Chapter 3

"Yesterday when Scarlett kicked my belly, didn't you say as long as she's happy, it's fine?"

"An eight-month-old baby can't handle such heavy stomping!"

Hearing this, Nolan lowered his head guiltily, about to say something.

Scarlett, who was nearby, blinked and spoke with a tearful, aggrieved tone.

"Sis Xanthe, it's all my fault."

"I just saw your disgusting video and wanted to get even for Nolan, but ended up making you two argue."

"It's my bad. I'm an orphan who's made it this far all thanks to Nolan's help. I shouldn't have meddled in your relationship yesterday! I won't show up in front of you guys anymore, getting in your way!"

Her sobbing appearance was pitiful, but her eyes were full of defiance.

Nolan immediately left me, turning to rush to her side.

He affectionately pulled Scarlett into his arms, gently wiping away her tears.

But when he looked up at me, his face was full of anger.

"Xanthe, you're truly cold-blooded."

"You've just come back and already upset Scarlett. She's always been frail, if you dare bully her again, you can get out with that bastard in your belly!"

My blood nearly froze in my veins, and for a moment, even my breath seemed to crystallize in the air.

When he lost his leg, I encouraged him daily, massaging his limbs.

Nolan once held me tight the day he could stand again,

Promising we'd walk into the future together.

He dreamed of our future then, saying we'd have a beautiful sweetheart.

He'd make me and our sweetheart the happiest people in the world.

Later, he began to hate me, thinking I had deceived him.

I still bowed and scraped for the sake of his old promises and our past feelings.

But now, when he insults me, he even ruthlessly curses our child.

What he doesn't know is,

The "bastard" he speaks of was already killed by his own hands and his mistress!

Watching their cuddling silhouettes,

I struggle to control the ache in my heart as I turn away.

Back in the room, as I place the baby booties I handmade for our sweetheart into my suitcase,

My tears finally fall uncontrollably.

The divorce agreement still needs a lawyer's consultation,

But I can't bear to see Nolan and Scarlett canoodling in front of me anymore.

Packing my bags, I prepare to leave and stay elsewhere.

Nolan, however, grabs my wrist with a face full of fury.

"Xanthe, where do you think you're going?"

He kicked over my suitcase, sending it crashing to the floor. "So eager to go out and find another man, are you?"

"Keep dreaming! As long as I'm around, you'll never leave the Sterling family. That's what you owe me!"

I looked at my scattered belongings and spoke softly.

"Nolan, I've never owed you anything."

A fleeting look of confusion crossed his eyes,

Then he sneered, "You're nothing but a gold-digging con artist. Scarlett was right to call you a slut."

"Isn't money the reason you came to me in the first place?"

"Pregnant and still looking to satisfy yourself with someone else. Xanthe, you're truly disgusting!"

It felt like someone had torn a gaping hole in my heart, letting in a bitterly cold wind.

I couldn't help but tremble.

But Nolan showed no mercy, coldly saying:

"It's Mom's birthday tonight. Clean yourself up and come back to the family mansion with me. Don't even think about going out to fool around."

"And drop your little schemes. Don't you dare bully Scarlett. If you behave, I might let you raise the child properly. Otherwise, I'll send it away as soon as it's born!"

He was still using the baby to threaten me.

In his mind, the child was just a tool to control me.

Nolan's mother also sent me a message, saying she hoped to see me tonight.

Thinking about this, I nodded expressionlessly in agreement.

Nolan, however, thought I was giving in.