"Easton, I don’t want to go through pregnancy. I don’t want to watch you suffer either. Isn’t it better if it’s just the two of us, leaning on each other through life? My love for you will never change."

I nodded and gave her one last condition. “If one day you change your mind about children, then we’ll have one together.”

Adeline agreed.

During our fifth year of marriage, my mother-in-law suddenly stopped pressuring me to take fertility medicine, and my father-in-law no longer looked at me with resentment.

They handed over the company and went abroad to enjoy retirement.

From then on, Adeline would occasionally fly overseas to visit them.

I thought they had finally come to terms with our choice.

But in truth—they already had a grandson. They already had an heir.

However, it seemed each of her trips overseas was to reunite with her other family.

I opened my mouth, but my voice came out hoarse and faint.

“Adeline, can you really separate impulsiveness from love? Do you think this is fair to me?”

Seeing the pain in my eyes, her expression softened slightly.

“Easton, I know I wronged you. I just didn’t want you to suffer. I didn’t want anything or anyone to disturb our peace.”

“Jeremy was just an accident—he fulfilled my parents’ wish. And now the Jenkins Group has an heir. If you’re willing, you can put him under your name. He’ll be your son—”

I let out a sarcastic laugh.

“So thoughtful of you. You didn’t want me to suffer, so you found someone else to have a child for me. Should I be grateful to you for that? After all, I can’t have children, right?”

Adeline fell silent, her face full of embarrassment. She didn’t try to argue.

After a long pause, Jeremy finally stepped forward and spoke. “Uncle Easton, no need for thanks. Just treat my dad better from now on.”

“He raised me with great difficulty. Now it’s time for you to step aside.”

He looked at me with smug satisfaction, and a chill ran through me.

“So what you’re saying is—I took your father’s place? I stole what should’ve been his?” I asked in disbelief.

Jeremy stared back coldly. “You never gave the Jenkins family an heir. You should’ve been cast out long ago. It’s only because Mom has a soft heart, and Dad didn’t hold it against you, that you got to keep calling yourself the Jenkins family’s son-in-law.”

“They were being generous. But I can’t just stand by and watch. The position of Jenkins family’s son-in-law rightfully belongs to my father. It’s my duty as a son to reclaim it,” he added and gave me a mocking glance.

“If you’re smart, I don’t mind supporting you. Just remember your place. The Jenkins family doesn’t keep freeloaders. Run errands for my dad—drive him around, pour his drinks, and massage his legs. That’s enough.”

I stared coldly at Jeremy.

So this was the “good son” my wife had raised for me.

She wanted me to serve her paramour like a servant.

Fury surged through me. I picked up the folder in my hand and hurled it straight at Jeremy’s head.

“You arrogant little brat!”

With a yelp, he clutched his head and crouched down.

Everyone panicked and rushed to hold me back.

“President Johnson, don’t stoop to a kid’s level!”

“He’s just young and doesn’t know better!”

Adeline quickly ran to cradle Jeremy, anxiously examining his face.

The metal corner of the folder had scratched his cheek, and a thin line of blood snaked down.

She immediately turned on me with rage in her eyes.

“Easton, how could you be so cruel? No wonder you never had children—you’ve got no compassion!”

“Jonah never once laid a hand on Jeremy. And you? You strike him like this? Do you think you even compare to a fraction of his kindness or tolerance?”

The words flew out of her mouth before she could stop herself. When she realized what she said, she froze. Her lips parted, and her tone softened. “Easton, I didn’t mean it that way. Please... just look at yourself—”

I raised a hand and cut her off. “Adeline. Let’s divorce.”

Without another word, I turned and walked out of the conference room.

I spent the next week away on business trips. When I returned, the paparazzi handed me a thick stack of photos and videos.

A wave of helplessness washed over me.

After everything came to light, Adeline no longer bothered to hide anything. My in-laws paraded their precious grandson around without shame.

My mother-in-law could send up to eight hundred videos a day—documenting her heartwarming life with her beloved grandchild.

Videos of the grandson helping her down the steps, cooking herbal soup for her, the whole family of four taking a stroll in the park, dining in fancy restaurants...

One clip after another, full of laughter and warmth.

And then there was Adeline—smiling gently as she helped Jeremy pick out clothes, even helping him try them on.

They were just ordinary, everyday moments. Yet they made my eyes sting with an unbearable ache.

I carefully reviewed the documents the paparazzi had given me, then sent a message to Adeline.

[Tomorrow, 8 a.m. Meet me at the Civil Affairs Bureau.]

Moments later, she sent back several long voice messages.

"Easton, I won’t divorce you. I’ve already told you, Jeremy was just an accident. The one I’ve always loved is you."

"We’ve been married for thirty years. Can’t you show me some understanding? Do you really want me to become a heartless woman who abandons her own child?"

"Jonah and I have already discussed it. He’ll live in the Paradise Villa and won’t bother us. When we’re old, Jeremy will care for you too. He was just defending his father today. We’ve already scolded him."

"The day after tomorrow is Mom’s birthday. Jonah and the others will be there. I’ll make him apologize to you in person. Jonah is sensible and mild-tempered. Please don’t keep pushing things—can’t you just let it go?"

Though my tears had already overflowed internally these past few days, hearing her say such heartless things in such a calm, ordinary tone finally broke me.

Tears spilled down, one by one, landing softly on my phone screen.

I couldn’t understand. How could she say these things so casually? So shamelessly?

Had it become completely normal for rich women to keep a lover and raise their child, like it was no different from eating or using the bathroom?

When Adeline found me, I was already drunk beyond reason.

She walked up and held me tightly, kissing away the tears on my face.

"Easton, I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry."

"I didn’t want you to suffer. Vasectomies are painful... and yet I still end up hurting you."

For a moment, I was swept back in time—thirty years ago, when the Jenkins family was on the brink of bankruptcy.

I raised my glass to the bank director. He made me down ten shots in a row.

That day, Adeline rushed over and pulled me behind her. “Director Gray, I’m sorry. My husband can’t drink.”

Director Gray slammed his glass on the table. “If President Jenkins looks down on me, then find someone else to talk about the loan.”

I hurried to stop him from leaving, plastering on a smile.

“Director Gray, please don’t be angry. Adeline was just worried I’d say something foolish if I got drunk. It’s my honor to drink with you.”

Then I lifted the glass and downed it in one gulp.

That night, Director Gray smirked and poured ten more shots.

“One shot for two hundred thousand dollars. Let’s see how much you can handle—and how big of a loan you really deserve.”

I drank all ten, and secured a two-million-dollar loan.

My stomach burned like fire, but Adeline held me tightly, just like now, kissing away my tears.

"Easton, once we get through this, I won’t let anyone look down on you ever again. I’ll never let you suffer."

The tears of the past blended with the tears of today, but now, all that remained was bitterness.

“Adeline, can’t you let them go?”

“If you want a child, I’ll go have surgery right now. I’m not afraid of pain.”

“Adeline... when you wanted a child, why didn’t you come to me? Why didn’t you tell me?”

...

The air went still. Only the sound of my quiet sobbing remained.

I looked into Adeline’s eyes—and all I saw was coldness, devoid of the warmth I once knew.

And at that moment, I finally understood—the ones I held onto so tightly...

Had never truly been mine to begin with.

Two days later was my mother-in-law’s birthday. The family threw a grand banquet, and it was the first time I met Jonah.

Just like in the photos—handsome and full of sunshine.

I glanced down at myself. After all these years of working tirelessly, I was always in the same tailored suits and slacks.

Days of torment had left my face haggard, deep wrinkles forming around my eyes.

I no longer looked like the elegant, composed executive of a wealthy family.

Jonah was chatting with Jeremy and my mother-in-law, saying something that made her laugh out loud.

As I approached, my mother-in-law immediately glanced at the butler and instructed, “Put those useless gifts in the storage room. Hand them out later as rewards.”

I looked at the gift box in my hands and silently handed it to the butler.

She had never liked me, and always saw me as less than a real man, never able to win her favor.

Adeline released my hand and, without a pause, walked up to Jonah and wrapped her arm around him.

“You must be exhausted from the flight.”

She reached out and gently straightened the collar of his shirt, a gesture filled with intimate familiarity.

Jeremy ran over like an excited child and clung to both of them.

“Mom, you said Dad’s arrival would be a surprise. Can you tell me now? I’ve been waiting all night!”

Adeline smiled indulgently and tapped his forehead, “Silly boy, always so impatient. When will you learn to be as steady as your father?”

Then she pulled the two of them over to me and introduced them warmly, “Easton, this is Jonah.”

Jonah gave me a polite nod, and gently said, “Easton, Jeremy just got back from abroad. If he has offended you in any way, I apologize on his behalf.”

As he bowed slightly toward me, Adeline quietly slipped her arm around his shoulder and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

That single kiss sent a cold chill rushing from the depths of my chest to every limb.

So this was her ‘moment of weakness.’

The impulsive mistake she kept justifying.

Jonah smiled mildly. “Easton, Jeremy grew up without his mother. Naturally, I may have spoiled him a little. I hope you can be patient with him.”

He rubbed his temple, embarrassed, the helplessness in his expression laced with a father’s affection.

Adeline hurried to take his hand. “Jonah, you’ve raised Jeremy so well. He’s considerate and kind—how many fathers could have done better?”

Jeremy stepped forward tactfully. “Uncle Easton, I’m sorry. I acted out of line yesterday. Please forgive me.”

“I just... I felt bad for Dad. He’s always been there for me—through every illness, every homework assignment. He’s already forty, yet people still look down on him...”

His voice choked, and his eyes turned red with emotion.

Adeline pulled him into a warm embrace.

“It’s okay, baby. It’s all Mommy’s fault. I won’t let either of you suffer anymore. From now on, I’ll always be here to take care of you both.”

Watching them—this warm, perfect little family wrapped in each other’s arms—something inside me finally died.

All my hopes of rekindling what Adeline and I once had—of returning to how we used to be—shattered completely.

Moments later, Adeline stood tall and clapped her hands. Several servers entered in a neat line, each carrying red silk-covered trays.

She walked over to the first tray and pulled off the cloth.

“Jonah, this is the deed to the Paradise Villa. It’s in your name now. No need to go back to the old place anymore.”

Then she uncovered the second tray.

“These are shares in the subsidiary in the neighboring city. I’ve already signed the transfer agreement. Just your signature is needed.”

Finally, she lifted the red cloth on the third tray, revealing a dazzling array of high-end jewelry.

Cufflinks. A signet ring...

My pupils constricted.

Among the glittering collection was a luxury watch—a rare piece Adeline had once bid on at a European auction.

So it turned out the gift was for Jonah.

All this time, I thought it was a wedding anniversary surprise meant for me.

Even though I told myself not to expect anything anymore, my heart still ached.

I had always believed she locked it in the safe to build anticipation, to give me a beautiful surprise.

I had imagined, countless times, that on our 30th wedding anniversary, she’d lovingly fasten it to my wrist while the crowd applauded.

Apparently, it was never for me.

It was for that man.

I had even secretly commissioned a designer to create a custom suit to match the watch.

But now, in front of everyone, Adeline picked up that unique timepiece with a radiant smile. She gently lifted Jonah’s sleeve and fastened the one-of-a-kind watch onto his wrist.

Jonah lowered his gaze and smiled indulgently, like a loving husband.

Then Adeline inched closer and kissed his cheek lightly.

Applause thundered around the room.

My dream had indeed come true—but it wasn't me.

Tears began to stream down my cheeks.

After a long moment, Adeline raised her hand, and the applause gradually faded.

She nodded toward a lawyer standing beside the stage.

The lawyer stepped forward and announced, “I am here on behalf of Ms. Adeline to read an official agreement. As of today, she is transferring 40% of her shares in Story Group to Mr. Jeremy. This makes Mr. Jeremy Jenkins the majority shareholder of the company. The agreement has been notarized and takes effect immediately.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Everyone stared at Adeline in stunned disbelief.

Even Jonah gently interjected, “Adeline, Jeremy just graduated. He still needs to gain experience. Aren't you spoiling him too much?”

Adeline patted his hand comfortingly. “If I don’t pamper my own son, who will? Sooner or later, it will all be his anyway. Better to let him take on responsibilities early.”

She took Jonah’s arm and began leading him through the crowd.