Chapter 3

A few days later, the Hayes family hosted a corporate gala. As Mrs. Hayes, I had no choice but to force a smile and socialize. Marcus stayed by my side, playing the part of an affectionate husband, but his gaze constantly drifted to a corner of the room. Chloe sat there, Leo nestled close to her, forming a bond that no outsider could penetrate.

Midway through the evening, feeling a bit tired, I headed to the terrace for some fresh air. Just as I reached the edge of the pool, Leo, who I hadn't noticed following me, appeared behind me.

I turned around. His face held a hatred and coldness utterly unsuited for his age.

“Vivian Reed.”

He called me by my first name for the first time, his voice sharp and cruel.

“My mom is back. This family doesn’t need you anymore. Why aren’t you leaving?”

I looked at his face, contorted by fury, and felt only weariness mixed with a chilling disappointment.

“Leo, do you know what you’re saying?”

“Of course, I do!” He suddenly became agitated, taking a step forward and pushing me hard! “You took my dad! And now you’re trying to bully my mom! I hate you! Get out of my house!”

I was caught off guard, my high heel twisted, and I tumbled backward!

*Splash!* The icy pool water instantly enveloped me.

A sharp, agonizing pain shot through my lower abdomen. I could feel a warm, uncontrolled gush of fluid beneath me. Gasps and commotion erupted around us.

Marcus quickly heard the noise and jumped into the pool, pulling me out. I was soaked, shivering violently. My hands instinctively clutched my lower abdomen, the pain so intense I could barely speak.

“Vivian! Are you okay?” Marcus’s voice was urgent, laced with a hint of panic. He wrapped his jacket around me.

I gripped his arm, my voice broken.

“Marcus… the baby…”

I was pregnant. I had only found out yesterday, and I planned to tell him once the pregnancy was stable.

Just then, Chloe rushed over. Marcus’s gaze was drawn to her. She grabbed the equally stunned Leo, weeping dramatically, her voice even louder than my faint moans.

“Marcus, Leo didn’t mean it…”

“It’s my fault, all my fault for coming back and upsetting Vivian. The child just acted on impulse…”

She hugged Leo tightly, as if I were some terrifying monster.

“Leo is so scared, he’s so small, he was just so upset…”

Marcus looked at the sobbing Chloe and Leo, then at my pale face. The brief flicker of panic and shock in his eyes was replaced by irritation and disappointment. He cut me off before I could finish speaking, his voice cold and stern.

“Vivian, Leo is still young. He didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Can’t you… just be a little more understanding?”