In my past life, he had pestered me relentlessly until I signed that life insurance policy.

Not long after it took effect, he left a suicide note and ended his own life. Lyla and Ronan stormed into my home, accusing me of murdering Archer.

Ronan waved the suicide note, shouting, "You jinx! You killed my Archer! Today, you'll pay with your blood!"

He kicked me in the stomach. The pain was excruciating. I collapsed to the floor, blood streaming down my legs, staining my white dress crimson.

Clutching my stomach, I begged Lyla for help, "Lyla! Call 911! Save the baby!"

Lyla curled her lip and pulled Ronan away. "Archer, my poor son, I'll go fish you out of the river..."

She hadn't even glanced at the suicide note, yet she knew Archer had jumped into the river.

Mom, please! Just call 911. It is your grandchild...

I pleaded desperately, begging her to call for an ambulance. But Lyla just sneered, giving me a disdainful look before instructing Ronan to lock the front door.

Blood gushed from between my legs. I didn't even have the strength to crawl back to the house for my phone. I could only watch helplessly as my lifeblood drained away.

Two lives were lost.

After my death, Archer, who had supposedly drowned himself, came back to life. He knelt before my memorial tablet, overwhelmed with grief.

Everyone who came to pay their respects praised his deep love and devotion.

But then, he turned around and colluded with Lyla and Ronan, claiming that I had died from an accidental fall.

"Ava, what are you thinking about so deeply? Come and have some soup."

Archer held a small spoon, trying to feed me. I gagged and ran to the bathroom. He followed me with tissues, his face full of concern.

I vomited until tears streamed down my face, the nausea still lingering.

Archer and I met on a blind date.

He was handsome and had a stable job, so I assumed he wouldn't be interested in me. To my surprise, he confessed his feelings and proposed marriage. He even insisted on marrying into my family.

I felt it was too much of a sacrifice for him, but he reassured me.

"There are two brothers in my family, but your parents only have you as a daughter. We can't let your family line die out.

My parents had passed away long ago, so what family line was there to continue? "I don't have any plans to carry on the family name. I can't let you suffer like this."

He playfully tapped my nose.

"Married daughters aren't entitled to the headcount fee. We can't pass up this money. We need it to raise our little one."

I teased him, "You're such a money-grubber."

He said that having children was hard work, and if that money could ease my burden, he was willing to be called a money-grubber.

Tears welled up in my eyes.

"You can marry into my family, but the child has to take your last name. I don't want you to feel inferior."

Now I realize how foolish I was. He didn't love me; he loved the house my family was about to receive compensation for due to demolition.

It was ridiculous.

Archer, since you love money so much, let it accompany you to hell.

"Ava, take a break. I'll deliver the insurance policy. What would you like to eat? I'll ask Mom to make it and bring it back." Archer looked every bit the good husband as he softly asked me.

I scoffed inwardly.

So, the insurance policy was in hand, and now it was time to discuss with Lyla how to get rid of me.

As soon as Archer stepped out the door, I followed.

He went to the mall, where a pregnant woman greeted him. "Archer! When are you going to marry me?"

I knew this woman.

She was Everly Tate, Archer's childhood friend. She was even a bridesmaid at our wedding.

"What's the rush? Ava just signed the insurance policy. We have to wait until it takes effect. How can we get married without money? How can we raise a son?"

Everly patted her belly.

"I can wait, but your son can't! I'm telling you, Archer, if you keep dragging this on, I'll go to the hospital and get an abortion!"

Archer lowered his head and whispered something in her ear, and Everly's anger turned to joy. She linked her arm with his and swayed coquettishly.

Well done.

He killed me and our child just because Everly was carrying a son?

A son?

He had me give blood a few days ago and said it was for a health check. What kind of health check involved sending blood to the hospital?

Gender testing.

Lyla favored boys, and Archer and Ronan both didn't like girls. They could kill my baby just because she was a girl?

But a daughter was Archer's flesh and blood, too.

For money, he wouldn't even spare his daughter. He was worse than a beast! He didn't deserve to be my child's father!

I trembled all over, my nails digging into my palms, blood dripping to the ground.

Yet I felt no pain.