Chapter 1

In the sixth year of being on the run with my child, the heir of Journ City's most powerful family, Derek Garrett, demanded to take him away.

I firmly refused and booked a flight right away.

However, just before boarding, my son broke free from my grasp and shouted, "She is not my mother! She is a human trafficker trying to kidnap me!"

It turned out that genes were such a powerful thing. After just one meeting with Derek's mistress, my son also fell in love with his "new mom."

I turned around and left everything behind, including my son.

I had someone arrange a fake death for me.

After that, I heard that Derek and his son searched every corner of Journ.

*****

Derek found me just as I was registering my son for school.

A line of luxury cars stretched half a block down the street outside—typical of Derek's way.

He kicked the door open and grabbed my wrist just as I was about to sign the form, not even glancing at me.

His tone brooked no argument. "Marcus Howell. From now on, his last name changes to Garrett."

Marcus Howell was my son's name.

I froze all over.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd run into Derek again.

Six years ago, he'd pushed my door open and shoved the woman he was keeping outside right onto my bed.

They kissed passionately, and he started untying his tie.

"Not leaving? Want to see how far this goes?" Derek sneered.

The woman on the bed flashed me a teasing smile.

"Sweetie, this bed you made is so comfy. What, wanna join us?" she said.

I walked out of the room with a calm demeanor.

I waited on the couch for Derek until midnight.

He finally came out, bare-chested.

I looked at him and said, "Derek, let's break up."

Derek raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. And he strode over, his tone still full of arrogance. "Jealous?"

Suddenly, I felt exhausted by it all.

Derek and I were originally in a business marriage. But then my parents died suddenly in a car crash.

We hadn't even filed the paperwork yet.

After that, Derek didn't even bother to hide it—he started bringing women home like it was nothing.

This new one, I heard, he'd kept her around for three months straight—his longest ever.

"Bethany, just say the word and I'll kick her out," he said.

His expression softened slightly as he leaned in to kiss me.

The smear of lipstick from someone else was still at the corner of his mouth.

I shot up, slamming my bag right at his face.

"Derek, you're such a damn bastard," I spat.

Derek paused, his expression unreadable.

He didn't move—just watched me walk out and drive off, leaving him behind.

I blocked him on every possible platform.

And I never told him I was pregnant.

I didn't run far either.

Derek had absolute power in Journ. If he'd set his mind to it, there would have been no way I could get away.

But he never once bothered to look for me.

Not until today.

Behind Derek, a woman in red heels stepped out.

Just like six years ago, it was still her—Celeste Obrien.

Celeste waved at Marcus behind me.

"Marcus, how about coming with me to live in a big house?" Celeste said.

Marcus blinked his eyes, looking a bit frightened by the crowd.

I instinctively crouched down and shielded him in my arms.

My voice was ice cold. "Derek, we broke up ages ago. My son has nothing to do with you."

I hated Derek.

I'd risked my life to bring Marcus into this world.

I was allergic to anesthesia. Ten hours of labor without painkillers almost killed me on the operating table.

After my parents died, Marcus was my only family, my whole world.

I could feel sweat pooling in my palms.

Celeste flashed Marcus a sweet smile. "Marcus, if you don't come over, Aunt Celeste is going to leave."

She pretended to turn away.

The Marcus in my arms suddenly moved.

Marcus yanked his hand free and shoved me aside with all his strength.

"What are you doing? Why won't you let me live in a big house?" Marcus shouted.

My eyes widened in shock.

"Marcus, what did you say?" I murmured.

"You're so selfish. Why do I have to live such a hard life with you?" Marcus said.

My breath caught, and my eyes stung instantly.

I never imagined I'd hear something like that from my son.

After my parents died, the Howell family went bankrupt.

But Marcus always had the best of everything, just like any other kid.

Marcus was so picky about food that I even took cooking classes, doing everything I could to get him to eat more.

Marcus loved playing basketball. So I pulled every string I could to get him NBA tickets and took him to the games.

I loved him with all my heart.

Every bit of my energy and devotion went into raising him.

Now it seemed pointless.

Celeste burst into delighted laughter. "Bethany, your son is so cute. As for you, still as unpopular with men as ever, huh?"

I looked up and let out a laugh. "What, is it something to brag about that you can't have a baby?"

It was a guess. But it seemed I hit the mark.

Derek's face instantly darkened.