turned cold again. "Anyone can say that, Oscar. How am I supposed to believe you?"
Oscar nodded. "I swear, Pearl. Give me a chance to make amends for my mistakes."
Pearl hesitated, but then her resolve hardened. "Oscar, do you know how many times I've doubted myself over the years? Wondering if I wasn't good enough, if that's why you loved Haley. Wondering if I didn't work hard enough, if that's why Hathaway looks down on me. I'm really tired."
"Pearl, let's start over, okay?" He pleaded.
He began to kiss her gently, starting from her forehead, moving down her soft cheeks, kissing her nose, lightly brushing her lips, and then along her jawline to her earlobes, sucking them gently. At first, Pearl resisted, but soon she was lost in his passionate kisses. Oscar passionately kissed every inch of her skin, as if trying to prove his love through his touch.