"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.

Moments later, Archer and Everly parted ways. I followed Archer to Lyla's house.

Lyla's house was located in an old neighborhood; the building was old, and the walls were thin. They lived on the ground floor. As Archer entered, I slipped into the shadows outside the window.

Ronan's voice was menacing.

"Archer, you got the insurance policy? What are you waiting for? Just kill her, my nephew can't be a bastard."

"Brainless idiot!"

Archer cursed him.

"It's over just because we got the policy? The insurance hasn't taken effect yet. We need a foolproof plan to get the money safely."

I trembled all over, sliding down the wall to the ground. My heart still ached when I heard him repeat this in my new life.

Archer continued, "Ronan, keep your mouth shut. The insurance is just a part, the demolition compensation is the real prize.

"If Everly hadn't pushed me so hard, I would have waited until I got the demolition money before making a move. And you, you loser, with all those loan sharks on your back, this is the last time I'm cleaning up your mess!"

Demolition compensation?

No wonder he was so proactive during our blind date. From the meeting to the marriage, it was all his plan.

He was trying to take everything I had!

My teeth chattered, and the baby in my belly kicked hard.

Baby, were you heartbroken, too?

Lyla's voice was shrill. "Ava married you; in life, she's a Pierce; in death, she's a Pierce ghost! Even if she dies first, the demolition money is ours.

What are you afraid of?"

"Mom! Keep your voice down! Ava is carrying my child, I, I'm a bit reluctant."

Lyla shouted, "A money-losing girl, what's there to be reluctant about? Once we get the money, you can have as many as you want, I won't stop you."

Ronan jumped in, too.

"Archer, what do you mean? Let me tell you, I'm still counting on this money to pay off my debts. You're backing out now? I won't allow it!"

With a loud bang!

Archer slammed down a cup. "Why don't you two grab a megaphone and shout? Afraid no one will hear you otherwise!"

The room fell silent, and Lyla calmed Archer down.

When Archer mentioned that the policy amount had changed to ten million, Lyla and Ronan were instantly thrilled again.

"Archer, go write your suicide note now!"

"Archer, don't hesitate. A daughter will just be a burden. You can have plenty of others bear you sons later."

I held my belly and turned to leave. It was time to make some preparations of my own.