Chapter 2

But then, all of a sudden, the drop-dead gorgeous Vivian Clark was parachuted straight into the company as Edward's new secretary.

Edward had told me over and over that his love would never waver.

Only now do I realize it.

I had only been living in a dream he had woven for me.

One gentle poke, it tore open, revealing the rotten truth beneath.

I finally saw the true face of the man beside me.

I couldn't stop retching.

Edward's face changed, and he rushed to catch me. "Lily, what's wrong?"

Released, Vivian stumbled and looked at Edward with grievance in her eyes.

I turned aside to avoid his touch and wiped the tears from my eyes.

"Edward," I said, voice trembling, "if you had been upfront and told me you wanted a divorce and to marry someone else, I would've let you go.

"But why did you lie to me?

"You swore to me countless times that you'd love only me forever. Was your 'forever' only seven years?"

I couldn't take it anymore—I broke down, sobbing and yelling.

Everyone around me turned their looks of disdain on me.

My mother-in-law came rushing in, clamped down on my arm, and yanked me back.

"Lily, what are you playing at with my son?" she hissed.

"Are you expecting our family fortune to just be handed away when my son's gone?

"We've fed and sheltered you for seven years. If you had any sense, you would welcome Vivian into the family and take care of her, instead of making a scene with my son."

I hung my head, my hands shaking at my sides.

Edward rushed over and pulled me into his arms, his voice gentle and full of concern.

"Lily, I know this is hard for you to accept, but it's really just about the heir," he said, trying to comfort me. "My feelings for you haven't changed—you're still the one I care about most.

"You've always been looking for a kid, haven't you? When this baby is born, I'll have them call you Mom—one day, they'll be there to take care of us when we're old, okay?"

I let out a cold, mocking laugh.

Before I could speak, Vivian grasped my hand and slowly knelt.

"Lily," she choked out, "I'm not trying to steal Edward away from you. I just don't want my baby to be born fatherless."

She cried her heart out, looking so pitiful and pure that she could soften even the hardest heart.

In contrast, I became the villain, tearing the lovers apart.

Seeing Vivian's tears, I suddenly felt like laughing.

"Vivian," I sneered, dripping with sarcasm. "Your baby is practically royalty—how could I possibly let you and your little prince suffer?"

Edward's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly bent down to help Vivian back on her feet.

"Vivian, hurry up and thank Lily!" he grinned, overflowing with excitement. "I'll help you move later, and you'll be living with us in the downtown villa."

I watched the two of them, excitement written all over their faces.

I slowly took out the divorce agreement I had prepared long ago.

"Well, go ahead and get everything settled," I said in a flat tone. "From now on, this house and this man are yours."

Edward's excitement faded away, leaving only cold disappointment on his face.

He stared at me in disbelief. "Lily, are you seriously going to keep making a scene?"

I let out a bitter laugh.

Even now, he still thinks I'm just overreacting.

Stubbornly, I held out the divorce papers.

Edward faced me in silence. After a tense moment, he reached out and took the divorce papers.

Without breaking eye contact, he tore the divorce papers into pieces.

"I'm taking Vivian to her prenatal appointment today. You should go home and cool off," he said flatly.

Then he carefully escorted Vivian out, holding her close.

My in-laws shot me a frosty, dismissive glance, let out a derisive snort, and walked away.

Silence settled once more.

I slid down the wall, drained of all strength.

The emotions I had long suppressed surged out like a flood.

After crying, I felt somewhat relieved.

The cold wind brushed my cheeks, and my heart suddenly calmed.

I took out my phone and dialed a number I had never called.

"Ryan," I said, keeping my voice steady, "I need you to look into Vivian Clark."

There was a pause on the other end, and then Ryan's voice came through, sounding a bit rough. "Vivian Clark?"

I gave a quiet confirmation and sent him Vivian's photo. "Thanks, Ryan."