Chapter 3

I didn't waste any time. After quickly packing, I took a taxi to the Pierce family estate.

When I arrived, it was clear that Madam Victoria had already thrown a fit.

Upon seeing me, she angrily hurled her teacup at me. "How can you be so incompetent? You can't even hold onto a man's heart after all these years. What's the point of our family keeping a fool like you?"

The rim of the cup grazed my temple, leaving a bloody scratch.

I reflexively bowed my head and apologized.

During this time, Aiden sat on the luxurious, plush sofa, holding Rachel close, completely unmoved.

He was no longer the Aiden from years ago who had no say. Now, he was the CEO of Pierce Enterprises, and the entire family had to follow his instructions.

Even Madam Victoria and the family elders didn't dare interfere too much.

Finally, Madam Victoria grew tired of scolding and plopped heavily back onto the sofa, continuing to sip her tea.

"What's your plan?"

"Keep the baby."

Aiden's tone left no room for argument.

Madam Victoria frowned and turned to Rachel.

"And you?"

Rachel bit her lip, tears falling like broken strings of pearls. "Aiden and I are truly in love... I've already lost one child in the past."

A flash of guilt crossed Aiden's face. He shielded Rachel behind him, but his gaze toward me held a hint of resentment."If it weren't for her, your grandson would be calling you grandma by now."

I fell to my knees on the cold marble floor, my entire body instantly chilled to the bone.

After my relationship with Aiden deteriorated, my days at the Pierce household became even more difficult. I tried to explain things to him several times, but he turned a deaf ear.

It wasn't until he turned twenty that Rachel came back.

One night, Rachel called to say that Aiden was in trouble and told me their location.

I rushed there in a panic, only to find scattered clothing outside the small grove.

The next day, Aiden was once again punished by kneeling in the family chapel, but this time was different - Rachel was pregnant.

Mrs. Victoria adamantly demanded that she terminate the pregnancy, but Aiden refused, flying into a rage in the chapel.

On the day of Rachel's procedure, I secretly let Aiden out, but it was still too late.

Afterward, a heartbroken Rachel left for Europe, and Aiden smashed my phone, leaving me with one final statement.

"You should be grateful you let me out in secret, otherwise today, you'd be the one suffering."

Though he said this, strangely enough, Aiden became willing to speak to me again after that.

I numbly raised my head, realizing that Aiden had been blaming me all along for following them that night.

But I didn't know that someone had been tailing me that evening...

"Once I've had my fill of fun, I'll get married." Since then, he had made numerous girlfriends. he continued to frequent nightclubs and parties, until Rachel appeared again at his bachelor party...

"I wanted the children on my own, it has nothing to do with Rachel. Mom, please stop trying to separate Rachel and me."

To fully ensure Rachel and the baby's safety, Aiden deliberately humbled himself. This one word, "Mom," also softened Victoria's heart.

"The first seven women who secretly used your sperm to inseminate themselves after you left, I never saw you so insistent. But when she gets pregnant, you... Well, nevermind. Martha!"

The housekeeper Martha approached me with a bowl of black medicinal soup. The dark liquid emitted a pungent odor.

"Make your choice. If you still want to be Mrs. Pierce, drink this bowl of medicine. From now on, you won't be able to have children anymore. If you don't want to..."

Before Victoria could finish speaking, Aiden made the decision for me.

"Lily, drink it."

My mind went blank. I looked at him in disbelief, "Why?"

Aiden's expression was cold, "I told you, you'll be the godmother to Rachel's children. You won't have to go through the pain of childbirth yourself." He paused for a moment before adding, "This is also to avoid your children and Rachel's children fighting over family wealth and parental affection in the future. Haven't you always been the most sensible and obedient? Drink up quickly."

The housekeeper pushed the medicine bowl closer to me, nearly pouring it directly into my mouth.

Rachel looked down at me, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Drink it, Lily. This medicine will only make you infertile, there won't be any other side effects. Surely you don't think Aiden and his mother would harm you? Why are you so resistant?"

Victoria impatiently urged, "What are you waiting for? Drink it. I saved your life, are you afraid I'd poison you now?"

My nails dug deep into my palms as I pressed my lips tightly together, stubbornly turning my head away.

"I won't drink it. Since there's a second option, I choose the second one."