On our son's birthday, my husband took him out for a simple celebration. But both of them were killed in a car accident. What was meant to be a memory turned into a lifelong scar.

After that, I spiraled. Depression consumed me, and I attempted to take my own life more than once.

It wasn’t until I was pulled back from the edge again that I was told the cruelest truth of all: the child I had been carrying, my husband’s last gift, was gone.

Out of guilt, I chose to live. Not for myself but for the love I still carried for him and for the baby we lost.

Three months later, while walking through downtown, I looked up at a giant screen and froze. Holden Brennan was standing there, alive, hosting a press conference, proudly announcing Claire Carver.

I couldn’t believe he was still alive.

When I finally returned home, he was there, standing in the living room as if death had never touched him. Alive. Whole. And beside him stood a woman, heavily pregnant.

At that moment, I finally understood that my husband had never died.

Holden spoke without hesitation, "I’ve always loved Claire. If you hadn’t drugged and seduced me, if we hadn’t had that child, I would’ve been with her long ago."

"The fake death was only to protect Claire’s child. Now, I’m bringing her into this house as my rightful wife."

So it turned out that what I believed was love had been nothing but lies. Holden had never loved me. And since that’s the truth, then he’ll pay for every single wound he’s left behind.

……

I had longed for him day and night, and now, there he stood, alive, right in front of me. My eyes blurred as tears streamed uncontrollably down my face.

But Holden stood cold and distant, unmoved. He spoke to me like I was nothing more than the help.

"Claire is pregnant now. Take good care of her. It’s not easy for her."

As he spoke, he gently helped Claire into a seat, his gaze soft, full of tenderness only meant for her.

I stared at the man I once loved, my lips trembling as I forced a smile.

"Honey, it’s me. Why are you back all of a sudden? I’ve missed you so much."

I ran toward him, desperate to hold him, but he shoved me away without hesitation. I crashed to the floor.

Kneeling, I looked up at him in disbelief, my body trembling, tears spilling from my eyes.

"Don’t touch me. Just do your job as the housemaid."

I had given birth to his son. I had mourned him in silence for six months, staying loyal even in death.

And now, he was treating me like a servant to his mistress.

A bitter laugh slipped from my lips as I stared at him, my eyes burning with hatred. But Holden only frowned and continued, "Claire is allergic to mangoes, and she doesn’t eat green vegetables. Make sure you remember that when cooking."

"She likes her room spotless. Clean it thoroughly every day."

I bit my lip, eyes wet with unshed tears, listening as he listed every one of Claire’s preferences. Bitterness rose in my throat. We had been married five years, and not once did he remember what I was allergic to.

"And where’s Brody? Claire likes fluffy things. From now on, he’s her dog."

At the sound of his name, Brody dashed in from the backyard, tail wagging. When he saw me on the floor, he gently tugged at my sleeve with his teeth, his soft face rubbing against my leg, easing my pain for just a moment.

I had found Brody when he was still a stray puppy. Back then, Holden couldn’t stand him, he claimed he was allergic and used to beat him, threatening me never to let a single strand of fur appear in the house.

Brody had been so tiny, so thin. I had begged on my knees for days before Holden finally agreed to let me keep him on one condition: he was to stay in the backyard.

All because Claire said she liked dogs, Holden suddenly had no problem with it. The allergy he once claimed to have was conveniently forgotten. The dog I had raised with love was handed over to someone else like he meant nothing. I didn’t even get a say.

Holden called Brody over. Maybe it had been too long, but Brody still remembered him. He bounded over happily, tail wagging, and jumped onto both him and Claire. She stumbled, clutching her belly in pain.

Holden’s eyes darkened. Without a word, he shoved Brody away and pulled out the same whip he used to discipline him.

I couldn’t stand by. As his owner, I threw myself forward and shielded Brody with my body, the lashes landing hard on my back.

He didn’t hold back. The whip cracked with full force, pain tearing through me until I screamed. My tears spilled, my body trembled uncontrollably before I collapsed in agony.

Holden’s pupils shrank. He hadn’t expected me to protect Brody like that. Just as he looked down, guilt flickering in his eyes, Claire stepped in and gently took his hand, resting it over her belly.

“Brother Holden, it’s okay. I’m fine,” she said sweetly, handing the whip back to him while helping me up. “The dog really is too aggressive. It needs discipline. Poor Alexis got caught in the middle. It hurts me more than it hurts her.”

Her soft voice worked only on Holden. His anger melted as he looked at her with satisfaction, gently stroking her head. As she helped lift me, she wore the smile of a victor.

I glared at her, then used the last of my strength to shove her hand away.

She staggered back deliberately, landing in Holden’s arms with tears brimming in her eyes.

“Brother Holden, I think big sister really hates me. What did I do wrong?”

“No one in this house dares to bully you, Claire,” he said, his voice full of affection.

Seeing the woman he loved appear so wronged, he immediately redirected his fury toward me. He stormed over, his voice thundering as he scolded me for being hostile.

I looked up at his furious face, my own pale, my body trembling. A bitter laugh slipped from my lips. This man, who showered affection on his mistress, couldn’t spare a single glance for his wife. Not once did he ask how I’d survived the past six months. Not once did he ask about the child I lost.

His fury was contagious. My sadness twisted into fierce hatred. As he gripped me, I wiped away my tears and stood firm.

Pointing to my old, yellowed wedding ring, I spoke, “Do you remember this ring? I wore it every day, even after you ‘died.’ I mourned you faithfully for six long months.”

“Why did you fake your death? Why come back now as if nothing happened? Answer me!”

“And don’t you dare lay another hand on Brody? He’s family to me. Next time, I won’t just block the blow…”

He stood there, stunned by my trembling defiance, unable to speak.

Claire coughed softly, laced her fingers through his, and raised their hands high.

“See it clearly now? Brother Holden faked his death because he wanted to be with me. He’s always only loved me.”

But he dropped her hand and lowered his gaze, avoiding my eyes. She didn’t mind. Instead, she stepped closer, flashing a ten-carat yellow diamond.

“This was specially designed by Brother Holden. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Her radiant glow and the care she received stood in sharp contrast to my worn, fading appearance.

She pointed at my threadbare coat and tiny, tarnished diamond ring, then burst out laughing.

Grabbing my hand to inspect the ring, she sneered, “Wow, this is the smallest diamond I’ve ever seen. And it’s turning yellow…”

Her sparkling diamond blinded me, shining as sharply as her malice.

I stared coldly at her fake politeness, forced a smile, and slapped her.

“Claire, are you alright?”

“Alexis, what do you think you’re doing?!”

It wasn’t even a hard slap, but she clutched her belly and dropped to her knees, pretending to have a contraction. Holden, alarmed, rushed to her side, his eyes full of worry.

Then he turned on me, kicking me hard in the stomach. “Now you’ll feel what she felt!”

I collapsed, clutching my belly in pain, curling up in agony. Sweat drenched my forehead as I stared at the loving couple before me with burning hatred.

Tears streamed down my face.

Holden, she only faked a contraction, and you ran to her side. But me? I tried to die again and again for you. I lost our child, and you didn’t even care.

Pain overwhelmed me, and I blacked out. But the tears never stopped flowing freely from my eyes.

When I woke again, the sharp sting of hydrogen peroxide assaulted my nose, forcing a violent cough and sending a stabbing pain through my abdomen.

After Holden had supposedly died suddenly, I had tried to end my life more than once. Three days ago, I was rescued and discovered, much to my shock, that I had been three months pregnant, only to lose the baby in a miscarriage.

At that time, I had been admitted to this very hospital. Grief weighed heavily on me, and I longed to leave. After three days of rest, I returned home.

My body remained fragile. Holden’s cruel kick had struck my stomach with such force that I blacked out from the pain. Now, I was back in this hospital, swallowed by a whirlpool of emotions.

Lost in my sorrow, the hospital room door suddenly opened. “Miss, you’re finally awake.”

I looked up to see Willow rushing toward me, worry etched on her face. Willow Bradford had served as our family’s housekeeper for over ten years and had always cared deeply for me. When Holden was declared dead, I had lost all will to live. It was only through Willow’s support and encouragement that I held on.

“Willow, why are you here?” I grasped her rough yet warm hands.

“I brought you here. When I got home and saw you collapsed on the floor, I thought you were trying to take your life again…” Willow’s voice trembled, her eyes reddening.

“No, Willow, I won’t do that again. I passed out because of Holden.”

“He’s back,” I said, lowering my gaze with a heavy sigh.

Willow didn’t seem surprised by the news of Holden’s ‘resurrection,’ as if she had expected it all along.

“Yes, I know. He’s here at the hospital right now,” she said quietly.

I let out a cold, bitter laugh.

“It’s not like he brought me here. Why would he? He’s probably cuddling that mistress of his back at home right now.”

Willow gripped my hand tighter, her eyes avoiding mine as if holding back something important.

I urged her to speak freely, assuring her I wouldn’t mind.

“That new woman at home… she’s about to give birth. Young Master is upstairs, just outside the maternity ward, waiting anxiously,” Willow whispered, her voice barely audible, but the weight of her words slammed into my heart like a hammer.

Pain shot through my abdomen, radiating up to my chest. I stayed silent, tears falling slowly, one by one.

My blurred vision stirred memories of the difficult labor I had endured.

When I first got pregnant with our child, joy filled me, but Holden remained cold and distant. I thought his harshness came from work pressure, so I tried to support him by going with him to meet clients.

He took me to a reserved private room, but during the drinks, he said he felt ill and left for the restroom. I waited endlessly, but he never returned. Left with no choice and unable to refuse, I accepted a glass of liquor from one of the clients.

As the liquor settled in my stomach, sharp contractions suddenly gripped me. My water broke right then and there. I was rushed into an ambulance, but Holden was nowhere to be found.

The alcohol had caused heavy bleeding, and labor became agonizingly difficult. Two hours dragged by with no sign of the baby. I was utterly drained. I glanced toward the glass window and saw Willow standing outside, eyes shimmering with tears, silently mouthing, “Hang in there.”

Summoning every ounce of strength, I finally gave birth half an hour later.

But when I woke again, Holden was still absent. From start to finish, only Willow had stayed by my side.

Just as I was about to be discharged, Holden finally appeared, claiming he had been sent away on a last-minute business trip and couldn’t be with me.

Later, while sorting through his suit jacket, I discovered an opened box of condoms tucked inside the inner pocket, with only one or two left.

Furious, I confronted him with the box. He shrugged it off, saying his jacket had been lent by a colleague because his own was dirty, joking about how “energetic” that colleague was.

The very next day, an identical jacket was delivered to our house, and that was enough to ease my doubts.

“Willow, I need some fresh air. Could you bring me a bowl of chicken soup? I’m hungry.” I wiped away my tears and slowly rose from the bed.

I wandered alone to the maternity ward upstairs, catching sight of Holden from afar. He paced nervously outside, his brow furrowed, stealing anxious glances into the room. In the glass reflection, I spotted a tear shimmering at the corner of his eye.

Claire’s voice rang out, loud and strained. Through the glass, I saw her pushing with every ounce of strength. The clock on the wall told me it had been exactly two hours, she must be enduring a hard labor too.

“Congratulations! Both mother and child are safe. It was a difficult delivery, but the baby pulled through.”

The doctor emerged, cradling a chubby baby boy, and congratulated Holden. He let out a deep sigh of relief, gazed at the child with joy, and kissed his forehead tenderly. Claire was wheeled into the ward, Holden trailing close behind, his hand gripping hers tightly.

Holden had become a father again, a picture of blissful family happiness.

I stood silently in the hallway corner, tears streaming uncontrollably. Sitting in the corridor, hunched and trembling as I rubbed my belly, I clasped my head and wept with bitter sorrow.

Holden, I drank and entertained clients for your sake. I drank so much that I went into difficult labor, and you didn’t care at all.

But now, for her, you waited anxiously outside the delivery room for two long hours. For your “wife.”

I had been too foolish. I should’ve known the moment I found that box of condoms that your heart had already slipped away to someone else.

While I was in labor, you were probably lying in a warm bed with Claire, whispering secret promises.

My heart shattered completely for Holden. I cried until I blacked out.

Willow noticed I was missing from the ward and searched the entire hospital until she found me unconscious in the hallway.

“You’re awake.” A familiar voice, it was Holden.

I struggled to open my swollen, tear-streaked eyes. The warm smell of chicken soup drifted through the air.

“You’re finally awake, miss. Where did you run off to? I couldn’t find you anywhere.” Willow sat beside my bed, her eyes red and swollen, clearly just finished crying.

Just as I was about to comfort her and say I was fine, I looked up and saw Holden standing beside her.

“Claire just gave birth. Since you’re awake, your body should be fine. Go to the room next door and take care of her,” he said coldly.

I said nothing, my bloodshot eyes locking onto him, silently burning with rage.

He didn’t get a reply and frowned in annoyance. “What, you’re still not better?”

Willow was about to speak up for me, but I slowly opened my mouth and gave a cold smile.

“That night with Claire must’ve been fun, huh?”

“What are you talking about?” Holden’s pupils widened as he stared at me in disbelief.

“Nothing. Just seeing her give birth reminded me of when I gave birth to Nolan; it took two and a half hours. I didn’t see you until the next day.”

“You weren’t on some sudden business trip, were you? Even had a coworker cover for you…” I said mockingly, watching the flicker of unease cross his face.

“You…you’re talking nonsense. No need to dredge up the past. Just take care of Claire’s baby.” He turned to leave.

His eyes avoided mine. He couldn’t stand to be near me even for another second. I was right all along.

Willow picked up the soup and gently blew on it before bringing it to my lips. “It’s okay, miss. I’ll take care of her. You don’t have to listen to him.”

I took a bite; the warmth and taste were comforting. Our eyes met, and the kindness in Willow’s gaze planted a fleeting thought of escape. But before I could leave, I still needed to pay my debts.

“It’s fine, Willow. You’ve carried this household alone for too long. Since he wants me to care for her, I’ll do as he says.”

After several days of rest and healing, just as I was preparing to leave the hospital, Holden stood waiting for me at the entrance.

“Alexis, I was reckless last time, and it caused you pain. Let’s go home.” Concern softened his gaze as he handed me my clothes.

I looked at him in surprise, taken aback by his sudden care.

He opened the car door for me and helped me inside, then offered me a cup of hot coffee he’d made ahead. When I hesitated, he leaned forward and gently blew on it.

“Alright, it’s cool enough now. Drink up.”

I sipped, curious about Holden’s unexpected kindness.

“Please look after Claire for me. I just returned, and there’s still plenty to handle at work.”

“Let’s visit your parents. It’s been too long.”

I smiled with knowing eyes. So that was why he had been so kind, he wanted me to care for his little mistress, and visiting my parents was clearly about investment talks.

When I first decided to marry Holden, my parents had strongly opposed it, convinced I was marrying beneath myself to help the poor. But I pleaded with them for three long months, determined to prove my choice.

“Alexis, what’s so special about that poor boy? We’ve already arranged a better match for you. Wouldn’t it be easier to live as a wealthy wife?”

“Dad, Holden treats me well and works hard. Even if his family isn’t as rich as ours, I won’t suffer with him.”

“Dad, Mom, I swear on my life, I will treat Alexis well…”

In the end, my father couldn’t resist and had to call off the arranged marriage with the Dalton family. Holden and I held hands tightly, tears of joy streaming down our faces.

I rubbed my belly, still weak from recovery. A faint ache lingered in my lower abdomen. I turned to gaze at the scenery outside the window, now growing more familiar.

“We’re here. Let’s go.” Holden took my hand, their fingers intertwining just like before.

From the trunk, he pulled out fine wine and supplements he had already prepared. Together, we stepped into the house.

Since his return, Holden had contacted my dad on the very first day. Naturally, my father was incredulous. A son-in-law, thought dead for six months, suddenly calls? Even after Holden explained, my father’s doubt remained.

Dad had asked him to bring me home to see him. Holden handed me my phone, which was left behind at home, buzzing with messages and missed calls from Dad, urging me to return today.

“Holden, what brings you here?” Uncle Elias, the butler, noticed us.

Holden squeezed my hand gently. “We came to see Dad, check on how he’s doing.”

Uncle Elias’s eyes widened at the sight of Holden alive and well. “It’s rare for Mr. Brooks to be home today. He’s been waiting for you two. Go on in.”

Holden held my hand firmly as we stepped through the door. Uncle Elias watched us with a warm smile.

“How lovely. Married all these years and still so in love. Miss never picked the wrong man.”

The last time we came home, it was to announce my pregnancy. But now, everything has changed. I sighed quietly inside.

I forced a gentle smile, hoping to ease the paleness from my face. “Dad, Mom, we’re back.”

Dad, already settled on the couch, sprang up and pulled me into a tight embrace.

“Alexis, it’s been so long. You’ve lost so much weight.”

I didn’t want him to worry, so I brushed it off lightly and told him that I’ve just had no appetite lately because of the heat.

Holden never loosened his grip on my hand. “Dad, Alexis has been trying to shed some pounds, so she’s been eating less. I keep telling her she looks better with a little more weight.”

“Lose weight? That won’t do at all. Girls should eat well and stay healthy. Your mom and I knew you were coming back today, so we made all your favorite dishes.”

Holden set the supplements down and noticed the cooperation agreement spread out on the coffee table. He smiled quietly to himself and gently guided me toward the dining table.

“Holden, come here for a moment,” Dad called him over, and Holden approached as if ready.

“Since you’re back, the cooperation you mentioned earlier, here it is. I’ve already drafted it. You just need to sign.”

“But I’ll remind you what you said back then: I only have one daughter. If you ever mistreat her, I have plenty of ways to deal with you.” Dad handed him the agreement with deliberate calm. Holden’s face lit up with a confident smile as he nodded again and again.

“Don’t worry, Dad. Alexis has suffered enough with me. I promise I’ll treat her right.”

Before I could even reach for my spoon and fork, Holden was already busy filling my bowl with all my favorite dishes.

“Alexis, here’s your sweet and sour pork. I could never get it right at home. Only your mom’s cooking comes close.” He gently held the meat to my lips, his eyes warm and tender.

Across the table, my parents exchanged satisfied smiles, their eyes shining at the sight of our closeness.

For a fleeting moment, it felt like the old days when Holden first came to my house. He used to feed me like this, so carefully and lovingly. I glanced at him. He hadn’t changed at all. His eyes were still clear, still pure, just like five years ago.

I thought he had truly changed, ready to love me again like in the beginning. Shyly, I lifted the pork toward my mouth, only to bite into empty air. His phone suddenly rang, and he hurried to answer.

Though he moved quickly, the caller ID was clear.

“Baby.”

No need to guess, it was Claire. Holden took the call hurriedly, explaining to my parents it was an urgent company meeting he had to attend.

My parents nodded, and he rose immediately, patting my head as he left.

“Alexis, stay home and rest. I’ll come pick you up tonight.”

My smile stiffened. Even though he spoke softly, I caught Claire’s coquettish voice through the line.

For her, Holden didn’t hesitate to leave, even forgetting the much-anticipated cooperation agreement on the table.

“Holden is really busy, huh?” Dad put down his spoon and fork. “Since he left, Alexis, if there’s anything you want to say, just tell us.”

I couldn’t fool Dad, but I didn’t want to worry them, so I brushed it off lightly.

After dinner, I retreated to my room to rest. Late into the night, my phone buzzed relentlessly.

When I unlocked it, dozens of photos and several long videos flooded the screen, sent from an unknown number.

Every image showed Holden gently massaging Claire, then teasing her before their passionate kiss. Some scenes were too explicit to describe. I didn’t dare look closely before tears blurred my vision, and my heart sank into a frozen pit.

“Brother Holden’s lips are so soft,” a message flashed.

A shiver ran through me. My phone slipped from my trembling hand, crashing into the water glass on the bedside table. The glass shattered loudly.

My parents rushed upstairs.

“Alexis, are you alright?”

I swallowed hard, forcing calm as I hurried to gather the shards. But the broken glass cut deep, nearly slicing my wrist. Blood poured freely.

Mom rushed to my side, gently wrapping my hand. I explained I’d accidentally dropped the glass. Tears welled in her eyes as she saw the wound.

“Are you hiding something from us?” Dad’s voice was heavy with concern.

I lowered my head in silence. My phone vibrated relentlessly, and with trembling fingers, I opened it. Claire’s mocking messages flooded the screen.

“Do you believe if I said I’m sick, Brother Holden would ignore you for three whole days?”

Before I could react, a message from Holden arrived.

[A major client just signed today. I’ll be tied up at the company for the next three days. You rest well at home. It’s rare for you to come back.]

I replied, [Okay. Don’t overwork yourself.] But it felt like swallowing shards of glass. My heart ripped and bleeding inside.

“Tell us what’s really happening. We won’t let you suffer.” My parents squeezed my hands tightly.

Since Holden’s faked death, their beloved grandson Nolan had vanished, too. I had always told them Nolan was staying with his other grandparents, shielding them from worry.

I threw my arms around them, my voice breaking. “Dad, Mom, I missed you so much.”

At that moment, Claire set her phone down and gazed at Holden, who slept peacefully beside her. Her fingers traced the sharp lines of his face with a delicate touch.

“Brother Holden, let’s be together forever.”

Her eyes flicked to the phone screen, where the message showed as “Read.”

Still craving more, Claire’s lips curled into a sly smile. She rose quietly and slipped toward the backyard, her gaze playfully fixed on the sleeping Brody.