Chapter 1

My name was Sophia Lane. After our third time having sex tonight, Edward Graham, still out of breath, wrapped me in his arms, clearly not done yet.

He then proposed, "Honey, how about we hold off on having kids after we tie the knot? Maybe we could adopt Lucas instead."

Considering his insatiable nature, I just brushed it off as a joke, assuming he was reluctant to leave our cozy two-person world.

However, an unexpected eavesdrop on his phone call made me realize his words were no laughing matter but a carefully laid plan.

"Dad, don't worry! I've already talked to Sophia. We're putting off getting a marriage license for now. As soon as Lena and Lucas touch down this afternoon, I'll head to City Hall with them."

This left me scratching my head. Could it be that his visit to the City Hall was to adopt Lucas? But then again, the City Hall didn't handle such adoption-related affairs.

"I'll bond with Lucas. If he's up for living with me, with our ace lawyer on board, getting custody will be a walk in the park," he added.

Lucas was the child Edward's older brother left behind when he passed away, and Lena was his brother's girlfriend.

As these facts pieced together in my mind, it felt like a thunderbolt had hit me.

I staggered into the elevator in a daze. Once I reached the ground floor, I fished out my phone.

"Emily, is that cooperation deal with your cousin still valid? I'll bring my contest entry to meet him in three days."

*****

"Three days? But aren't you supposed to get married?" Emily blurted out, totally thrown off.

"The wedding... it's off," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

After hanging up, I booked a flight to Rivergate City leaving in three days.

When I got back upstairs, Edward was fixing his tie in front of the mirror. He looked sharp in his suit, with a satisfied look on his face.

"I'm heading to the airport to pick up Lena and Lucas.

"Lucas can't stand hotels, so let's set up the master bedroom for Lena and her son. We'll move to the guest room.

"Also, get dinner ready. Lena prefers light-flavored food. She loves grilled salmon and green bean casserole. Little Noah has a soft spot for barbecue ribs, but go easy with honey; don't make them too sweet," he said.

I'd been with Edward for three years, and I knew Lena, but I had no idea Edward knew her this well.

As I listened to him lay out all those plans so effortlessly, my heart turned cold.

He probably remembered everything I liked in bed, but did he ever bother to remember anything about me outside the bedroom?

I didn't respond. After he left all excited, I went straight to ordering takeout.

I dug through the drawer where we kept our documents and found mine, along with most of his—but his ID card was missing.

By the time Edward came back with Lena and Lucas, I'd already plated up the takeout and set the table.

Lena showed up in an elegant white dress, holding onto a lively little boy with chubby cheeks. She flashed me a polite smile. "Ms. Lane, sorry for intruding."

I managed a smile and greeted her, "Hi, Lena."

Lucas pulled away from Lena and immediately wrapped himself around Edward's leg.

"Dad! Your place is huge! Can I go explore?" Lucas asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

At his words, my smile froze in place.

Edward picked Lucas up affectionately. "Of course! Dad will show you around!"

Lena smiled and explained, "Lucas has always been close to his uncle, so he just calls Edward 'Dad' out of habit." I was the only one who felt out of place.

During dinner, Lena took a bite of the green bean.

"Ms. Lane, your cooking is wonderful—it's as good as any restaurant.

"Lucas hasn't had much of an appetite lately, but he loves meatloaf. Ms. Lane, since you're such a good cook, could you make some for him tomorrow?" Lena asked.

I set my fork down and met her gaze. "I don't know how to cook that, but I can order takeout for you."

Lena's smile faded a bit. "Never mind, I won't bother you then."

She turned to Edward and started reminiscing about their past—from childhood through high school and college.

Their private jokes and laughter felt like an invisible barrier, keeping me on the outside.

So that was how close they were.

Lucas got excited at the dinner table, insisting that Edward take him to the amusement park tomorrow.

Edward hesitated, since the wedding rehearsal was supposed to be tomorrow.

"Dad's busy, Lucas. Mommy will take you," Lena said softly, trying to comfort him.

Edward saw the disappointment on Lucas' face and quickly changed his tune. "Alright, Dad will take you tomorrow."

He then looked over at me. "Sophie, the rehearsal's just for show. Why don't you go on your own?"

I nodded, playing the part of the outsider—like I didn't even belong here.

Why not? Guess I'd just go and call off the wedding myself.