"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.

Not long after I got home, Archer returned, setting down an insulated lunchbox.

"Ava, Mom went all the way to the reservoir to get this fish. She simmered it for three hours. Come and have it while it's hot.

"Mom says this soup is the most nourishing. It's great for the baby's brain development. You'll definitely have a super intelligent child."

I stared at him, wishing I could bore a hole through him with my gaze.

His cruel words echoed in my ears.

How could he be so tender with me while plotting to kill me and our child?

I took the bowl of soup.

"Did you send the insurance policy over?"

He nodded solemnly.

I had just called to check the policy information. My accidental death insurance was confirmed, but he had been canceled.

"When does it take effect?"

His face stiffened slightly, and he rubbed his fingers nervously. "Why are you suddenly interested in this? I didn't ask for the specifics. Do you want me to call and find out?"

Not interested in the effective date? Who was he trying to fool?

"No need."

I said, "It's a ten million dollars policy, after all. We need to be cautious. You're too busy with work. I'll go to the insurance company tomorrow to confirm everything."

The following day, Archer's ten-million-dollar accidental death insurance policy was confirmed.