Chapter 1

After marrying Richard Stone, Olivia Keane endured five heartbreaking miscarriages, and it wasn't until the sixth pregnancy that she finally brought a son into the world.

Every ounce of Olivia's love was devoted to this child, Lucas Stone.

One day, as Olivia was dropping Lucas off at school like she always did, he suddenly spoke up.

"I'm going to marry Nina when I grow up," Lucas said.

Olivia asked, "Lucas, why would you say something like that?"

Olivia was at a loss for words. Nina had Down syndrome and needed help with everything. Plus, both kids were still so little. How could Lucas think of such a thing?

Lucas replied, "I heard Dad and Ms. Turner talking about it."

Grace Turner was Nina Turner's mom, and she was also the wife of Richard's former best friend, Michael Foster.

Olivia felt her anxiety rising. "What else did they say?"

Lucas replied, "Dad said he has feelings for Ms. Turner and that he'll protect her forever."

In that moment, it was like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over Olivia's head.

*****

Olivia forced herself to stay calm and kissed Lucas on the forehead.

She said, "They're lying to you."

Lucas looked up at her. "But Mom, am I really going to marry Nina when I grow up? I like my kindergarten friend, Yura."

Olivia felt a swirl of emotions; she gently kissed Lucas's forehead.

"Don't worry, Lucas. Mom will never force you to do anything you don't like," she said.

After dropping Lucas off at school, Olivia barely paused for breath before hurrying home; she went straight for the security cameras.

It was obvious someone had messed with the footage, but Olivia still managed to dig up a clip from a week earlier.

On the screen, Richard was lying on the bed, his back torn up and covered in bloody whip marks. His assistant was tending to his wounds.

The assistant asked, "Mr. Stone, is it really worth going through all this for Grace?"

Richard replied, "Ever since Michael died, Grace has been left alone with Nina. A single mom and her daughter like that are bound to get bullied. I have to get her out of Foster Manor."

The assistant said, "But stashing Grace in that villa out in the suburbs isn't really going to work. When your father found out, he lost it and whipped you ninety-nine times."

Olivia stared at the screen, her gaze locked on Richard sprawled across the bed, sweat dripping down his brow. He clenched his teeth, refusing to let out a single cry of pain.

Richard had always been a force of nature; no one could ever make him do anything against his will.

If Olivia hadn't witnessed it herself, she never would've believed that the man who claimed he was away on business a week ago had actually endured ninety-nine lashes for another woman.

The assistant asked, "What about Mrs. Stone? She's your lawful wife; aren't you afraid she'll be devastated if she finds out?"

Richard's brow furrowed, clearly reluctant to bring her up.

He said, "Don't you know I only married her to silence the rumors?

"Grace chose Michael back then, but people kept spreading rumors that there was something between her and me.

"I married Olivia, so Grace wouldn't have to deal with all the rumors and awkwardness. But fate really has a twisted sense of humor.

"Now that Michael's gone, I'll protect Grace and Nina, no matter the cost."

Olivia's heart turned to ice.

She staggered back, barely able to stand. All those years of love, all the hardships they had endured together, it was nothing but an act, all for another woman.

Then what was she to him? And what about their child?

Olivia screamed inside, her thoughts in turmoil.

But all she got in return was Richard's cold, distant stare.

The assistant said, "So, Mr. Stone, was this your plan ever since Grace had Nina, who has Down syndrome? Marrying Olivia, having a son with her, you take care of Grace, and Lucas is meant to look after Nina?"

Olivia felt her mind explode, icy dread rushing from her toes to her scalp.

But what Richard said next made her feel like she had fallen into an ice pit.

Richard said, "Yeah, Nina has Down syndrome. Grace and I can only protect her for a while, not for a lifetime. I wouldn't feel safe leaving her in someone else's hands, but if it's my own son, it's a whole different story.

"But I never expected Olivia to be so disappointing. She gave birth to five girls in a row."

In that instant, all the color drained from Olivia's face. What did he mean by that?

What did he mean, she had five daughters in a row? Didn't Richard always claim she was prone to miscarriages, that every child died before it could be born?

What was really going on here?

Olivia wanted to keep listening, but their conversation was suddenly interrupted when someone burst in through the door.

The newcomer said, "Mr. Stone, one of the five girls you sent away was recently abused to death."

Richard jolted upright, pain forgotten, and rushed out of bed.

Then the screen went completely fuzzy.

After watching the footage, Olivia crumpled to the floor, completely overwhelmed.

She felt like her whole life had been nothing but a cruel joke. She always thought she and Richard were a love match, perfect for each other, married with their parents' blessing.

But now, reality slapped her hard in the face.

Richard had only married her to cover up his feelings for another woman, and their children were nothing more than tools in his plan to protect someone else.

But what about her? And her daughters? Where were they now?

Like she had remembered something crucial, Olivia snatched up her phone in a panic and dialed frantically.

"I need you to check all my hospital records from the past ten years, especially the first five deliveries. I want everything uncovered," she said.

Olivia felt completely wiped out after the call, as all her energy had vanished.

She collapsed onto the floor, quietly crying. She had no idea how much time had passed before she finally grabbed her phone again.

Olivia said, "Get me a divorce agreement and a lawsuit ready. I'm done with Richard. I want out, and I'm taking him to court. "