Chapter 2

My shattered heart suddenly found a flicker of hope.

Since I was abducted at six and brought to Veridia City, I had never truly felt the warmth of a family.

I thought marrying Derek would be a new beginning, but it turned out to be another calamity.

But now, I might find my birth parents, and my child could have a family who truly loved her!

After hanging up, I quickly packed a small bag and turned to the nursery to grab a few essentials for Leo.

As my hand touched the doorknob, the front door of the mansion was suddenly flung open.

"Anya, who said you could touch anything in there?"

Derek frowned, his expression displeased.

"I just wanted to get some change of clothes for Leo."

"Those are for Seraphina's baby. If you need anything, buy it yourself."

Every single item in that nursery had been carefully chosen by me during my pregnancy.

Now, he intended to give them all to Seraphina's child.

Even though that child bore no blood relation to him.

I swallowed the bitterness in my heart, choosing not to argue at that moment.

But Mrs. Gable suddenly grabbed me with a stern face and dragged me outside.

"Mr. Caldwell ordered us to go to the rehabilitation center to take care of Ms. Hayes."

The pulling made my incision hurt, and I cried out, "I just gave birth! I need to rest!"

Derek didn't even look back.

"Which means you have experience."

"Don't whine. You're strong, you don't need rest."

He got into his car, and I was pushed into a minivan heading for the rehabilitation center.

When we arrived, Seraphina was lounging in a recliner, surrounded by five or six caregivers.

Seeing me, she feigned an attempt to stand.

"Anya, you're here! Please, sit down. Giving birth is hard work..."

Derek gently pressed her back down, then shot me a glance.

"She used to manage even with a fever, this is nothing. Anya, if you take good care of Seraphina, I'll add another half a million. Pretty good deal, right?"

Another half a million. It was indeed tempting.

I bit my lip. "No. My baby is home alone with no one to watch him."

A flicker of impatience crossed his eyes, but Seraphina softly tugged his hand.

"Derek, if Anya doesn't want to take care of me, please don't force her. I don't want to be a burden to you."

Derek squeezed her hand, his gaze shifting to me with pure contempt.

"Letting you care for Seraphina is an opportunity for you," he said, his tone icy. "You came into this marriage with nothing. You've contributed nothing. If you can't even manage this simple task, then understand this: taking proper care of her is the only worth you have left."

He habitually belittled me, completely ignoring my pale face.

He waved Mrs. Gable back to take care of Leo.

But Mrs. Gable always disrespected me; how could she genuinely look after my child?

Derek ignored me, ordering me to feed Seraphina her nutritional meal.

I looked back at the closed door, realizing I couldn't leave for now.

I dragged my weak body to prepare Seraphina's meal.

Just as I brought a spoonful of stew to her lips, she suddenly leaned back, crying out in pain. "Hot!"

Derek snatched the bowl and threw it at my feet, the broth splashing on my pants.

"What are you throwing a tantrum for?! You scalded Seraphina, you won't eat today!"

Seraphina nestled against his shoulder, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Derek, don't be angry, she didn't mean it..."

"We'll finalize the divorce papers tomorrow!"

I was left standing there, covered in stains, ignored by everyone.