Chapter 1

At the engagement party, just as I was about to slip the ring onto Chloe's finger, her childhood friend, Ryan, stepped forward, blocking my way with a stack of papers.

"Julian Sterling," Ryan declared, his voice firm. "You can marry Chloe, but first, sign this agreement."

"For three years, you cannot pressure Chloe to have children. If any negative rumors about Chloe arise, you must take full responsibility."

I stared at the "Family Planning Agreement" in his hand, not taking it. My gaze instead fell on Chloe's face.

"Is this your wish too?"

Chloe’s eyes flickered, avoiding mine. "While it wasn't my idea, I think Ryan is right. I'm not ready to have children so soon."

Seeing her defend Ryan so fiercely, I let out a bitter laugh.

So, she really was planning to have a child with Ryan first, to fulfill his critically ill father's last wish.

Being a doormat got me nowhere. I should just go back and accept the arranged marriage my family had set up.

After all, a woman like her wasn't worthy of being the mother of the Sterling Corporation's heir.