Chapter 1

On the eve of our fifth wedding anniversary, my husband brought a pregnant woman into our home—just after I found out that I was ten weeks pregnant too.

That afternoon, I sat alone in the doctor's office, staring over and over at the tiny embryo in the ultrasound image.

The doctor said everything looked normal. I even bought a pair of baby socks, planning to tell Ethan over our anniversary dinner the next night.

When I arrived home, a white sedan was parked outside.

Ethan was helping a woman out of the car.

One hand rested protectively over the slight swell of her belly, while the other clung tightly to his arm.

"Easy, Sophie," he murmured. "The steps are slippery."

The care in his voice was a tenderness I hadn't received from him in a very long time.

The moment Sophie saw me, she released his arm, unease flashing across her face.

"Claire, I'm sorry. I didn't know you'd be home this early."

I ignored her and looked straight at Ethan. "I thought you said you had to work late tonight?"

"We wrapped up early." He avoided my gaze. "Something happened with Sophie, so I went to pick her up."

"So your company is a rescue center for pregnant women now? She got divorced. It's not like she doesn't have any friends!"

Ethan frowned. "Do you have to be so cruel the second you see her?"

Sophie hurried to explain for him. "This is my fault. The baby's father refuses to take responsibility, and my landlord is pressuring me to move out. I honestly didn't know who else to turn to."

"Then find a hotel, call a realtor, or go to the baby's father." I stood in the doorway without moving aside. "But this is my home, not an emergency shelter."

Her face went pale, and tears immediately welled in her eyes.

Ethan instinctively stepped in front of her.

"She's pregnant. Do you really have to push her like this?"

I pulled out my keys and hit the lock button on my key fob.

"If she's that fragile, you can take her to a hotel. I'll pay for one month. That's already more kindness than this ridiculous situation deserves."

"Claire!" His voice dropped. "Sophie isn't a stranger."

Watching him shield her, I suddenly felt as if the baby socks inside my shopping bag were scorching my hand.

"Right. She's not a stranger." I gave a cold laugh. "So I am?"

Ethan fell silent for a moment before softening his tone slightly. "She's only going through a difficult time. Didn't you used to think of her as a younger sister?"

"A sister doesn't go behind my back, run to my husband, and invite herself into my house."

Sophie's tears finally spilled over. "If you hate me this much, I'll leave right now."

She deliberately stumbled as she turned away.

Ethan immediately caught her and then looked up at me, his eyes filled with nothing but blame.

"That's enough. She almost miscarried today. The doctor said she can't handle any more stress."

My hand unconsciously moved to my still-flat stomach.

I had just come back from the hospital too.

I had a baby who needed protecting too.

But when I saw the look on Ethan's face, I suddenly didn't want to tell him anymore.

I stepped aside, but I didn't help them with any of the luggage.

"She can stay in the guest room for three days." I looked at Sophie. "Don't touch my things, and don't try to make yourself at home."

Ethan's expression turned completely cold.

He helped Sophie past me as though I were the one who had hurt her.

Only after stepping into the living room did he stop and inform me in a tone that left no room for argument:

"She'll be staying here for a while."