Chapter 1

Seven years of love, and Ethan forced me to donate a kidney and become a surrogate for his true love. He even abandoned me when I was dying.

I smiled, removed my wedding ring, and chose his exiled, unhinged uncle, Adrian Blackwood.

Everyone said I was courting death.

Until the wedding day, when Ethan was dragged off to prison and the Blackwood empire changed hands.

The man he once looked down on wrapped an arm around my waist and announced to the hall:

"Let me reintroduce myself. I'm the new head of the Blackwood family and her husband."

Nina's POV

I've always had a sharp eye for men, the same killer instinct I use in venture capital.

After seven years together, Ethan Blackwood and I weren't just perfectly in sync at the negotiation table. In bed, we fit together seamlessly.

Especially tonight. The usually restrained and ascetic Blackwood Group CEO seemed determined to devour me whole.

From the floor-to-ceiling windows to the bathroom, and finally to that thoroughly disheveled king-sized bed. The air was thick with the lingering traces of our passion.

By the time dawn broke over the horizon, I was completely spent and begged for mercy. Only then did this marathon finally come to an end.

Afterward, Ethan threw on a bathrobe and efficiently cleaned me up, his expression returning to that noble, detached look he wore during business hours.

I leaned against the headboard, watching this man who controlled my family's lifeline.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, straight spine. The way he lit his cigarette was elegant and cold, as if the man who'd been gasping in my ear moments ago was someone else entirely.

I suppressed the ache in my body and habitually reached for my birth control pills.

Just as I popped one out of the pack, a large hand clamped down on my wrist.

Ethan's voice still carried the hoarseness of aftermath, but his words were cold as ice.

"Let's have a baby."

My fingers froze. I looked up at him.

"Our prenup was clear. No children before the IPO."

Ethan's gaze wasn't even on me.

"Isabella's back."

Isabella White. Ethan's precious girl-next-door. His savior.

Ethan continued.

"Her health is poor. The doctor says she'll have difficulty conceiving. The Blackwood family needs an heir, and I need to give Isabella closure."

A sharp pain pierced my chest. I understood his subtext perfectly.

"So Mr. Blackwood wants to borrow my womb to give your beloved a child?"

"Don't make it sound so ugly."

Ethan frowned, clearly displeased with my phrasing.

"You'll still be Mrs. Blackwood. I'll extend your family's debt another five years. The child will be registered under your name, but Isabella will participate in raising them. You know she's kind and loves children."

I stared at the man before me, unable to speak.

Seven years of my youth-I could've fed it to a dog and at least gotten a tail wag in return.

But in Ethan's eyes, I was nothing more than a well-bred incubator.

Even our seven years as bed partners was only because I was useful.

I set down the pill and smiled.

"Fine."

Ethan looked momentarily stunned.

I met his eyes directly.

"But I want the West Bay project restarted, and I want veto power."

That was my father's dying regret.

Ethan studied me for two seconds, then his expression relaxed.

"Deal. We'll sign a supplementary agreement tomorrow."

As long as it was about profit, I'd agree to anything.

Just then, Ethan's private phone on the nightstand vibrated.

He answered, his expression softening.

A girl's tearful voice came through the speaker.

"Ethan, it's thundering outside. I'm scared..."

"Don't be afraid, Isabella. Take your medicine. I'll be right there."

While soothing her, Ethan buttoned his shirt and grabbed his car keys, heading for the door.

At the doorway, he seemed to remember I was still in the room.

He paused slightly, though he didn't turn around, simply tossing out a sentence.

"Cover for me with Grandfather. Once I've calmed her down, I'll go with you to try on wedding dresses next week."

The door slammed shut. The luxury car drove away.

I swallowed the birth control pill and placed an overseas call.

"Adrian, I don't want to give Ethan that undisclosed maritime route."

"If you dare come back and crash the wedding, it's yours as my wedding fund."