Chapter 2

While those present couldn't hear a word of Vienna's disparaging remarks about me, they continued to agree with her every sentiment.

If it hadn't been for her nine years ago, Damien and I might not have tied the knot so easily.

The Stone and Blackwood families had been close for generations, and Vienna and I had met in college.

It was also because of her that I got to know and fall in love with Damien.

But it was the year I gave birth to Melody that her relationship with Damien became increasingly intimate.

Meanwhile, an insurmountable chasm gradually formed between us.

In the years that followed, whenever Damien reached a peak in his career, she would always appear by his side.

Various rumors about how well-matched they were spread throughout the industry.

At first, Damien would still explain and try to persuade me to be more open-minded.

Later, whenever I brought up the scandalous rumors, his face would darken.

He'd always say I had too much free time at home and was overthinking things.

He'd accuse me of being narrow-minded for being wary of my own best friend.

Back then, I was focused on being a virtuous and dutiful wife.

So I reflected on myself and gradually stopped mentioning their relationship.

Until Melody's second birthday party. Damien hadn't discussed it with me beforehand, but that day he announced he was sending Melody, who had just been weaned, abroad.

I was in shock and it took me a while to come to my senses.

Right then and there, I started arguing with Damien Stone. It was our first fight.

Later, the Stone family promised that if I bore them a son, they would send Melody back to me.

To get Melody back by my side, I've tried everything to get pregnant these past few years.

But things never went as planned.

I suffered multiple miscarriages, until this ectopic pregnancy nearly cost me my life.

On the day of the surgery, there was an unexpected complication.

Due to years of physical strain, I experienced severe bleeding during the operation that couldn't be stopped.

As a last resort, the doctors had to remove my uterus.

And my only hope, my son, also died on the operating table that day.

At that moment, I knew Melody would never be able to return to my side.

The Stone family is powerful and wealthy; I can't compete with them.

And losing the ability to have children also means I'm about to become a Mrs. Stone in name only. I have no reason to inquire about the women fluttering around Damien anymore.

Even if he loved me like he did nine years ago, he couldn't withstand the criticism from the Stone family.

Moreover, the feelings between us have grown distant now.

If we're not arguing, we're waiting.

Trust has long been teetering between us.

He's also grown weary of my lack of ambition.

And I've had enough of these days.

I don't want to wait another moment.

"Mom, can Aunt Vienna stay at our place while I'm back home?"

Melody's inquiring voice brought me back to reality.

I looked at my daughter, her expectant eyes making it hard for me to refuse.

Damien pursed his thin lips, "Melody, Vienna has work to do. She doesn't have that much time to keep you company."

"But I asked Aunt Vienna, and she said she could if Mom agrees."

Melody was a bit excited, eagerly awaiting my answer.

Looking at my daughter, so eager to be close to Vienna, my heart ached with waves of bitterness.

She seemed to prefer Vienna over me. Damien, standing nearby, verbally refused but his eyes were filled with adoration.

It felt like sand had been rubbed into my eyes, causing a momentary discomfort.

I rubbed my eyes and let out a soft "Okay."