Chapter 5

Iris Holloway POV

The bruise on my side ached faintly, but it was nowhere near a thousandth of the pain in my heart.

Liam Sterling carried Jace Holloway out of the bedroom and didn't return all night.

I lay awake in the darkness, my eyes open, until the sky began to lighten. I touched my swollen abdomen; the little life inside seemed to sense my sorrow, giving me a gentle kick.

"Baby, I'm sorry…" I whispered, my voice utterly broken.

I couldn't let my child become a sacrifice for someone else's love, nor could I let my child face the fate of having its umbilical cord blood drained the moment it was born. I had to leave.

I forced myself to calm down.

Liam Sterling's influence spread throughout New York; a direct escape would be tantamount to seeking my own death.

I needed a detailed plan.

A few days later was the annual New York Charity Gala.

As the CEO's wife of Sterling Group, I had to attend. It was my only chance to reach out to the outside world and find an opportunity to escape.

On the day of the gala, Liam Sterling had the stylist deliver a haute couture gown early.

It was a dark blue velvet gown that perfectly accentuated my pregnant figure, making my skin appear as white as snow.

Liam Sterling stood at the closet door, looking at me in the mirror, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.

He walked up to me, wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, and placed a priceless sapphire necklace around my neck.

"Beautiful," he murmured, his chin resting on my shoulder, his warm breath fanning my ear.

If I hadn't known the truth, I would have indulged in that tenderness. But now, I only felt a chill run down my spine.

Through the mirror, I gazed at him coldly. "Liam Sterling, aren't you tired of acting?"

Liam Sterling's movements paused slightly, then he recovered his composure.

He brushed back a few stray strands of my hair, his voice flat. "Iris, as long as you cooperate, we will remain New York's most envied couple. Tonight's gala is very important; don't disappoint me."

I didn't speak, just lowered my gaze.

The gala hall was bustling with activity.

Liam Sterling escorted me in, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

He thoughtfully fended off all the toasts on my behalf, shielding me from the crowded guests, perfectly playing the role of a devoted husband.

"Mr. Sterling truly dotes on his wife."

"Indeed, I heard Mr. Sterling even put off a multi-billion dollar project just to accompany his wife for her prenatal check-ups."

The constant flattery around me felt incredibly ironic.

Just then, a stir suddenly rippled through the crowd.

I looked up to see Jace Holloway, dressed in a well-tailored white suit, entering surrounded by our parents.

Though his face was pale, the lighting accentuated a fragile beauty about him.

Liam Sterling's grip on my hand tightened abruptly.

I distinctly felt the man beside me's breathing falter.

His gaze cut through the layers of people, fixated on Jace Holloway, bearing a restrained longing and desire.

"Why is he here?" Liam Sterling whispered to his assistant behind him, his voice laced with tension.

"Jace Holloway said he was bored at home and wanted some fresh air, so Mr. Holloway brought him," the assistant replied nervously.

Liam Sterling's brows knitted tightly together.

Jace Holloway seemed to sense his gaze, looking over from a distance with a faint smile on his lips.

In that moment, I felt like nothing more than a superfluous ornament.

Halfway through the gala, I used the excuse of going to the restroom to escape Liam Sterling's watchful eye.

6

Iris Holloway POV

Hiding in the shadows of the corridor, I pulled out the spare phone I had secretly hidden and dialed my college friend Kaelen Voss.

"Kaelen, do me a favor. Help me get a fake passport to go abroad, as soon as possible." My voice was a low, trembling whisper.

Kaelen Voss on the other end of the line was startled. "Iris? What's wrong? Isn't Liam Sterling treating you well?"

"It's all a lie..." I closed my eyes, tears sliding down my cheeks. "He married me just to use my baby's umbilical cord blood to save Jace Holloway. Kaelen, I beg you, help me."

Kaelen Voss was silent for a moment, then gritted her teeth and agreed. "Okay, give me three days."

After hanging up, I let out a long breath.

As long as I could get the passport, I could escape this cage.

I composed myself, preparing to return to the ballroom.

Just as I reached the corner, I heard muffled gasps.

A faint light peeked through the half-open door of the lounge.

I instinctively stopped, looked through the crack in the door, and my blood ran cold instantly.

Inside the lounge, Jace Holloway was pinned against the wall by Liam Sterling.

"Who told you to run around? Don't you know your body can't handle this strain!" Liam Sterling's voice was low, filled with intense anger and heartache.

Jace Holloway tilted his head back, his eyes slightly red. "I just wanted to see you... Liam, watching you and Iris together every day, I'm going crazy."

"Just hold on a little longer." Liam Sterling raised a hand to caress his cheek, his thumb gently stroking the corner of his eye. "Once the baby is born and your illness is cured, we won't have to hide anymore."

"Really?" Jace Holloway rose on his tiptoes, leaning close to his lips. "Then kiss me now, okay?"

Liam Sterling didn't refuse.

He lowered his head and kissed Jace Holloway's lips.

The air in the corridor seemed to have been sucked dry. I stood rooted to the spot, even forgetting to breathe.

I clamped my hand over my mouth, preventing myself from making a sound.

My fingernails dug deep into my palms, drawing blood, yet I felt no pain whatsoever.

I thought I was numb enough, but seeing my husband and my own brother kissing, the soul-rending agony still made me wish for death.

This was the man I had loved for three years.

This was my proud marriage.

I stumbled backward, then turned and ran out desperately.

I didn't want to stay in this heartbreaking place for another second.

Just as I ran out of the corridor, I bumped into my Mother, who was looking for me.

"Iris! Where did you run off to? Can't you watch where you're going!" Mother grabbed my arm, reprimanding me sharply.

I looked at the mother who had given birth to and raised me, despair filling my eyes. "Mom, did you know all along?"

Mother froze for a moment, her gaze evasive. "Know what? What nonsense are you spouting!"

"About Liam Sterling and Jace Holloway! About their conspiring to use the baby in my womb!" My voice was shrill, filled with a sorrow so deep it felt like weeping blood.

Mother's face instantly changed. She clapped a hand over my mouth, lowering her voice to a furious whisper:

"Shut your mouth! Since you already know, then obediently give birth to the child! Jace is your brother; are you going to just watch him die? It's your luck to be able to exchange a child for your brother's life!"

I felt as if I had been struck by lightning.

I stared at my mother in disbelief, as if looking at a monster.

So, everyone knew.

Only I, like a fool, had been kept in the dark, trampled upon and used by them at will.

"Let go of me..." I violently shook off Mother's hand, my eyes terrifyingly vacant. "I won't let you have your way."

I turned and ran out of the ballroom, disappearing into the vast night.