Chapter 2

My parents must never have expected their always-obedient daughter to talk back. They just stared at me, completely stunned and at a loss for words.

The Lane family only considered picking an officer's daughter from a lesser family because a prophecy claimed I was blessed with exceptional, lifelong luck. Only my good fortune could protect Henry and ensure he lived a long life.

Sophia twisted her dress in her hands, her voice trembling. "Lillian, I didn't want to have to say this... but you were the one who told me you're in love with someone else.

"I only agreed to marry Henry because I couldn't stand seeing you so heartbroken. Henry and I are married now. If you try to undo this, what will people say about me? My life will be over."

The moment the words left her mouth, the crowd's stares grew sharper, full of scorn.

"A young lady from a good family, and she'd stoop so low?"

"No wonder she showed up to ruin the wedding. Any decent girl would have wept at home in private."

"She's already in love with another man, and she still has the nerve to demand Henry?"

Just as Sophia made a show of hurting herself, Henry pulled her back, swearing he would never take me as his wife.

A triumphant smile tugged at Sophia's lips.

I was just trying to use this whole drama to distance myself from my parents and Henry. But I never thought Sophia would publicly smear my reputation like this. Well, if she wanted to play dirty, she'd got it coming.

I sneered, "Sophia, I've noticed you've been gagging and craving special foods lately. If you can spout baseless accusations about another guy and me, should I assume you've already slept with someone and are carrying his child?"

Sophia's face went white as a sheet, and Henry's brows drew together in a tight frown.

"Whether I'm seeing someone is just a rumor you made up," I continued coldly. "But whether you're pregnant? Any doctor here can check your pulse and tell us. So, is there a doctor present? If I'm wrong, I'll beg Sophia for forgiveness."

An old man raised his hand and said, "I'm happy to help."

Sophia instantly panicked and instinctively moved to hide behind Henry.

Just as the old doctor was about to step forward to check Sophia's pulse, Mason roared, "Stop making a fuss here."

The old doctor hurriedly retreated to his place.

Mason's piercing gaze swept across the room. His mere presence, forged in the fires of countless battles, was enough to silence everyone without a word. The whole place went dead quiet in an instant.

Mason's voice was commanding and resolute. "Today, I don't care about secret engagements or pregnancies. My son will only marry the true daughter of the Wynn family."

With that, he turned and locked his eyes on Sophia, who was cowering behind Henry. "Since you're just a relative of the Wynn family, go join the party with the other guests."

Sophia's tears streamed down her face, looking pitiful as she clung to Henry's arm, barely able to stand.

Henry begged, desperation in his voice, "Father, I'll never marry anyone but Sophia. If I can't be with the woman I love, then what's the point of living? I'd rather die."

Mason pressed a hand to his chest, his face livid with fury. "You brat!"

My father gritted his teeth and bowed to Mason. "General Lane, let me explain this. This rumor's wrong. Sophia isn't adopted. She's actually our daughter."

My mother's eyes flickered, and she hurriedly agreed, "That's right. Sophia is the real daughter of the Wynn family, and Lillian is just a foundling we took in."

Sophia let out a sigh of relief.

Henry knew the truth better than anyone, but he just kept his mouth shut, lips pressed tight.

My father explained, "My wife's sister adored Sophia when she was born, so she took her in for a few years. We only brought her home when she turned two. Otherwise, why on earth would a distant cousin have our last name?

"As for Lillian, she's simply the daughter of an old friend. She's only been staying with us only for a short while. Anyone on the street can tell you that."