ManyWriters

At our engagement dinner, my fiancé Liam publicly announced his secret marriage to socialite Chloe.
Dressed in my wedding gown, I became the laughingstock of the evening.
In that moment, my childhood friend Ethan, a renowned surgeon, slipped a ring onto my finger: "Maya, you're mine now."
I nodded in agreement.
Seven months pregnant, I suffered a terrible car accident.
Ethan arrived like a guardian angel, pulling me from the wreckage moments before it exploded, performing emergency care on the spot.
When I opened my eyes again, he was by my hospital bed, his eyes bloodshot, his voice hoarse: "Maya, I'm so sorry, we lost the baby and your uterus..."
I was devastated beyond words.
Ethan held me tight: "Don't be afraid, I'll always be by your side."
But six years later, I accidentally stumbled upon a surveillance video:
"Chloe's infertile by nature. Am I supposed to watch her lose Liam's love? Maya's child is the perfect 'asset'. That accident must look flawless, ensuring the 'asset's' safety."
"As for Maya, her survival is already my act of mercy. Making her infertile ensures she'll be mine forever."
What I thought was my salvation turned out to be a carefully crafted cage.

Caged By Love

Ethan pulled me onto a secluded balcony. After making sure we were far from Chloe and Lily, he finally let go of my hand. His tone carried a hint of displeasure: "Maya, you shouldn't have come today."


I greedily watched Lily's tiny figure as she cautiously hid behind Chloe.


"No... I just wanted to ask what gift you'd like for our anniversary."


"Silly, you're the best gift," he said, kissing my forehead. His touch was gentle, but his eyes were vacant.


He noticed the small metal USB drive in my hand. "Maya, what's that?"


I thought for a moment before speaking. "Ethan, I want to tell you, can I bring Lily..."


"Ethan, I'm feeling a bit dizzy. Could you come help me? Lily's also fussing for you to hold her."


Before I could finish, Chloe's fragile voice interrupted me.


Ethan immediately turned and ran over. "What's wrong? Is it your low blood sugar acting up again? I keep telling you to eat on time."


He didn't forget to turn back and give me a reassuring smile. "Maya, you go rest first. I'll take care of Chloe. It's not easy for her to raise a child alone. I'll come back to you tonight."


So he remembered everything about Chloe with such clarity.


That evening, just as I returned to our spacious mansion, Ethan came in with Chloe and Lily.


Faced with my questioning, Ethan rubbed his brow. "There was an accident at Chloe's place. They'll stay with us temporarily. Don't worry, it's just for a few days."


Chloe had changed into a seductive silk robe, the diamond necklace around her neck dazzling. She leaned affectionately against Ethan's shoulder.


Lily hid behind Chloe, peeking at me timidly before clinging tightly to Chloe's leg. A flash of smugness crossed Chloe's eyes.


"Maya, don't blame Lily. She's just shy around strangers. Unlike some people who were so... easy back then..." She trailed off, stopped by Ethan's warning glance.


Ethan looked at me, his gaze complex. "Maya, I know you've always wanted a child. Lily is adorable. You could... spend more time with her."


His tone sounded like he was offering charity.


I turned away silently. Ethan seemed about to say something, but Chloe pulled him back, coyly asking him to pour her some wine.


I returned to the underground parking garage alone, realizing I'd forgotten my car keys with Ethan.


"Maya, you know whose child Lily is now, don't you?"


Chloe had appeared out of nowhere, holding a glass of red wine, looking down at me condescendingly:


"What does it matter? It was Ethan, her own father, who handed Lily over to me. Whatever I want, he'd sacrifice everything to get it for me."


Chapter 4