Chapter 1

I, Nina Reed, was running around taking care of everything while my son, Lucas Reed, was seriously ill in the hospital.

While I was waiting in line to pay the bill, a man suddenly bumped into me.

The woman behind me helped me up. "Sorry! My son is sick, and my husband's a bit anxious."

I looked at the figure, and surprisingly, it seemed a bit familiar.

When I focused, I realized it was my husband, Zachary Reed, whom I hadn't seen in years!

But his return ticket was supposed to be for next week...

"What are you doing here? Are you coming to see those people again?

"I've told you so many times, stay away from the orphanage. Who knows what kind of viruses those people might have?"

Before I could speak, I was hit with a barrage of scolding.

I struggled to hold back my anger and hurt, trying to stay calm.

But my voice trembled uncontrollably.

My heart raced, and I felt a chill all over my body.

"I haven't even asked you yet. What are you doing here?

"Weren't you still in Rivendale? Didn't your flight leave next week?

"And who is this?"

Zachary's brows furrowed tighter.

"This is Madeline Hayes. She's..."

As Zachary struggled to figure out how to introduce the child Madeline was holding, the child suddenly called out, "Daddy, when can I see the doctor? My tummy hurts so much."

Zachary's whole face softened, a look I had never seen before, one that neither Lucas nor I had ever experienced.

He gently soothed the child.

"I'll talk to the lady for a moment, and then we'll go see the doctor, okay?"

My mind went blank.

After three years, my husband suddenly had such a big child.

So, who was I?

And who was Lucas, the one waiting for me in the ward?

Madeline, the woman, gave me a provocative look, extended her hand to me, and flashed a beautiful smile.

"I know you. You're that orphan who has been in love with Zachary for years, right? I really sympathize with your situation, but love and sympathy aren't the same thing."

I looked directly into Madeline's eyes.

I didn't back down.

"I'm an orphan, but I haven't been in love with him for years. Let me introduce myself. I'm Zachary's legal wife, Nina Reed."

I made sure to emphasize the word legal.

She just smiled and covered her mouth. "Nina? I don't believe that's your name."

"Names are given by parents. Ms. Hayes, show some respect!"

No sooner had I finished speaking than Zachary quickly stepped in, pulling Madeline behind him to shield her.

"Why are you yelling?

"Madeline grew up abroad. She has a more open mindset. She doesn't care about these things, unlike you.

"Forget it. There's no point trying to explain to you right now. Just go back."

After saying that, he took the child in one arm and Madeline by the hand, and they turned and entered the doctor's office.

If this had happened before, I would have chased after them to demand answers.

After all, this was the man I was supposed to spend my life with.

But today, I only stood there for a moment, sneering ironically.

Then I turned and went upstairs to Lucas' ward.