chapter 1

When I, Ava Wilson, was 18, I got stabbed three times trying to save James Carter from a fight. And I spent half a year in the hospital and missed my SAT.

At 20, I worked three jobs a day just to pay for James's tuition—no breaks, no rest.

At 24, I was pregnant but still running around, drinking with clients to land him a deal. And it caused a miscarriage, and I couldn't get pregnant again.

Back then, James held me close and said he didn't need kids—he'd love me forever.

At 25, we got married.

Less than a year later, he brought another woman, Evelyn Johnson, home.

That same day, I asked for a divorce. He held me, sobbing uncontrollably. "Ava, don't leave me. I can't live without you. Evelyn's pregnant, but I swear, I just wanted a child. Once she gives birth, I'll send her away.

"You can be the baby's mom, okay?"

Out of love for what we had, I forgave him.

But as Evelyn got bolder, and James kept giving in, I got tired.

......

"James, let's get divorced." I handed him the divorce papers I'd prepared in advance.

No flinch, not even a blink.

James frowned immediately, clearly annoyed. "Ava, what now? Didn't I say? Once the baby's born, she's out.

"You seriously gonna get jealous over this?"

See? That was the change.

He used to soothe me patiently. Now he couldn't even pretend to care.

I swallowed my sadness and said, "I know you wanted a kid. I'll get the divorce and step out of your life. Isn't that better—"

"Don't say another word!" James yanked me into his arms, holding me tight.

He was holding so tight that it felt like he could crush me.

His voice trembled. "Ava, you know I can't live without you. After all these years together, how can we just end it like that?

"This is my fault. Just hang on a little longer, okay? Once the baby's born, she's gone for sure."

"Really?" I asked.

I couldn't tell how much of that was real or fake.

But once again, I couldn't stop falling for him.

"Sir! Miss Johnson drank the chicken soup this morning, and now her stomach is in unbearable pain. She's rolling on the floor!

"You'd better check on her, sir!"

"Can't you see I'm talking to Ava? Get out!" James yelled outside.

And then he looked at me, loyal as ever. "Ava, relax. Nobody's gonna disturb us today."

I should admit that he hid it pretty well.

Even so, I still noticed the worry that lingered in his eyes.

"You should go check. What if something really happened?" I said.

"Really?" he asked, testing me.

"Yeah." I nodded.

With that, he wasted no time. He pulled me from his arms and walked out of the room without looking back, leaving no trace of hesitation.

When I stepped out, he walked past me, holding Evelyn, who was drenched in sweat, without even looking at me, and strode into the room.

Then I heard him yelling inside, "Are you all useless?! Hurry up and call the family doctor!"