Chapter 1

In the third year of my marriage to Dominic Chase, I discovered a physical defect.

I'd lost my ability to conceive and could never get pregnant.

I was devastated, but Dominic suggested adopting a child from an orphanage.

Together, we found a sweet little girl.

On the day we were supposed to officially adopt her, I noticed a birthmark on the girl's hand while signing the paperwork.

I immediately said I didn't want her, but Dominic insisted on adopting her.

So I asked him for a divorce.

Everyone stared at me in shock.

Dominic asked, "Just because she has a birthmark on her hand? You want to divorce me over that?"

I replied seriously, "Yes."

Dominic thought I was being unreasonable. "But the birthmark is only the size of a pea! We can have it surgically removed. Is this really worth making such a big deal over?"

I laughed coldly.

"After we divorce, you can raise whoever you want. Raise as many as you like—I don't care."

Dominic's face filled with disbelief.

"Miranda Caldwell! What's gotten into you? You want to divorce me over a child? What did she do to upset you? There's no need to take it this far."

I stared at him, my voice devoid of emotion.

"Her or me. Choose."

Dominic looked at me like I was a stranger, his eyes full of shock.

"She's just a child. Such a small child, abandoned by everyone. Don't you have a heart? Besides, she didn't choose to have that birthmark. Why does it matter so much to you?"

I cut him off. "Fine. Divorce."

Dominic's face turned pale.

I said nothing more. The atmosphere turned glacial.

The orphanage staff exchanged uncomfortable glances until the director broke the awkward silence.

"Mrs. Chase, Rosie has always been the sweetest child at our facility. She never cries or makes a fuss, and she often helps the other children."

"Many people have wanted to adopt her before, but Rosie refused to leave. Today, when she finally met your family, she really took to you."

My father-in-law, Bob Chase tried to smooth things over.

"Miranda, dear, I think this child is lovely. Medical technology is so advanced now—if you don't like the birthmark, we can easily have a doctor remove it."

I remained silent, insisting on the divorce.

Dominic approached me, carefully taking my hand.

"Can we talk about this at home?"

His voice was filled with hurt and pleading.

I yanked my hand away, showing him no mercy.

"No need. When we get home, I'll have my lawyer draft the divorce papers. Make sure you come sign them."

Seeing my resolve, my mother-in-law, Nancy Smith's face filled with alarm.

"What are you saying? You've been married into our family for three years with nothing to show for it. Now that we know the problem is with you, you're throwing a fit about adopting a child."

She pointed her finger at my nose. "I never imagined you were this petty. Are you trying to end the Chase family line?"

Nancy brought up past grievances one by one.

"Whenever you wanted late-night snacks, no matter how late it was, my son would get up and make them for you. He never complained once."

"You only like cake from that one shop downtown, so my son would stand in line for an hour every day to buy it for you."

"Do you have a conscience? Our family has treated you well. All I want is a grandchild. What good are you if you can't have children?"

Nancy clutched her chest and cursed at me, calling me an ungrateful wretch with every sentence.

I grabbed my bag to leave. The little girl approached me, looking pitiful.

"Mommy."

I pushed her away in disgust. Chloe Chase caught the girl.

"Miranda, she's just a child. If you don't like the birthmark on her hand, fine—but did you have to push her down?"

"Why are you taking your anger out on a child? All she wants is a family. What's wrong with calling you mommy?"

I glanced at her coldly.

"You can let her call you mommy."

Chloe immediately panicked, flustered and stammering.

"Miranda, don't talk nonsense. This is the child you and Dominic were going to adopt."

"You know it's supposed to be Dominic's and mine. Why are you butting in?"

Chloe had no response to that. She bit her lip tightly.

"Enough!"

Dominic's body trembled.

"Honey, can we please talk about this in private? Just sign the papers. I've already called everyone here. Please, just give me this one courtesy."

"You can yell at me all you want when we get home."

I refused outright. "No need. Just sign the divorce papers when you get home."

I turned to leave. Behind me, there was a thud.

Dominic had dropped to his knees in front of everyone.