Chapter 1

In the tenth year of our relationship, when Jaxon learned of my pregnancy, he gifted me a luxurious $80 million mansion for my prenatal care.

Instead, I terminated the pregnancy and booked a one-way ticket to South Africa.

All because in my previous life, I had heeded his words to quit my job for conceiving a baby, sacrificing my entire life for him and our child.

When I was on my deathbed, I discovered 999 love letters he had written to his "pure love."

"You are the most pristine moonlight in my heart. I can't bear to see you tainted by the mundane world's matters."

"Bearing children, managing the household, being filial to elders - these are all things others can do for you. You just need to be happy, content, and live each day radiantly."

Only then did I realize he had long ago transferred all his assets to his "pure love."

Even the child I had given my life to bear had been calling his "pure love" Mom all along.

And I, critically ill, couldn't even afford medical treatment.

I could only pass away miserably under the cold gazes of my husband and daughter.

When I opened my eyes again, I looked at my slightly bulging belly and walked to the hospital to make an appointment for an abortion.

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When the doctor heard I wanted to terminate the pregnancy, he frowned.

"The baby is developing very healthily, and you're not young anymore. Are you sure you want to abort this child?"

I nodded.

I knew this baby was developing well.

She was healthy, intelligent, exceptionally good-looking, just like her father.

At six years old, She would say to Jaxon in English: "I hate Mom. She's a lazy, gluttonous idiot. When I grow up, I don't want to be like her."

The doctor sighed and stopped trying to persuade me.

Just after the procedure, Jaxon called.

"Mom and Dad know about your pregnancy. They're worried the mansion is too big for you to live in alone, so they'll move in with you in a while."

"The old folks aren't in the best health these days. I've already quit your job for you. From now on, I'll be the breadwinner. You just focus on the pregnancy and take care of my parents. It'll be wonderful to have the whole family together, enjoying each other's company."

He hung up without giving me a chance to refuse.

I looked at the family portrait on my phone wallpaper and smiled bitterly.

Yes, they were a family bonded by flesh and blood.

Of course they'd be harmonious, reveling in family bliss.

While I would always be an outsider, never truly fitting in. For years, everyone envied my relationship with Jaxon, thinking I'd found the perfect match.

Wealthy background, talented and handsome, loyal and devoted.

But little did they know, Jaxon's loyalty was to his love for Faye.

He never loved me, only treating me like an overworked nanny.

After our daughter was born, he never touched me again, all for Faye's sake.

He used his busy schedule as an excuse to avoid his husbandly duties.

Leaving me to bear the burden of housework alone, and endure his parents' daughter's mockery.

In my previous life, I developed numerous health issues from the tedium of marriage.

But now, I don't have a slipped disc from years of mopping floors and carrying children.

I don't suffer from postpartum complications due to Jaxon's neglect.

I'm healthy, young, and still have a chance to choose my own path in life.

After changing the wallpaper, I submitted my application to Doctors Without Borders, requesting an assignment in South Africa.

The review process was quick, and I'm set to leave in five days.

I took a cab home to pack my bags.

As I opened the door, I was surprised to see Jaxon, who hadn't been home in two weeks due to overtime, wearing an apron and cooking porridge.

He'd even bought a bouquet of jasmine flowers for the vase, despite often claiming he disliked flowers.

As I stood there in shock, Jaxon spoke up, clearly annoyed.

"Where have you been?" The house is such a mess and you haven't even bothered to clean up. Guests are coming soon. How can we entertain like this?"

Jaxon is a neat freak who loves peace and quiet, and hates being disturbed by outsiders.

So I've always been the only one to tidy and clean this massive mansion.

The floors need to be scrubbed spotless on my knees. Meals must be carefully planned for balanced nutrition.

In our ten years together, this is the first time he's cooked - and it's for Faye who's about to arrive.

I didn't hurry to apologize and try to please Jaxon like I used to.

I just said coolly, "I'm not feeling well and don't feel like cleaning."

Jaxon was taken aback for a moment, then his gaze fell to my belly.

"I forgot you're pregnant. You should take it easy the first few months, but my mom says pregnant women need to stay active too. It helps with natural childbirth and the baby's health."

I nodded without arguing or responding.

Jaxon was about to say something else when the doorbell rang.

He immediately took off his apron and rushed to answer the door, not even noticing he bumped into my stomach.

I had just recovered from the pain in my abdomen.

I looked up to see Faye click-clacking in on her high heels.

She smiled at me, "Vivienne, long time no see. How did you get so old? A woman should know how to take better care of herself, so she doesn't end up smelling like a greasy kitchen and repelling people."

She dramatically covered her nose, then made her way to the dining table with practiced ease.

My eyes swept over her designer outfit and Hermès handbag, causing an inexplicable ache in my chest.

I had seen all these items in Jaxon's purchase history before.

I still remember how meticulous he was when selecting these things, carefully researching and doing his homework.

It seems that in the past, my boyfriend had been taking exceptionally good care of Faye.