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Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed
Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed
Author: Lefty Cutie

Chapter 1

Author: Lefty Cutie
Shirley's message in the group chat blew up the whole company.

[OMG, when did you and the boss get together?]

[Wow, already moving on to the next generation!]

[Congrats, congrats! Got my wedding gift ready!]

[Boss, you're impressive! You actually snagged the office sweetheart!]

Messages kept pouring in. I just stared at the screen, feeling colder by the second.

This was the Merck Corp group chat—executives and Joshua's close associates. He'd added me ages ago because his parents insisted.

Even back then, it was just as chaotic. When people joked around, Joshua had typed:

[Nadia's just a friend. I added her so she can learn more about finance and get some experience.]

Then he turned to me with that casual shrug. "Our marriage is just a family alliance thing. There's a lot going on, so let's not make it public yet."

I just nodded and stayed quiet.

When people asked if they could hit on me, Joshua would joke:

[That depends on your skills—just don't slack off at work!]

Then Shirley jumped in right after:

[Come on, guys. Don't act like a bunch of thirsty dudes just 'cause there's a pretty girl around. Bad for the company's image!]

Joshua kept using work as an excuse, so we never had a wedding. Five years of marriage, and no one even knew he was taken.

It took a whole hour for the chat to finally chill out. Then Shirley popped back in:

[Thanks for the well wishes! When Joshua and I have the baby shower, you all better come show support.]

[And don't forget those fancy presents, you company elites!]

Everyone jumped on it:

[No problem! Wishing you three a happy family!]

[What three? She's having twins—it's a family of four!]

[Can't wait to meet your babies!]

I stared at the screen, heart aching, gripping my phone so tight my fingers went white. I wanted to believe it was just some sick joke.

Then I saw Joshua's reply to everyone:

[Thanks for the blessings. Once this busy period's over, I'll give everyone some paid leave.]

My vision blurred as tears spilled over, like my heart was caught in a vice. Why? Why did Joshua have to treat me like this?

I sat frozen on the couch, drowning in pain, until I finally calmed down. I opened the group chat and saved all the conversation records. Then I just stared blankly out the window, my mind totally blank.

Just then, I heard the sound of keys turning in the lock. I glanced over—it was Joshua.

He'd actually come home before dinner. How rare.

"Why are your eyes so red? Were you crying?" He looked at me with fake concern and sat beside me.

"What's wrong, babe? Who upset you? Let me take care of it!" He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

His arms were warm, but I still felt frozen. How could he act like he loved me after what he'd done?

I couldn't make sense of it. Feeling his breath on me made my skin crawl, so I shoved his arm off and moved away.

"Stay away from me!"

Joshua's face darkened for a second, but then he just shrugged like it was no big deal.

"You saw the messages in the company group chat?"

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  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 2

    Joshua sighed, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes. "Nadia, you know why we got married. It was for the family. Why get hung up on the details? Isn't this arrangement just fine?"I froze, caught off guard. He wasn't wrong.Years ago, Ardenburg popped up as this massive threat, pushing both Merck Corp and Green Corp to the brink. They had no choice but to team up, and marrying us off was part of the deal."For the future of Merck Corp and Green Corp, you two must get married! No discussion!"Our parents didn't leave room to argue. Joshua and Shirley's little fling got cut off, and I was forced to break up with Sean—my childhood sweetheart. They even yanked all financial support, leaving us broke. We barely lasted three months before giving in.When we walked out of the city hall, Joshua's face was stone cold. "This is all for the family. I don't love you—don't expect anything more."I knew his heart was still with his secretary, Shirley. But knowing he'd cheat and force me on

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 3

    His lame excuse just made me feel hollow.Afraid I'd be hurt? Then why cheat?Worried about my feelings? Then why shove birth control down my throat?What a joke. Joshua Merck—the guy's got zero shame.I let out a bitter laugh, watching guilt squirm across his face.Seeing the guilt and unease on his face, I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "For years, I barely slept—stressed out, hair falling out in clumps—losing my mind over not having a baby. Do you have any idea what that did to me?"And you? You fed me birth control like it was nothing. Those hormones destroyed me—I can never have a baby now! You RIPPED AWAY my chance to be a mom just so SHIRLEY could have your kid. You're a MONSTER, Joshua."My heart tightened, and tears wouldn't stop streaming down my face. When the doctor told me the truth, it felt like my whole world shattered. Joshua crushed my dream of having a daughter.I hated him.I never wanted to see him again.I spun around and headed to the bedroom.

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 4

    After the fallout with Joshua, he got even more ridiculous. Barely showed up during the day and stayed out most nights.Didn't bother me. Honestly, it was better when he wasn't around.I kept busy. Filed my immigration paperwork. Packed up my stuff and shipped it in batches to Sean overseas.One day, just as I got back from the post office, I nearly ran into Joshua at the door."Nadia, I've got a surprise for you," he said, holding out a box.I glanced at it—inside was the bracelet I'd admired at last month's auction."Do you like it?"I nodded, already wondering if it'd be safe to ship something that expensive.Over dinner, he suddenly spoke up. "Nadia, next Monday's Grandma and Grandpa's fiftieth anniversary. Will you come with me?""Sure," I said, not even pausing to think.He looked shocked—like he hadn't expected me to say yes. "Nadia, I knew you were the best wife in the world!" He grinned.***Banquet day. Not only did my family roll in, but even some of Ardenburg's

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 5

    The second I got off the plane, my phone lit up with a flood of messages from Joshua:[Nadia, are you out of your mind?][How could you make this public?][Did you even think about how this would affect me?][I will never agree to a divorce!][We promised to uphold the family alliance, and now you're dumping everything on me—Nadia, you're too cruel!]I skimmed through his little meltdown, then blocked his number without a second thought.Next, I opened the chat with my parents. They'd sent a ton of messages too, but I wasn't in the mood. I just shot back a quick 'I'm safe' text and powered off my phone.Stepping out of the airport, I spotted Sean right away—still looking just as sunny and handsome as the day he left Ardenburg."Nadia, you're finally here." He walked up, grabbed my suitcase, and wrapped me in a big hug.I let out a soft breath. "Sean, it's been a long time."His familiar scent hit me like a wave of comfort, and for the first time in forever, I felt at peace.

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 6

    My expression darkened as I heard Dad's angry rant blasting through the phone.Typical. It's always like this.No matter what I do, my parents never have my back. They forced me into that stupid arranged marriage for the family's sake, and now—even after Joshua did something this awful—they still blame me.Why can't they just be on my side for once?I felt miserable. "I've decided to divorce Joshua. Nothing you say will change my mind."Mom's voice came through, all soft and coaxing. "Nadia, listen to me. Augusto already punished Joshua—made him kneel and demoted him three levels at Merck Corp."Plus, the Merck family promised only a child from you will inherit the family legacy. That other woman's kid? They're not acknowledging it."Just give Joshua another chance—we can't let the family alliance fall apart!"My nose burned, and tears slipped down my cheeks."All you ever care about is the family! What about me? Am I your daughter or just a tool for the alliance?" I shouted,

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 7

    I couldn't help but smirk.Tough? Seriously?If getting chauffeured around, crashing at five-star hotels, and bossing people around counts as "tough," then sure. Meanwhile, I was stuck at home dodging hate and drowning in nasty comments from strangers.What a joke.I shot him a cold glare. "We're DONE. Instead of wasting time on me, maybe focus on Shirley, your family's savior. Pour all your energy into that mess."Joshua's face twisted. "Are you freaking nuts? You even hear yourself? Stop acting like a damn idiot!"Sean stepped in, eyes sharp. "Watch your tone."Joshua looked pissed but didn't budge. Yeah, right—like his spoiled ass would actually take on Sean.He switched gears fast. "Nadia, I know I messed up! Please forgive me! I swear it won't happen again! And you and this guy cheating on me? I'll let it slide."I scoffed. "Get it straight—I left the divorce papers at your place before I even left the country. I didn't cheat. Sean and I are together because we love each

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 8

    Shirley blasted everything online—even dropped videos of her and Joshua getting cozy.That's when it all clicked: every holiday—Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas—he was with her. All those times he said he was too busy working to come home? Yeah, right. He was with Shirley.I couldn't help but laugh—bitter and cold.Back then, every holiday, Joshua would wire a ton of cash to my friends and be like, "Just keep my wife happy—I'll cover it."My friends practically cried over how thoughtful he was, swearing they'd only marry a guy like him. Meanwhile, my perfect husband was off partying with his mistress while I spent every holiday alone. Oscar-worthy performance, honestly. No wonder my friends—and even my parents—backed him when I filed for divorce. He had everyone fooled.On her livestream, Shirley put on a whole sob story. "The one who isn't loved is the real mistress!"Joshua and I have always been in love—even if he was forced into a family marriage. I never gave up on h

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 9

    Everyone froze.Mom stepped forward, face pale. "What did you just say?"A bitter laugh slipped out. "I said... I can't have kids. Ever. Joshua stole that from me. Tricked me into taking birth control—disguised as vitamins—for five whole years."Tears streamed down my face."Nadia!" Mom pulled me into her arms, sobbing like her heart was shattering. I caught a glimpse of Dad—face twisted with guilt. Even the relatives looked at me with sympathy.They left soon after, not even stopping by home—heading straight to the Merck estate.Once there, they laid it all out—every horrible thing Joshua had done—and demanded a divorce on the spot. No holding back. They even threatened to go public if he refused and cut off the Green-Merck partnership right then and there.Augusto was so furious he spat up blood and got rushed to the hospital. Joshua's parents were just as shaken and dragged him home, beating him so bad they broke three ribs.But my family didn't budge. One demand: Joshua had

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  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 9

    Everyone froze.Mom stepped forward, face pale. "What did you just say?"A bitter laugh slipped out. "I said... I can't have kids. Ever. Joshua stole that from me. Tricked me into taking birth control—disguised as vitamins—for five whole years."Tears streamed down my face."Nadia!" Mom pulled me into her arms, sobbing like her heart was shattering. I caught a glimpse of Dad—face twisted with guilt. Even the relatives looked at me with sympathy.They left soon after, not even stopping by home—heading straight to the Merck estate.Once there, they laid it all out—every horrible thing Joshua had done—and demanded a divorce on the spot. No holding back. They even threatened to go public if he refused and cut off the Green-Merck partnership right then and there.Augusto was so furious he spat up blood and got rushed to the hospital. Joshua's parents were just as shaken and dragged him home, beating him so bad they broke three ribs.But my family didn't budge. One demand: Joshua had

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 8

    Shirley blasted everything online—even dropped videos of her and Joshua getting cozy.That's when it all clicked: every holiday—Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas—he was with her. All those times he said he was too busy working to come home? Yeah, right. He was with Shirley.I couldn't help but laugh—bitter and cold.Back then, every holiday, Joshua would wire a ton of cash to my friends and be like, "Just keep my wife happy—I'll cover it."My friends practically cried over how thoughtful he was, swearing they'd only marry a guy like him. Meanwhile, my perfect husband was off partying with his mistress while I spent every holiday alone. Oscar-worthy performance, honestly. No wonder my friends—and even my parents—backed him when I filed for divorce. He had everyone fooled.On her livestream, Shirley put on a whole sob story. "The one who isn't loved is the real mistress!"Joshua and I have always been in love—even if he was forced into a family marriage. I never gave up on h

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 7

    I couldn't help but smirk.Tough? Seriously?If getting chauffeured around, crashing at five-star hotels, and bossing people around counts as "tough," then sure. Meanwhile, I was stuck at home dodging hate and drowning in nasty comments from strangers.What a joke.I shot him a cold glare. "We're DONE. Instead of wasting time on me, maybe focus on Shirley, your family's savior. Pour all your energy into that mess."Joshua's face twisted. "Are you freaking nuts? You even hear yourself? Stop acting like a damn idiot!"Sean stepped in, eyes sharp. "Watch your tone."Joshua looked pissed but didn't budge. Yeah, right—like his spoiled ass would actually take on Sean.He switched gears fast. "Nadia, I know I messed up! Please forgive me! I swear it won't happen again! And you and this guy cheating on me? I'll let it slide."I scoffed. "Get it straight—I left the divorce papers at your place before I even left the country. I didn't cheat. Sean and I are together because we love each

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 6

    My expression darkened as I heard Dad's angry rant blasting through the phone.Typical. It's always like this.No matter what I do, my parents never have my back. They forced me into that stupid arranged marriage for the family's sake, and now—even after Joshua did something this awful—they still blame me.Why can't they just be on my side for once?I felt miserable. "I've decided to divorce Joshua. Nothing you say will change my mind."Mom's voice came through, all soft and coaxing. "Nadia, listen to me. Augusto already punished Joshua—made him kneel and demoted him three levels at Merck Corp."Plus, the Merck family promised only a child from you will inherit the family legacy. That other woman's kid? They're not acknowledging it."Just give Joshua another chance—we can't let the family alliance fall apart!"My nose burned, and tears slipped down my cheeks."All you ever care about is the family! What about me? Am I your daughter or just a tool for the alliance?" I shouted,

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 5

    The second I got off the plane, my phone lit up with a flood of messages from Joshua:[Nadia, are you out of your mind?][How could you make this public?][Did you even think about how this would affect me?][I will never agree to a divorce!][We promised to uphold the family alliance, and now you're dumping everything on me—Nadia, you're too cruel!]I skimmed through his little meltdown, then blocked his number without a second thought.Next, I opened the chat with my parents. They'd sent a ton of messages too, but I wasn't in the mood. I just shot back a quick 'I'm safe' text and powered off my phone.Stepping out of the airport, I spotted Sean right away—still looking just as sunny and handsome as the day he left Ardenburg."Nadia, you're finally here." He walked up, grabbed my suitcase, and wrapped me in a big hug.I let out a soft breath. "Sean, it's been a long time."His familiar scent hit me like a wave of comfort, and for the first time in forever, I felt at peace.

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 4

    After the fallout with Joshua, he got even more ridiculous. Barely showed up during the day and stayed out most nights.Didn't bother me. Honestly, it was better when he wasn't around.I kept busy. Filed my immigration paperwork. Packed up my stuff and shipped it in batches to Sean overseas.One day, just as I got back from the post office, I nearly ran into Joshua at the door."Nadia, I've got a surprise for you," he said, holding out a box.I glanced at it—inside was the bracelet I'd admired at last month's auction."Do you like it?"I nodded, already wondering if it'd be safe to ship something that expensive.Over dinner, he suddenly spoke up. "Nadia, next Monday's Grandma and Grandpa's fiftieth anniversary. Will you come with me?""Sure," I said, not even pausing to think.He looked shocked—like he hadn't expected me to say yes. "Nadia, I knew you were the best wife in the world!" He grinned.***Banquet day. Not only did my family roll in, but even some of Ardenburg's

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 3

    His lame excuse just made me feel hollow.Afraid I'd be hurt? Then why cheat?Worried about my feelings? Then why shove birth control down my throat?What a joke. Joshua Merck—the guy's got zero shame.I let out a bitter laugh, watching guilt squirm across his face.Seeing the guilt and unease on his face, I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "For years, I barely slept—stressed out, hair falling out in clumps—losing my mind over not having a baby. Do you have any idea what that did to me?"And you? You fed me birth control like it was nothing. Those hormones destroyed me—I can never have a baby now! You RIPPED AWAY my chance to be a mom just so SHIRLEY could have your kid. You're a MONSTER, Joshua."My heart tightened, and tears wouldn't stop streaming down my face. When the doctor told me the truth, it felt like my whole world shattered. Joshua crushed my dream of having a daughter.I hated him.I never wanted to see him again.I spun around and headed to the bedroom.

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 2

    Joshua sighed, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes. "Nadia, you know why we got married. It was for the family. Why get hung up on the details? Isn't this arrangement just fine?"I froze, caught off guard. He wasn't wrong.Years ago, Ardenburg popped up as this massive threat, pushing both Merck Corp and Green Corp to the brink. They had no choice but to team up, and marrying us off was part of the deal."For the future of Merck Corp and Green Corp, you two must get married! No discussion!"Our parents didn't leave room to argue. Joshua and Shirley's little fling got cut off, and I was forced to break up with Sean—my childhood sweetheart. They even yanked all financial support, leaving us broke. We barely lasted three months before giving in.When we walked out of the city hall, Joshua's face was stone cold. "This is all for the family. I don't love you—don't expect anything more."I knew his heart was still with his secretary, Shirley. But knowing he'd cheat and force me on

  • Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed   Chapter 1

    Shirley's message in the group chat blew up the whole company.[OMG, when did you and the boss get together?][Wow, already moving on to the next generation!][Congrats, congrats! Got my wedding gift ready!][Boss, you're impressive! You actually snagged the office sweetheart!]Messages kept pouring in. I just stared at the screen, feeling colder by the second.This was the Merck Corp group chat—executives and Joshua's close associates. He'd added me ages ago because his parents insisted.Even back then, it was just as chaotic. When people joked around, Joshua had typed:[Nadia's just a friend. I added her so she can learn more about finance and get some experience.]Then he turned to me with that casual shrug. "Our marriage is just a family alliance thing. There's a lot going on, so let's not make it public yet."I just nodded and stayed quiet.When people asked if they could hit on me, Joshua would joke:[That depends on your skills—just don't slack off at work!]Then Sh

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