Chapter 1

For seven years, Peter Hensley and I kept our marriage a secret. During that time, I'd been pregnant five times. Every single one ended in a stillbirth.

Peter cared deeply about my health, so he hired a top nutritionist to adjust my diet and take care of my nutrition.

He always reassured me that we would have a healthy baby someday.

The day I learned I was pregnant again, I couldn't wait to go see Peter.

But just as I was about to step into the room, I overheard him talking with his best friend, Darren Ward.

"You mean you made Bella lose all five of her babies just to give Mandy Walker material for her medical experiments? Are you insane? Those were your own flesh and blood," Darren said, disbelief and anger thick in his voice.

Peter just shrugged, looking totally unfazed. "Mandy works so hard. I don't get medicine at all, so all I can do is be her strongest supporter and give her whatever she asks for."

He added coldly, "Anyway, my marriage certificate with Bella is a fake. Any kids we had were just secrets, never meant to see the light of day. If they died, so be it. The only woman I'll ever call my wife is Mandy."

So it turned out, the marriage I'd treasured all this time was nothing but a lie.

The man I'd thought of as my loving husband was really a monster wearing human skin.

If that was the case, there was no need to hold on anymore.

*****

Darren looked conflicted and asked the question weighing on his heart, "If you only care about Mandy, then why did you propose to Bella in the first place and let her have kids?"

Peter just smirked and replied, "Mandy was studying overseas, and I'm still a guy with needs, right? Bella was untouched when we got together. I pulled her into a hidden marriage just to make sure she wouldn't mess around with other men and end up catching something nasty."

He added, "As for the kids... I hate using protection, and she was dying to be a mom. So, I let her go through the motions. It didn't really matter to me. It's not like I ever intended for any of them to live."

Darren's face twisted with pain and sympathy. "But you let her live in the shadows for seven years, killed all her children, and now you're marrying someone else. Bella loves you so deeply. Don't you think this is too cruel?"

Peter cut him off, growing impatient. "Enough. She is just a girl from the countryside who got to live a luxurious life with me. I've already given her more than enough."

He continued, "Three days from now, Mandy and I are getting married overseas. Make sure you're there to raise a glass."

Seeing Peter's resolve, Darren let out a heavy sigh. "Peter, don't say I didn't warn you. Betraying someone who truly loves you will cause consequences. Bella's a good girl. I just hope you won't regret this someday."

Peter smirked. "Please. As long as I get to marry Mandy with all the pomp and glory, I'll never regret it. Don't try to spook me with your dumb curses."

Darren just shook his head, at a complete loss for words.

All the joy I'd felt a moment ago disappeared, leaving me numb as I stood there, my face cold and empty.

Peter saw me standing outside the door, tears streaming down my cheeks. He was startled.

He hurried out toward me.

"Bella, when did you get here? Why are you crying like this?" Peter blurted out. There was a hint of guilt in his tone.

I quickly wiped away my tears and forced a smile.

"It's nothing, just messed up my fake lashes and one poked me in the eye. Guess I suck at makeup," I said, trying to play it off.

Peter sighed in relief, pulled me close, and put on his usual pampering act. "Seeing you cry breaks my heart. You don't need to wear that stuff anymore. My wife's natural face is the most beautiful in the world. Come on, let's go home."

His words still sounded sweet as ever, but not a trace of that sweetness reached my heart anymore.

Back when I first graduated from college and started working for Hensley Group, I was humiliated and bullied by my supervisor.

Peter stepped in like a knight in shining armor, stood up for me, and defended my pride.

He promised he'd always be my shelter, someone who'd have my back no matter what life threw at us.

I trusted him with everything I had.

When he asked me to keep our marriage hidden, I agreed without hesitation.

I was terrified that being Peter's secret wife with my humble background would somehow tank the Hensley Group's stock prices.

Whenever Peter found out I was pregnant, he'd light up like a little kid, all excited and bragging that he was about to be a dad.

Worried about my pain, he insisted the doctor use full anesthesia and stayed by my side every second.

I really thought he cared about me and our baby.

But in truth, it was just to make it easier for him to personally end our baby's life, giving the specimen to his beloved woman.

I used to blame myself, thinking I was the reason all those babies never made it, even feeling sorry for Peter, as if it was my own flaw.

Looking back, what a joke.

When we got home, I waited until Peter was in the shower.

Then, I booked an abortion and bought a plane ticket for three days later.

After his shower, Peter strolled out, towel in hand, pretending like nothing was up as he casually mentioned, "Bella, I'll be heading overseas for a work trip in three days. Should take me a little over a month."

A little over a month... It was enough time to have a wedding and a honeymoon.

"Peter, I haven't been feeling well lately... Could you stay with me instead of going?" I asked softly.

Peter's brows furrowed, his voice turning cold. "Bella, after all these years, you should know me well. I don't like women interfering with my work. Be good and wait for me at home. I'll bring you a gift when I get back."