Chapter 1

I had become Edward Abend's wife, so as compensation to Daisy Neal, the love he gave me was only a tenth of what he gave her.

For the sake of both our families' interests—and with the hope that he would return to me—I endured it all.

Until one day he said, "You have to pretend to be Daisy's child's biological mother and let the child become the Abend family's heir."

That was when I asked for a divorce.

The man and woman before me ignored my words and continued their discussion.

"This must be done in secret. No outsiders can know. This family would never accept an heir whose birth mother is an ordinary woman. Once the child comes of age, we'll tell him the truth and have him recognize you as his biological mother."

Teary-eyed, Daisy clung to Edward like a pet. "I'm willing to do anything for our child."

Filled with tenderness, Edward comforted her. "I'll make it up to you a hundred times over for all your suffering."

Then, the two shared a deep kiss, and their saliva splattered onto my face.

A wave of cold emptiness filled my heart. I cut in, breaking their moment. "Edward, I'll say it again—I want a divorce. I will not raise your child."

Edward reluctantly pulled away from Daisy, giving me a once-over before scoffing, "What's with this tantrum? What choice do you have besides agreeing?

"We've been married for three years, and you still haven't gotten pregnant. You failed to do your duty as a wife. Now, I'm giving you a child for free. You should be thanking us.

"Dad is already anxious that we don't have a child. Do you think he'll say anything if I kick you out and marry a younger woman? Do you really think you'll find someone richer and better-looking than me after the divorce? You'll be miserable for the rest of your life!"

Edward was confident, but I wasn't so easily intimidated. I chuckled. "Divorced or not, I'm still the heiress of Oskar Group. I have money and power—I can afford to keep a few young, handsome men around. My life will be nothing short of wonderful."

"Are you serious?" Edward finally realized I wasn't bluffing.

After briefly hesitating, he said, "I was just asking you to raise a child. You don't have to overreact like this. You've changed. No matter what I did before, you always forgave me. But I won't force you if you're unwilling to be tolerant now."

With his agreement, I turned and left immediately. Behind me, Edward's and Daisy's voices faded into the distance.

"What if she really divorces you?"

"Don't worry. I know her. She'll calm down in a few days. Our child will be the future president of the company. There's no doubt about it."

The old me might have tolerated this. But after going through this time and time again, my love had completely worn away.

So when Edward shamelessly asked me to raise his illegitimate child, I suddenly realized I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't live like this for the rest of my life.

Just as I got a lawyer to draft the divorce papers, Peter Abend—Edward's father and the president of Abend Group—came looking for me.