The gynecology department wasn’t particularly unusual, but Renee immediately noticed a familiar silhouette among the women passing by: Annie. Even though she was bundled up tightly, that distinctive figure was unmistakable to Renee, even across lifetimes. What was Annie doing at the gynecologist’s office?“Renee, are you okay?” Linda called out, pulling her back to the present.“Yes, I’m fine. I’m coming,” Renee replied, quickly catching up to her. When she glanced back, Annie had already disappeared from sight.Linda pointed to the staircase. “This way to the upper floors.”Nodding, Renee helped Linda up the stairs, though her mind was elsewhere. Could Annie just be passing through the gynecology hallway for convenience?Once they reached the upper floor, Renee found a spot for Linda to sit and wait for her check-up. The specialist at this hospital was a friend of Linda’s and someone she trusted deeply. Despite the many options for private care, Linda preferred to wait rather tha
"Huh? I..." Renee blinked, startled, before she realized the doctor had mistaken her for someone else."Early pregnancy symptoms, a bit of spotting—make sure to rest and be mindful of your diet.""No, Doctor, I—" she tried to explain."Alright, next," the doctor interrupted, waving her off. The next patient had already started to enter, so Renee just let it go and hurried out.As she turned to leave, she collided with someone. "Sorry," she muttered, lowering her head to apologize. But as she tried to walk away, her wrist was suddenly grabbed tightly."You lied to me? You're pregnant."The usually calm and collected voice was now laced with anger. Renee looked up, stunned to see Carl in front of her.What was he doing here? Was he with Annie? But Annie had come for an abortion, not a check-up. Before she could sort out her thoughts, his grip tightened, making her wince."Let go. That hurts. I’m not pregnant," she managed to say.Carl narrowed his eyes but loosened his grip a bi
"I... She's pregnant! I feel like I've been completely played. That woman even tricked me into getting her a mental health certification!" Chris practically shrieked, realizing he'd been duped by Renee."Enough," Carl interrupted, holding the phone away from his ear impatiently.Chris quickly shifted gears. "For a potential miscarriage, the most important thing is rest, and she should be careful with her diet. She absolutely can't overexert herself.""Alright.""So what's your plan? Given her situation... When that rumor broke out, if she had admitted to that night with you, you could've easily married her with public support. Even your father couldn't have objected. But she refused. Tell me honestly, when you were so eager to help your father pressure her to confess back then, you had your own agenda, didn't you?" Chris chuckled mischievously.Carl lowered his gaze. "Goodbye.""Hey, being in denial won't work! You need to show your good qualities!" Chris shouted."I already hav
Renee surveyed the vast round table, remembering the last time she'd sat here—facing off against Annie and her mother in a heated confrontation. At the head of the table, Michael sat in his crisp suit with a slightly stern expression. Out of respect, Renee greeted him with a polite, "Good afternoon, sir."He waved his hand dismissively. "Sit down and eat."Renee eyed the table laden with seafood, swallowing hard. But with Michael present, she carefully selected the beef in front of her, opting not to indulge in the seafood. She reminded herself that she wasn't just representing herself; she was here for Susanne too. Knowing Susanne's position in the Grey household, she had to be mindful of her actions.Just then, Susanne piled a serving of seafood onto her plate—sashimi, scallops, and a generous bowl of lobster bisque. Susanne whispered casually, "Eat up now. Later, I'll get you some black truffle risotto, crab cakes, and grilled prawns."Renee nodded gratefully, mouthing a silent
In the bathroom, Renee leaned over the sink, vomiting until her stomach was empty. After rinsing her mouth three times with fruit-flavored mouthwash, she still tasted bitterness. As she stepped out, a figure blocked her way.“Move,” she said, feeling drained.Carl stood there, watching her. “Are you feeling unwell anywhere else?”Renee found his concern almost laughable. “Are you only acting this way because you think I'm pregnant? Have you forgotten you once said if I ever got pregnant, I should get rid of it?”Carl’s expression darkened. Renee recalled Michael’s warnings and how he treated her daughter, Sarah, in her past life. Since Star was an unwanted girl, Michael had refused to acknowledge her as part of the Grey family. When Annie returned with a son, the internet buzzed with stories of how Michael adored his eldest grandson, claiming that he was Carl’s only child. Everyone had ridiculed Renee and her daughter, alleging that all her scheming had been for nothing.Now, Mich
An inexplicable feeling crept over Annie, making her believe that this child could be her key to everything she ever wanted. Yet, for reasons she couldn’t comprehend, those things she thought were within reach now seemed to be slipping away. With a sense of defeat, she meticulously prepared for her visit to the Grey family estate, thinking that if she could secure Carl’s affection today, an early birth by a month wouldn’t seem suspicious.But she hadn’t expected to overhear such shocking news.Her hand, resting on her lower abdomen, tightened until pain radiated through her body. It was clear now that this child wouldn’t stay. Carl wasn’t going to be with her today; that much was certain. In that case, Renee’s child would have to accompany hers in their downfall. Then, Carl would have no reason not to marry Renee under Michael’s orders.Annie let go of her belly and touched up her makeup with a powder compact. Then, she removed her earrings and placed them in a small jewelry box she
Renee had imagined countless scenarios, even considering that Annie might try to blame her for a miscarriage, painting her as the villain. But she hadn't expected Annie to push her straight into the icy waters of the lake.The Grey family's man-made lake was deep, and in an instant, Renee was submerged in the bone-chilling water. She struggled, reaching for help, but the freezing water rushed into her mouth, silencing her cries. Just as she began to believe this was the end, she heard Annie's panicked shouts."Help! Renee fell in the lake!" Annie's cries quickly drew a crowd.But by then, Renee's coat had soaked up the water, weighing her down as she sank further. Her strength waned, and she could feel herself slipping under. Suddenly, she felt strong arms pulling her up, lifting her onto the bank. She choked on the water she'd inhaled, her vision blurry, but she could make out the face of the man holding her.It was Carl.He leaned over her, his wet hair dripping as he stared at
Susanne's body was damaged after giving birth to Renee, leaving her unable to have more children.Michael's oldest child only had one son, Travis. The second daughter-in-law couldn't have any more children, and if Carl married someone who couldn't bear children, how could he possibly agree?Noticing Renee's gaze, Annie instinctively covered her stomach.This gesture struck Renee as odd.In her past life, Annie had run away pregnant because Renee had married Carl first.But now, there was no obstacle between them. If Annie announced her pregnancy, their marriage would be a natural progression.Why wasn't Annie keeping this child or even daring to reveal the slightest hint of it?"Renee, I know you're hurting, but it's okay. The worst is yet to come. Carl said he'd marry me after the partnership is signed.""See? I told you, no matter what happens, he'll always choose me. You're just a free distraction."Annie let out a mocking laugh, then turned and left the room after her boas