Chapter 1

On my wedding day, I was in a car accident and lost my baby. My boyfriend Ethan didn't show up.

Later, he looked at me with complete indifference: "Yasmine is sick. Once she recovers, I'll marry you."

Everyone thought I would forgive him like I always had.

But the night the wedding was canceled, I agreed to the arranged marriage my family had set up.

The man I was marrying was Ethan's uncle.

Five years later, my husband came back with me to pay respects to my mother.

He had to leave on urgent business and asked Ethan to host a welcome banquet for me.

At the manor entrance, the moment Ethan saw me, his eyes burned with intensity, though his tone was ice-cold: "You've made a scene long enough.

Finally come to your senses?

I'll give you a chance---come back to me. Yasmine doesn't want children, so you can do IVF for her."

The person my husband sent to pick me up was my ex-boyfriend from five years ago---Ethan, who had gotten his marriage certificate with my father's illegitimate daughter.

"Lena! Is that you?"

Ethan was the first to recognize me.

The others looked over too, exclaiming in surprise when they realized it was me.

"Ethan, you were right after all. Just crook your finger and Lena comes running back like a dog."

"Well, well, what a move."

Ethan smirked, though his expression remained casual. "She probably heard that Yasmine wants a child now, so she rushed back to volunteer herself.

Can't have me, but she'll settle for the chance to raise my kids."

Everyone froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"That's our Lena---world champion bootlicker."

"She disappeared without a word back then.

We thought she'd finally grown a spine, but turns out she was just on standby."

"Though, I have to say, Lena, if you're planning to be a surrogate, you could at least dress up a bit, you know?"

"That dress you're wearing? Hideous. Nothing like Yasmine."

"People who don't know better might think you're the cleaning lady."

They laughed and joked, their exaggerated smiles unable to hide the contempt in their eyes.

But it made sense, really.

Five years ago, every time they saw me, I had to dress exactly like Yasmine according to Ethan's demands.

Long dress, long hair, and those ridiculously high heels---not missing a single detail.

All I ever got in return was Ethan's mockery.

But now? I didn't need to do that anymore.

Because I was married and had just given birth.

My husband was Ethan's uncle, who lived abroad.

The plain-colored robe covering me from head to toe was custom-made by a royal craftsman because my husband was worried about me catching a chill.

Apparently, they not only couldn't recognize quality when they saw it, they also didn't know that the person they were supposed to welcome today was me.

Seeing my silence, someone stepped forward to smooth things over: "Since Lena's back, let's just let bygones be bygones.

Lena, you don't know this, but after you left, Ethan was really torn up about it.

He got drunk at the bar for days..."

Embarrassment flashed across Ethan's face, but he quickly put on an act of nonchalance.

"Yasmine and I want a child. Since you're back, come with me tomorrow to do IVF."

Ethan lifted his chin confidently, though his eyes couldn't help stealing glances at me.

He was as self-centered as ever.

But I wasn't the naive little girl from three years ago who would fall apart without love.

Seeing him again, all I felt besides surprise was hatred for this bastard.

I rubbed my temples, about to reveal my identity.

Then Yasmine suddenly spoke:

"Are you still angry with me? I really didn't know the miscarriage would hurt you so much.

But now that you're back, Ethan and I will definitely make it up to you.

Once you're pregnant with mine and Ethan's child, I'll keep a maid's room ready for you at home. After you give birth, it'll be convenient for you to take care of us.

Though before the IVF, you should probably get a full medical checkup.

After all, things are so chaotic abroad---we have no idea what you might have gotten up to these past five years..."

Five years later, she was still as disgusting as ever.

Seeing me frown, Ethan thought I was jealous.

His eyebrows arched smugly: "Yasmine has a point. Having a baby is a big deal.

How about this, Lena---I'll take you for a full physical tomorrow, genetic screening too.

If everything checks out, I'll get you an appointment with the doctor right away.

Oh, and you probably don't have money, right? Here's two hundred bucks, consider it a down payment."

He pulled out his wallet and counted out two crisp bills.

The people around couldn't hold back their laughter.

"Lena, five years gone and you've gotten even cheaper than before."

"Ethan, don't give her two hundred---just toss her a couple coins and she'll be satisfied."

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and thank Ethan."

The familiar words reminded me of the past.

At 3 AM, when I ran from the north end to the south end of the city to bring them hot chocolate.

They were exactly like this then too.

Giggling as they pulled out two movie tickets from their pockets and threw them on the ground.

Then with fake sincerity: "Thanks for going to all that trouble, Lena. You’re the best."

Yasmine tucked her hair behind her ear, sighing dramatically: "Looks like my sister really has had a rough time these years. In that case, I won't be stingy either.

After you give birth to mine and Ethan's child, I'll definitely give you a really generous gift. I won't let you down."

Ethan's eyes softened, as if he was moved.

"Yasmine, you're so kind. Not like her---losing one baby, it's not like she can't have more.

And she had the nerve to throw a tantrum and run off abroad for five years.

Just like her mom, so petty."

Hearing this, my heartbeat skipped.

My father had an affair while my mother was pregnant and had Yasmine with his mistress.

After my mother died, Yasmine's mother moved in right after the funeral.

Later, my wedding was canceled and I lost my baby.

During those days in the hospital, Ethan never showed up once.

From that moment, I realized Ethan was rotten.

That boy who got into fights for me, wincing in pain but still quietly comforting me not to cry.

That boy who defied his family for me and walked with me through every street and alley.

That boy who knelt at my mother's grave and swore he'd treat me well forever.

Without me noticing, he had disappeared long ago.

Pulling myself back to the present, I shook my head. The past felt incredibly foreign.

After all, I had already gotten married.

And soon, my second child would be a month old.