Chapter 1

Two years into my marriage with Kobe, I had gone through fourteen rounds of IVF, only to miscarry each time within the first month. It wasn't until the fifteenth try that I managed to get past the fragile first four months, and at last, the child seemed safe.

That day, I planned to surprise him, but I accidentally overheard his conversation with his close friend, Keaton:

"Kobe, you initially tarnished Elise's reputation by getting someone mentally unstable to humiliate her, just to secure Katelyn's victory in the international competition," Keaton said. "And now, because Katelyn doesn't want her body affected by childbirth, you've used Elise's embryos over a dozen times to have her carry the child for you two."

"Aren't you afraid that once Elise finds out the truth, she'll despise you?"

"What's a little hate?" Kobe replied. "As long as Katelyn is happy, I'll do anything."

So, all my suffering was just collateral damage for his undying love for another woman. In that case, he shouldn't blame me for taking seventy percent of his assets.

"Katelyn's husband has a congenital defect, and her in-laws pressure her daily to have children," Kobe continued. "Her heart is set on her career. How could I let her go through the ordeal of pregnancy and ruin her dreams? Although we grew up together, we can't be together openly. It's better if our child helps her secure her position with her in-laws. Once Elise gives birth, I'll send the child to Katelyn, and I'll tell Elise the baby didn't survive."

"This is too much," Keaton frowned. "And you know Elise's condition is unique. That's why the previous fourteen attempts failed. She has worked so hard to keep this pregnancy, and the doctors have warned her that another attempt could be life-threatening. She knows this yet still takes the risk for you."

"It's not fair to her," Keaton added.

Kobe remained firm. "This child must be born safely. I will make sure nothing goes wrong. We can repay whatever debt is owed in the next life."

"I hope you don't regret this in the future," Keaton sighed, knowing he couldn't change his friend's mind. "By the way, Katelyn has won another overseas award. Help me send the sapphire necklace I ordered to her, and keep the earrings; I have other uses for them."

Through the door, I pressed my lips together, holding back the sobs threatening to escape.

I staggered back to the bedroom and collapsed on the floor, overwhelmed by the truth. A dull ache filled my abdomen, but it was nothing compared to the tearing pain inside my heart.

I was once the top contender for the annual piano competition. But on the eve of the finals, I was tricked, abducted, and humiliated while incriminating footage was spread online. By the time I was rescued, my right wrist was shattered beyond repair, and my uterus was severely damaged, nearly making me infertile.

For a pianist, this was the end of a dream.

My mother had passed away, and my father, devastated by the ordeal, suffered a stroke that left him a shadow of his former self. Kobe was there for me every day, his encouragement helping me slowly emerge from despair. But in hindsight, his public declarations of love were just guilt-ridden compensations.

I had been blinded by lies, desperately wanting to give him a child while he secretly planned for me to bear his and another woman's child. That woman, his precious childhood friend.

Never did I suspect anything unusual in their relationship.

My stomach churned, nausea rising. Because he claimed he loved children, I nearly risked my life going through those IVF procedures. I remember the ninth egg retrieval when I faced severe complications and the doctor issued a critical condition notice. To save me, Kobe personally sought out the renowned medical expert, Mr. Green, pleading on his knees for five days before receiving help.

With tears in his eyes, he had told me not to risk my life; he only wanted me to be healthy and safe. Yet, I was unwilling to deny him the chance to be a father, persevering until this fifteenth attempt finally succeeded.

I gently touched the hard-earned life inside me, now realizing it was never truly mine. Even Kobe's love was a hideous farce!

What I once believed was salvation was, in fact, a repeated infliction of harm. The marriage I had cautiously nurtured was nothing but a cruel charade.

I called Gwendolyn Wright overseas.

"The neural rebuilding technique you mentioned earlier, I'd like to undergo the treatment."

After hanging up, I immediately sent a text message. "Please prepare a divorce agreement for me. I want to claim seventy percent of his assets."

I wouldn't be so kind as to forget myself. This wealth is the compensation I rightfully deserve. If his heart is with Katelyn, then it's time to let go.