All Chapters of Baby Dream Blocked, Ring Tossed: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

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

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

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,

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