Chapter 2

The real blow came a week later.

I was in the lab, analyzing a set of key data. I'd poured two years of my life into this research, and I was about to make a breakthrough.

Suddenly, the lab door was pushed open, and Edward strode in with a group of people. Leading the way was the internationally renowned pediatric neurologist, Professor Eiden Smith.

"Evelyn, clear out your data and equipment. The lab's being requisitioned for now," Edward said, his tone brooking no argument.

I shot to my feet, glaring at him. "What did you say?"

"Lucas needs the best environment and the top team," Edward said, shooting a fawning glance at Eiden. "I've brought in the leading experts from all over the world to work on his case. Your lab has the best equipment and environment."

"This is my lab," I snapped, my voice shaking with anger. "Every single piece of data here is crucial to my project. You can't—"

"Your project?" Edward cut me off, his eyes full of contempt. "A money pit that never produces anything? Evelyn, don't forget: I'm the one who funded this lab. I can let whoever I want use it. Your research can wait."

"Wait?" I laughed in anger. "Edward, this is my life's work. It's not some toy you can toss aside whenever you feel like it."

"I'll treat it like a toy anyway," Edward snapped, losing all patience. He nodded to the bodyguards behind him. "Show Mrs. Hawthorne the door. Don't let her hold up the experts."

Two bodyguards in black stepped up, grabbing me by my arms. I struggled and watched as the experts donned sterile suits and operated the equipment I cherished. They were discussing how to transform everything I worked on into a kid's ward.

My research data, lab logs, and everything else were shoved into a corner like worthless garbage that no one would glance at.

Eiden approached me with a hint of sympathy. "Mrs. Hawthorne, please try to see things from a father's perspective."

I looked at him, and suddenly, the whole situation felt absurd. Father? I doubted Edward deserved to be one.

I was "escorted" out of the lab, the door slamming shut behind me coldly. I leaned against the icy wall, my whole body trembling.

This place was my sanctuary, the only place where my soul felt at home. Now, for a child whose origins were unclear, Edward had trampled over it without a shred of mercy.

Edward was not only stripping me of my role as his wife but also destroying my career and everything I had. He really left me with no choice.

Humiliation and rage coiled around my heart like poisonous vines, squeezing the air from my lungs. I stumbled back to my room in a daze, my stomach churning.

Lately, I'd always been sleepy, feeling sick, and super sensitive to smells.

Suddenly, a crazy and terrifying thought hit me.

My period was already over two weeks late.

My heart skipped a beat. I rushed into the bathroom, digging through my bag for the backup pregnancy test I'd stashed away. When two clear red lines appeared, my world went blank for a second and crashed down. I was pregnant.

When I was ready to break free from this prison, when I'd lost all hope in Edward, I found out I was carrying his child.

I covered my mouth, retching silently as tears streamed down my face. This wasn't an unexpected blessing. It was the cruelest irony that life could throw at me.

I had no idea what to do. Should I tell Edward?

Should I tell him that we had a child together? Would he change his mind because of it? Would he kick Olivia and her child out?

A tiny spark of hope, like a flickering flame in the darkness, ignited in my heart.

I booked a hospital check-up right away and got the ultrasound report as fast as I could. The report showed I was eight weeks pregnant, and the baby's heartbeat was strong.

I stared at that tiny black-and-white photo and at the faint sign of life. An unfamiliar gentleness welled up inside me. This was my baby.

With trembling hands, I snapped a picture of the ultrasound report and pulled up Edward's chat on WhatsApp.

When I was about to hit send, I heard Lucas's sharp cries from downstairs, mixed with Olivia's frantic calls.

"Edward, come. Lucas is having another episode," Olivia shouted.

Somehow, I found myself standing by the railing on the second floor, looking down.

In the living room, Lucas's small body was writhing in pain on the couch, his face bright red, his breathing fast. Edward rushed over, holding Lucas in his arms, his face filled with a panic and desperation I'd never seen on him.

"Don't be scared. Daddy's here," Edward murmured, pressing his cheek to Lucas's forehead, his voice hoarse but gentle as he kept repeating, "It's okay, Lucas. Daddy's right here with you."

Olivia stood off to the side, eyes red, her hand gripping Edward's arm. The three of them held onto each other like a real family in the middle of the storm.

At that moment, the tenderness and deep care in Edward's eyes felt like the sharpest blade, cutting through my heart.

I've known him for five years and been his wife for three. He spoiled me and tried to control me, but he'd never once shown me that raw, genuine affection.