Chapter 1

I was one of the nation's top obstetricians, known as the "Miracle Worker of Fertility." But when my sister-in-law Sophia Grant got pregnant and begged me to deliver her baby, I refused outright.

She said, "Lily, what do you mean? You'd deliver some random beggar woman's baby for free, but not mine? We're family!"

"You heartless monster! Sophia is your sister-in-law. You're a famous doctor; how can you stand by and do nothing?" my brother also scolded me.

I immediately submitted my resignation to the hospital. I even reported myself to the health bureau for practicing illegally, personally destroying my brilliant career. I watched coldly as my sister-in-law's amniotic fluid soaked the floor.

"Even if it means I can never be a doctor again, even if I never set foot in an operating room for the rest of my life, I will not deliver your child," I said.

Why? Because in my previous life, I did deliver her baby. She had a sudden amniotic fluid embolism during labor. I fought desperately to save her, and had to remove her uterus to save both mother and child.

In return, she sued me. She mobilized our relatives and online mobs to destroy me.

"She cut out my womb. Lily is a quack who plays with human life," she said.

For the hospital's massive compensation payout, my parents stood by and watched. They even fabricated evidence that I was schizophrenic. My brother and his friends splashed my front door with filth and paint, until I became depressed and jumped to my death.

They grew rich stepping over my corpse. Three years later, they used a surrogate to get their precious grandson and lived happily ever after.

I, however, was condemned to wander forever for the sin of suicide.

Now that I was back, I stripped myself of my medical license willingly. I couldn't wait to see what they'd do when that amniotic fluid embolism hit her this time.

*****

"Done gawking? Move it. If you mess up my golden grandson, don't blame me if you end up paying with your life," my mom sneered.

I'd just finished prescribing for my last patient when I glanced up to see Sophia strutting in. My parents were right behind her, one carrying her water bottle, the other clutching her purse, pampering her as if she were the queen.

"Who hasn't gotten pregnant when consulting Dr. Brooks?" someone sneered.

"Lily's my daughter, and Sophia's her sister-in-law! Who do you think you are, butting in on our family business?" my mom barked.

My mom stood firm, hands on her hips, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.

"So that's Dr. Brooks' family. No wonder they're so arrogant," someone muttered.

"Dr. Brooks became the most famous doctor and was already a top professor before turning thirty. Let's just chill and wait our turn," another person sighed.

The crowd swelled with envy, eyes glued to Sophia's big belly. With Lily Brooks here, they all figured this baby was guaranteed a safe delivery.

Sophia swaggered in, sitting herself down with all the attitude of someone who owned the room.

"Lily, the fortune teller, says the lucky hour is 4 PM in three days. Make sure my son arrives exactly then. Don't mess this up. I trust you," Sophia said.

My dad frowned.

He said, "What's all this about hard work between families? Lily should count herself lucky to help deliver her nephew; she's a doctor, this is what she's meant to do!

"Get Sophia admitted, make sure everything the baby needs is ready. We want the very best VIP room."

I shot them a cold look.

"Not happening," I said coldly.

"So what if we didn't register? We'll just pay the seven-dollar registration fee; what's the big deal?" Sophia snapped.

"Oh, so you think I'm pocketing the registration fee or something?" I said.

I didn't hesitate to fire right back.

My parents froze for a second, then their faces turned beet red, teeth grinding with barely contained fury.

"What's wrong with you? Little brat. Sophia's carrying our only grandson. If anything happens, can you pay? Get her admitted with the best care, and you must take her. The hospital bill comes from your allowance," my mom snapped.

I hit send on the email, making sure it landed in the health bureau's inbox. With a snap, I slammed my laptop shut, ripped off my ID badge, and my eyes burned with resolve.

"I will never deliver her baby, not in this lifetime. Go find someone else!" I spat.