Chapter 1

Six years ago, I nearly died on the operating table giving birth to my daughter.

Today, my husband let her call the biological heiress of my adoptive family "Mommy" in front of a crowded room.

I couldn't take it. I grabbed Ethan Vance by his collar, my voice trembling.

"Why?"

"She is my daughter, Ethan! Not Clara’s!"

Ethan laughed disdainfully, brushing my hands off his chest.

"I promised you that only you would give birth to my children, Naomi. But Clara wanted a child of her own so badly. I had no choice but to give Lily to her."

"Why are you making a scene? Let Lily choose for herself."

My heart shattered. I knelt down, trying to pull Lily into my arms.

"Sweetheart, come with Mommy. Let’s go home."

To my horror, Lily pushed me away with all her might, her eyes filled with anger.

"Go away! I like Aunt Clara! She smells so good, and she’s pretty and rich. I want her to be my mommy!"

"I don’t want you to be my mommy anymore!"

I stumbled backward and fell hard onto the floor.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"Fine, Lily. I don’t want you either."