Chapter 1

The day before I was due to give birth, my home was invaded.

By the time the police got me to the hospital's operating room, I was too weak to open my eyes.

Amidst the fog of pain and confusion, I heard the voice of my husband, Asher White.

"Do you have confidence?"

"Yes, but are you absolutely sure about your decision? We can still save the baby if we operate quickly."

"No, remove the uterus too. That way, Freya's son will be the only heir to the White Corporation. As for Adeline... being Mrs. White is enough to guarantee her a smooth and worry-free life."

It was then I realized that everything had been a meticulously crafted deceit. The man I loved was the one wielding the knife. If that's the case, I don't need him anymore.

As the anesthesia wore off, I slowly regained consciousness. I tried to open my eyes but heard Asher White's voice again.

"Dr. Wesley, how did Adeline's surgery go?"

"Mrs. White's uterus has been completely removed. She just needs to rest now."

Dr. Wesley paused before cautiously asking, "Mr. White, are you sure you won't regret this?"

"I saw the little girl. Her thick eyebrows and big eyes looked just like yours."

"It's a shame she couldn't see the world before she left."

"There's nothing to regret," Asher said calmly. "She was an obstacle for Little Finn, and I had to remove her myself."

"As for Adeline..."

Asher paused. "In a while, I'll arrange for someone to bring Little Finn back from the orphanage. Then Adeline can be a mother."

"But Little Finn looks so much like you. Won't Ms. Adeline...?" Dr. Wesley hesitated.

"Don't worry, all babies look alike. Adeline won't notice. Besides, she trusts me. She'll never suspect anything."

With that, Asher sat by my bed, tightly holding my hand. His touch was warm, but I felt cold down to my core.

This was the man I had loved for ten years. He was willing to sacrifice my child's life for his and Freya's illegitimate son. He even stripped me of my chance to be a mother. Worse, he expected me to raise the child who was the reason for my daughter's death.

I was overwhelmed with grief, my heart aching painfully. If only I had been more careful and avoided that robber.

Just then, Asher's phone rang.

"Is everything taken care of?"

"Transfer him to the furthest prison, and as for his family..."

"Pay them to leave City A."

"Do it cleanly, don't let Adeline find out."

Hearing this, a chill ran through me, freezing my blood. I had wondered how a robber could get past the tight security of our neighborhood in City A. It turns out my husband orchestrated the whole robbery. He went to such lengths for Freya and his illegitimate child.

I felt a sense of hopelessness. I couldn't have avoided the robber, no matter what.

If that's the case, I'll let Asher have his way. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the man in front of me.

"Adeline, when did you wake up?" Asher looked uneasy.

"Just now," I said, trying to control my grief, but tears still fell.

"Adeline, what's wrong? Is your wound hurting?" Asher looked worried and anxious.

"I'll get the doctor."

"Don't..." I gently pulled Asher back.

"I'm not in pain. I'm just surprised I'm still alive."

"Adeline, don't say that!" Asher's face hardened.

"As long as I'm here, no one will hurt you again."

Hearing this, my heart ached with bitterness. All the harm was brought by Asher. There's no future for us.

Asher didn't notice my change. He picked up a damp cotton swab and gently wiped my dry lips.

"Adeline, you can't drink water yet after the surgery. Please bear with it."

I nodded, feeling even more sorrowful. Why? If he never loved me, why pretend to be so caring?

Afterward, Asher tucked me in and said, "Adeline, there's something I need to tell you."

"Our child is gone, and your injuries are too severe. You won't be able to..."

Asher hesitated. Seeing his troubled expression, my heart stung. Asher was truly an actor.

Fine. Let me end this myself.

Just as I was about to speak, Asher continued, "Adeline, the White Family needs an heir."

"Let's adopt a child."