Chapter 3

But Donavan proved everyone wrong.

For me, he gave up prestigious foreign universities, transferred to my college, and passionately pursued me for eight years.

After I said yes, he nearly broke ties with his family and gave up his status as heir to the Shaw Group, all to marry me.

Even after our marriage, his love and tenderness for me remained legendary in New York City.

We knew each other for ten years, through thick and thin, weathering the storms of time and overcoming disapproval from both family and society.

Yet in the end, we were defeated by his change of heart.

Suppressing the dull ache in my chest, I calmly replied:

"Yes, I'm certain."

"Alright, we'll help you erase your current identity. In three days, a helicopter from the Gevano Family will come to pick you up."

I understood Donavan; with his far-reaching influence in New York City, he would never let me leave on my own.

But Los Angeles was outside his sphere of influence, making the Gevano Family the best choice.

The next day, Donavan woke up early and went to buy many toys that children love from a store.

"Seraphina, let's bring these for Blossom later. I want to tell him that Daddy misses him very much, and I'll love him forever." Britta sent me a message before I could speak, my phone vibrating:

"I heard today is your son's death anniversary? A dead thing doesn't deserve to take up Donavan's time. The child in my belly is the true living heir of the Shaw family."

"Oh sister dear, do you believe that if I just gave Donavan a call saying my stomach hurts, you and your short-lived son would both have to step aside?"

The next second, Donavan's phone rang.

He glanced at me, then turned and walked to the balcony to take the call.

When he returned, his expression was anxious:

"Seraphina, there's an urgent matter at the company. I need to go right away."

"You don't look well, you must not have rested well last night. Be good, go back to sleep. I'll be back soon."

With that, he placed a kiss on my forehead and hurried away.

Two hours later, Britta sent me a location pin. It was Donavan's company.

I knew I shouldn't go, but my body moved of its own accord.

Donavan's office was on the top floor of the company, with its own private elevator.

Without a keycard, usual staff couldn't go up. Usually, even his assistant had to use the employee elevator to find him. Coincidentally, Donavan had given me a keycard, not wanting me to wait for the staff elevator.

The usually quiet hallway now echoed with unbearable sounds.

Through the glass window, I saw Donavan pinning Britta to the couch, his movements like those of a primitive beast.

"You little slut, I thought you said your stomach wasn't feeling well? Looks like you're enjoying yourself plenty."

Britta responded coyly:

"It's all thanks to your magic shot. I'm feeling so good now."

"Then I'll give you a few more shots."

I couldn't stop trembling. To think such vulgar words would come out of Donavan's mouth.

Even though I had mentally prepared myself, the pain was still unbearable.

How could ten years of time and feelings not hurt when being carved out of my body?

For a moment, I even wanted to pathetically understand Donavan.

He wanted a child, and Britta was already pregnant with his baby.

If only he would stop, if only it wasn't on Blossom's death anniversary, if only he would cut ties with Britta from now on!

Shaking, I called him. Donavan picked up almost instantly.

"Donavan, are you done?" I just had a dream about Blossom. He said he misses his mom and dad. Can we go visit him together?

"Seraphina, I'm so sorry, but I'm in the middle of a meeting right now. I can't get away anytime soon. How about we go tomorrow? Blossom will surely understand how busy daddy is..."

Donavan let out a muffled groan, quickly hanging up the phone, but his movements became even more vigorous.

The last glimmer of hope in my heart extinguished, and I left, feeling utterly desolate.

It was already afternoon when I left the cemetery.

Passing by the Church of Saint Mary, I got off the bus, wanting to go in and light a candle for Blossom.