CHAPTER 1

Sophie.

Today was the third anniversary of my marriage to Alex, and I had prepared a special surprise for him—a handmade airplane model, which his father had promised to get him one. But he didn’t make it and passed away. I was so eager to make up for this lack in his heart, but then a sudden sadness washed over me, wishing I could give him what he really needed now—a child.

After parking my car, I entered our house. The flutters in my stomach turned to a churning sensation when I saw Cathy, my mother-in-law, and Mia—the woman she wished Alex had married—sitting on the sofa.

Mia, was the daughter of Cathy’s close friend Lola and she is also a well-known model from a wealthy family. Cathy treated her like a priceless jewel. After many failed attempts to set up Alex and Mia, and following Alex’s confession of love for me, Cathy finally gave up, or maybe never. Several months ago, Cathy invited Mia over when she learned Mia had a photoshoot in town. Mia ended up moving into the house, while I, her real daughter-in-law, was treated more like garbage, just because I am ordinary from a working-class family.

A pinched expression crossed Cathy’s face as she noticed the airplane model through the glass box. “Sit. We have something to discuss,” she ordered in a heavy tone.

A sudden chill ran through me as I settled into the seat across from Cathy and Mia, one arm holding the other, bracing for what was to come.

“Maybe if you put as much effort into getting pregnant as you do into your craftwork, you would have produced the next heir of Dawson Corporative,” Her icy stare fixed on me.

For some reason, she hated handicraft, especially airplane models. I didn't know if it’s because it reminded her of her late husband.

I turned to Mia, who adjusted herself on the sofa with an air of casual confidence. I had a feeling that this conversation wasn't going to end like any other day.

“It’s been three years, and you haven’t even gotten pregnant, let alone had a child. Are you sure you’re not barren?” Cathy’s harsh question squeezed my heart, causing tears to well up in my eyes.

“I…” I tried to reply, but no words came out, not with the pain tugging at my heart. I knew the Board of Directors intensified pressure on Alex to produce the next heir for Dawson Cooperative recently. Alex chose to stand this by himself and never pressured me, which only made me more eager to have a child with him.

"Please, don't be too harsh on her. I'm sure she's trying her best. It must be heartbreaking for her to face such struggles," Mia said with a sweet tone, but there was nothing comforting about it. “I’m certain she wouldn’t intentionally drag Alex into this mess,” she added, pretending to plead with Cathy, but her feigned concern only stoking the tension further.

“You have no idea what my son is going through because of you.” Cathy continued her torturous rant.

I didn’t know how to tell her that I had tried everything I could. I had gone for countless medical check-ups, and they all said nothing was wrong with me. I had been drinking ginseng tea every morning for the past two years—yet nothing. I had prayed to every deity I had heard of, but none answered. The stream of tears rolled down my face, glistening with sadness.

“Don’t you dare play the victim here,” Cathy yelled.

I stared at the door, hoping Alex would walk in and save me from his mother.

My heart hitched as she threw the envelope towards me. “Open it.”

My pulse raced as I opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of white paper. My eyes widened. “What is this?” I asked.

“Not only are you infertile, but you also can’t read,” Cathy jeered, “I am making the best decision for Alex. You’ll receive five million dollars and the house in Brooklyn.”

Did she think I was with Alex for his money? My grip tightened on the paper. “There is no way I’m divorcing Alex. I love him, and he loves me too,” I replied, shooting an intense gaze at Cathy.

This was the first time I had stood up for myself. Alex had always protected us—it was high time I started fighting for us too. I wouldn't let anyone break us apart.

“How dare you! Mia is pregnant. She's pregnant by my son.”

Her words shattered my world, tossing it into the deepest embers of hell. My eyes widened as I sank back into the chair. "That can't be," I repeated, her words echoing in my mind

“I know it’s difficult for you, Sophie.” Mia forced a smile, while her voice was dripping with feigned concern. “Alex and I love each other. We didn’t plan for it to happen—it’s just happened. I am carrying the product of our love,” She rubbed her stomach. “Please, for Alex’s sake, agree to the divorce. You know he's under tremendous pressure because he doesn't have a child. Alex really needs this baby.”

I couldn't believe he had cheated on me and was now going to have a child—something I had desperately wanted to give him—with another woman.

"You have shamed this family enough." Cathy continued, showing no mercy with her words. "Accept the divorce, pack your things, and leave the house."

I shook my head, tears covering my face. “I can’t, I just can’t.” I choked out

“I won’t tolerate such insolence. You shall not disobey me.” Angered flared Cathy’s eyes and she delivered a slap that shook the house.

“What the hell is happening?” Alex's deep voice sliced through the tension. He stood there, his dark, tousled hair carelessly styled back, with a few strands falling across his intense hunter-blue eyes. His stubble couldn't conceal his perfectly chiseled jaws, each a testament to his undeniable masculinity. He immediately understood the situation upon seeing my state.

He rushed and knelt before me, reducing his intimidating height. "Are you okay? Look at me, Sophie, please look at me," he pleaded, cupping my hands.

"Why would you tell her about it?" He snapped at his mother.

"She deserves to know," Cathy replied.

Slowly, I turned to him, my eyes bloodshot and teary. "When did this happen?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Exhaling, he replied, "Two months ago."

A sharp pain shot through my chest as I pulled my hands away. "Two fucking months," I whispered, too hurt to scream. All the happiness had been an illusion, and I was the only one left in the dark.

I laughed through my tears, "I've been a fool, thinking you loved me while you were with her, making a mockery of me," I said.

"I do love you," he insisted.

"No. If you did, you would never have been with her. You wouldn’t be having a child with her." Finally, I found the strength to yell.

Alex stood there in silence, searching for the right words to appease me.

“How could you even do this? Alex.” My voice continued to break.

“It was a mistake, I never planned for any of this to happen,” He responded.

“And now you’re asking for a divorce. After all we have been through.” My throat tightened more and more.

“I’ll never do that,” Alex affirmed. “I’ll never divorce you.”

"Ouch..." Mia clutched her stomach with a dramatic groan.

“Mia, what’s wrong? Alex, check on Mia,” Cathy rushed toward her and commanded, leaving no room for argument.

Mia’s face contorted into an exaggerated grimace. “Alex, please… I think something’s happening to our baby.” Her voice quivered, but a glint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes.

With a resigned sigh, Alex shuffled over to the couch, moving as if his joints needed oil.

“Are you okay?” he asked with a flat tone.

Mia responded with a louder groan, her nails digging deeply into the sofa’s coverings.

Cathy’s eyes widened with panic. “Mia! Are you okay?”

Mia grabbed Alex’s hand, placing it firmly on her belly, her grip tight and insistent. She then shot me a mocking glance, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

My heart ached at the sight, and I couldn’t bear it. Rising to my feet, I accidentally nudged the gift on the armrest, sending it crashing to the floor. “Crack!” it shattered, so did my heart.

As pain constricted my throat and the room started to cave in on me, I dashed out of the house. The coldness of the tarred road cutting through my bare feet, the night breeze stinging against my skin. My gown and hair flew wildly in the wind as I ran down the streets.

I still couldn’t believe the man I loved had betrayed me. I put aside my dream of a thriving career, all while focusing on the family. I had tolerated Cathy’s constant mistreatment, enduring her sharp words and dismissive attitude, just because of my ordinary background. After everything I had sacrificed, what I gained is the numerous pills and betrayal.

My body itched at the thought of him lying with me after being with Mia. But I didn’t stop to scratch it. I ran so hard, trying to outrun the pain coursing through my veins. Not even the cold breeze could quench the heat flaming up my body.

Suddenly, I heard the screech of brakes on the road, and the flash of white light snapped me out of my reverie. My head throbbed as I spun around, overwhelmed by everything that had happened tonight, I crashed hard onto the road, everything fading into complete darkness.