Chapter 9
My husband’s childhood sweetheart was pregnant.
He held the paternity report in trembling hands, his voice full of guilt:
“Eloise, I’m sorry… the baby is Penelope’s. And it’s mine.”
“That night during the party at home, someone drugged me. Penelope noticed something was off and tried to take care of me, but… I lost control and did something I never should have. It only happened once. We thought it was just a mistake. But then… this.”
I gripped my phone so tightly my knuckles turned white, laughing bitterly as tears
1/8
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
streamed down my face.
Right there on the dimly lit screen was a video of Drake and Penelope–caught in the act, inside a church no less.
If I hadn’t received that anonymous video five minutes ago, I might’ve actually believed it was just one mistake in our five–year so–called loving marriage.
Drake gently wiped my tears, his voice full of fake tenderness:
“Don’t cry, Eloise. Nothing has to change. Penelope already agreed–once the baby’s born, we’ll put your name on the birth certificate. She’ll move overseas, and it won’t affect us. You’ve always hated pain, remember? Now you can have a child without going through labor. Isn’t that… a good thing?”
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
“Penelope can’t have any stress. I don’t trust the maids, so… don’t go to work for the next few months. Stay home. Take care of her. We owe her that much.”
I felt so sick I nearly vomited.
“We’re getting a divorce.”
He sighed and reached out to pat my head like I was a child throwing a tantrum.
“Don’t be dramatic, Eloise.”
I slapped his hand away and turned to leave, already dialing the number of his biggest
rival.
“About that partnership you mentioned–I’m in.”
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
At that exact moment, a new message popped up from my billionaire father.
“Divorce him and come home. You’ll inherit everything. In seven days, I’ll announce your return at the gala.”
Dad’s the king of pride and stubbornness. I knew he was worried sick, and sure enough, when I didn’t reply, another message popped
up:
“Eloise, don’t tell me you’re still with that bastard after what he did. If you don’t come home in seven days, I’ll have the bodyguards drag you back myself!”
A bitter ache welled up in my chest.
Back then, I defied everyone just to prove myself. I gave up my identity as the richest man’s daughter to be with Drake, helping him
4/8
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
rebuild his family business from the ground up.
But in the end, that dream of a successful career and a happy family shattered like glass.
“Dad, I was wrong. I’ll listen to you now.”
After sending the message, I swiped the screen away–only for it to freeze again on that disgusting scene.
With trembling fingers and nails gone cold, I tapped the screen.
That day was the anniversary of Drake’s father’s death. He’d stumbled drunk into the
church, and Penelope had followed him in, clearly worried.
Seeing him distressed, Penelope gently
5/8
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
placed a hand on his back.
“Drake, don’t be sad.”
His face softened, dazed and tender, as he pulled her into his arms.
“Penelope, you found me again. Every time I need someone, you’re always there.”
Penelope looked down, eyes avoiding his: “Drake, you’re drunk. Let go of me, this isn’t appropriate if someone sees.”
“You’re the one who cared about me first, who got close to me.”
“We grew up together. Of course I care, of course I worry about you…”
But Drake pinned her beneath him and kissed her hard.
6/8
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
“You look at me like you love me.”
It was chaos. Heavy breathing filled the air, and even the church statues seemed to sway from the force.
I clutched the phone so hard I nearly cracked the screen, my nails on the verge of breaking.
Drake, if her care means love…
Then what about mine?
All the love and support I gave you—was it invisible to you?
I let out a hollow laugh and swallowed the lump in my throat.
It doesn’t matter anymore. This is all coming
7/8
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
to an end. Even the deepest wounds heal with time.
I was about to drive off when Drake ran out after me.
“Eloise, I knew you wouldn’t actually leave. This was just a mistake, really. You love me so much–just forgive me
