Despair washed over me as I remembered leaving the hospital that day, swearing I’d take care of my child. But now...

Baby, it looks like I can’t keep that promise—and God, I don’t want to lose you. I haven’t even seen your face yet or heard you call me “Mom”...

I was cold. In pain. My consciousness began to slip.

The door banged open. I barely managed to lift my eyelids and recognized Carlos Richards’s familiar face.

I tried to move my dry lips. “Carlos...” I whispered.

Dizziness swamped me. I couldn’t tell if he was real or a hallucination. It was the middle of the night—he had no reason to be back at this hour.

Carlos scooped me up fast. His warmth wrapped around me, his heartbeat thundering against my ear.

Carlos, are you scared? Why?

“Stay awake, Adele! Don’t fall asleep!” His voice was a sharp command.

My eyelids felt like lead. I fought to keep them open, but the darkness pulled me under.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. The second my thoughts cleared, my hand flew to my belly.

“Don’t worry—the baby’s fine,” a voice said. I realized I wasn’t alone.

I turned my head. My mother was sitting beside me, worry etched into her face. But there was anger there, too. “How could you hide something as huge as a pregnancy from your father and me?”

“Mom, I’m sorry.” I didn’t know how to explain.

She sighed, her tone softening. “Since you’re pregnant, focus on taking care of yourself. You know how much this child means. If you can have the baby safely, your life will be so much easier.”

A weight pressed down on my chest. To my mother, my child was nothing more than a bargaining chip.

When she finished, I looked at her and said quietly, “Mom, I’m going to have the baby and raise him myself.”

“What do you mean?” My mother’s eyes went wide with shock, her voice climbing. “You’re thinking about divorcing Carlos because Leilani’s back? How did I end up with such a thankless daughter? Another woman wants your husband, and you’re just going to let her have him?”

Hearing her call me “daughter” was bitterly ironic. Maybe, before Leilani came back, she really had thought of me as her child.

She had no idea that Leilani didn’t just want to take Carlos—she wanted my child too. I couldn’t let that happen.

“I’ve made up my mind,” I said stubbornly, unwilling to argue anymore. “Mom, thank you for everything. Go home and rest.”

My defiance seemed to set her off. She shot to her feet, seething. “Adele, I always said you were ungrateful! Your father cared so much for you, and now that the Richards family finally agreed to a settlement of $300,000? If that deal falls through, you and I are going to have a reckoning!”

Her words cut deep. No wonder she was here in the hospital—it was all about the Richards family’s money.

After dropping her ultimatum, she stormed out, her heels clicking sharply down the hall.

I curled up under the covers, tears sliding silently down my face. Exhaustion finally dragged me into a restless sleep.

When I woke again, night had fallen. Thirst pushed me out of bed for water, but I stopped when I heard voices outside the room.

“Mr. Richards, this is the surveillance footage from your office. It confirms Miss Olson was the one who locked the door from the outside,” said Ethan Johnson, Carlos’s chief assistant.

“I see,” Carlos said, his tone cold and detached.

The glass slipped from my hand and shattered loudly on the floor. Everyone outside jumped.

Carlos rushed in, crossing the room to my side in a few swift strides.

He glanced at the broken shards, then calmly lifted me back into bed. He went back to the table, poured a glass of warm water, and handed it to me, his voice steady. “Drink.”

I didn’t take the glass. I just stared at him, disbelieving, Ethan’s words echoing in my head. Last night, Leilani knew I was in the lounge. She had locked that door on purpose before leaving. If Carlos hadn’t come back, my child and I might not have survived.

Leilani had nearly destroyed us, yet Carlos seemed unfazed. Why?

The child I was carrying was his flesh and blood too.

Carlos met my gaze without flinching. Then he sat beside me, lifted me up a little, and offered the water again.

“Are you hungry? What do you want to eat? I can have something brought over.” His unexpected concern felt almost like mockery.

It was all for the child, wasn’t it?

“At least give the child the truth—don’t you think?” My throat was painfully dry. My voice came out as a raspy whisper, so rough I barely recognized it.

He could ignore my well-being, but the child was innocent.

Carlos’s brow furrowed slightly. “Leilani didn’t know you were pregnant,” he said in a low voice. “She was just acting on impulse.”

What a pitiful excuse. When a man chooses a woman’s side, no matter what she does, he’ll go to any length to protect her.

I lowered my gaze. “Carlos, let’s get a divorce.” It was the second time I’d formally asked him.

I almost begged. “I don’t want any of the Richards’ assets. Just let me and the child go. You and Leilani are still young. If you want children, you can have more...”

Before I could finish, pain shot through my wrist.

“Adele!” Carlos snapped, his dark eyes icy. “You’re carrying my child.”

His gaze grew more complicated, unreadable—just like I’d never managed to find a way into his heart.

I was stunned for a moment, then laughed bitterly. “So what? Are you still thinking about giving the child to Leilani?”

I said it deliberately, to remind him. Leilani hated me. She would never treat my child kindly.

I was willing to sacrifice everything—even not pressing charges against Leilani—as long as I could keep my child.

“You have no right to bring up divorce,” he sneered, his grip tightening on my wrist. His lips brushed my ear as he mocked, “Three years ago, I gave you the chance to leave. Now it’s too late.”

The door swung open like the man owned the place, and Mr. Richards Sr. strode in. “What are you doing perched up there, Carlos? Adele needs room and rest. A pregnant woman needs space to breathe. Get up!” He surveyed the cramped hospital room with a scowl, his displeasure plain. “Why is this room so small? Where are the amenities? Carlos, go find the hospital director and make sure Adele gets the best room in this place!”

Carlos shot me a loaded look before slipping out.

Mr. Richards Sr. lowered himself into the armchair beside my bed, his expression softening. “Adele, your priority now is taking care of yourself and the baby. As for your father's company, I've already told the finance team to release the funds.”

“Thank you, Grandpa,” I said respectfully. “I'll find a way to repay you soon.”

With my father's predicament settled, I could finally relax.

Mr. Richards Sr. chuckled. His sharp eyes lingered on me for a moment, a hint of amusement in them. “No need to be so formal—we're family. Consider it a gift for my future great-grandchild.”

There was more than one meaning behind those words.

If I ever considered divorcing Carlos or leaving with the child, this so-called “gift” would quickly turn into a bargaining chip.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, unsure how to respond.

He handed me a mug of coffee, his tone kind but brooking no argument. “Adele, I know you're a good person and you've been through a lot. Rest assured, as long as I'm around, that woman Olson will never be part of the Richards family. Once you have the baby, Carlos will see your true worth.”

Divorce would need careful thinking.

I nodded slightly and took a slow sip of coffee.

Within an hour, I'd been moved to a VIP suite on the top floor.

At his grandfather's insistence, Carlos stayed at the hospital to have dinner with me.

The meal—crafted by a Michelin-star chef at Mr. Richards Sr.'s request—was extravagant, but I had little appetite.

I picked at my spiced honey cake without really tasting it, while Carlos let his pulled pork sit untouched. He sat on the black leather sofa, focused on his iPad, handling business with that cool, unreadable demeanor.

I didn't dare disturb him, but then my phone rang—it was my father.

“Adele, how are you?” His concern was obvious.

Since his release, he'd been dealing with a high fever, which made hospital visits difficult.

“I'm fine, Dad.” I glanced at Carlos, relieved when he didn't look up, and kept my voice low as I talked to my father.

“Adele, have you been arguing with your mother? She's got a sharp tongue, but don't take it to heart,” he sighed, his tone sincere. “She cares about you. Remember, after all, we raised you ourselves.”

Nurture over nature.

I understood that well. So despite my mother's harsh words, I refused to hold them against her.

I forced a smile. “I know, Dad. Please take care of yourself.”

After I hung up, I saw that Carlos had finished his work. His eyes were closed, as if he was resting.

I gazed at his chiseled profile, perfectly sculpted.

Rich and handsome, Carlos Richards had always been the golden boy everyone talked about.

As if he felt my gaze, he slowly opened his eyes. “Are you done?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“In the future, call me directly if you need anything. No need to bother Grandpa,” he said coolly.

Did he think I was playing games?

Instinctively, I explained, “I didn't ask him to keep you here today. If you have other plans, feel free to leave.”

Carlos lifted his gaze and gave me a brief glance. “I'll leave once you're asleep.”

His unexpected kindness stunned me for a moment—like a dream.

Could he be looking forward to this child as much as I was?

I remembered the moment I fainted in the lounge, when Carlos had come to my rescue.

Unable to resist, I asked, “Why did you come back to the office that day?”

“Finish your meal and rest,” Carlos said, dodging the question.

He turned back to his tablet, immersed in his work. The demands of running the Richards Group never ceased.

Feeling a little deflated, I curled up on the bed, my eyes lingering on his handsome profile. Surprisingly, his presence comforted me.

I couldn't recall when I fell asleep, but sunlight greeted me when I woke.

I anxiously looked at the sofa where he had been—empty.

What was I expecting? That Carlos would stay by my side all night?

After breakfast, a doctor in a white coat and mask entered for rounds.

He approached my bedside but, instead of asking the usual questions, studied me intently.

His gaze made me uncomfortable. “Doctor, is there something you wish to discuss?”

“You don't recognize me, Adele?” He sighed, pulling down his mask to reveal a youthful, cheerful face.

It was Tyler Daniels!

“Tyler! When did you return?” My surprise quickly turned to joy.

The Daniels and Tucker families had been close for years, and Tyler and I had grown up as childhood friends.

I'd always loved tagging along with him, and he'd treated me like a cherished younger sister.

Tyler had pursued a career in medicine, continuing his studies overseas after graduating. The last time I'd seen him was at my wedding to Carlos three years ago.

His clear eyes met mine, a gentle smile on his face. “Just got back. Today's my first day here. I heard you're expecting.”

“What a coincidence! Does this mean you'll be in charge of all my check-ups now?” I joked lightly.

Tyler laughed, ruffling my hair affectionately. “Of course. I'll make sure you and the baby stay healthy.” His tone turned serious as he asked softly, “Has Carlos treated you well these past three years?”

I hesitated, unsure of what to say.

I wasn't great at bending the truth.

Knowing me well, Tyler didn't push further. He simply reassured me, “When you feel you don't love him anymore, don't hesitate to kick him to the curb. I'll look after you and the baby!”

His words made me burst into laughter.

“Come on, I can take care of myself! You should be worrying about your own love life!”

Tyler remained single, much to his family's concern.

Over the next six weeks, Tyler visited consistently, lifting my spirits and helping me recover.

“At seventeen weeks, the baby's growth is right on track.”

After a thorough check-up, Tyler finally approved my discharge.

Back at the mansion, the days of rest left me feeling trapped, so I decided to drive to the Richards Group.

My hospital stay had delayed a lot of work, leaving my office cluttered with files.

Seeing me, my assistant Helen let out a sigh of relief and quickly joined me in tackling the workload.

“Ms. Tucker, a document needs Mr. Richards' signature,” she said, extracting a file and preparing to deliver it.

I stopped her. “I'll take it myself.”

Over the next eleven weeks, Carlos Richards and I got along surprisingly well. Maybe it was his grandfather’s influence, or maybe it was the baby I was carrying, but he made a point of coming home on time for dinner every evening.

I checked the clock. It was almost noon. I called Carlos, but he didn’t pick up. With no other choice, I called his office.

Ethan Johnson answered. “Mrs. Richards, Mr. Richards is in a video conference right now. It should wrap up in about half an hour.”

“There’s a document he needs to look over,” I said. “Does he have anything scheduled after the meeting?”

Ethan checked the schedule. “Are you planning to join Mr. Richards for lunch? He has another meeting at one, so he’ll only have a thirty-minute break.”

Ethan was excellent at his job—he always seemed to know exactly what Carlos needed.

“Would you like me to order something for him?” Ethan offered kindly.

“No, I’ll handle it. I just finished what I was doing, so I can grab something quickly.”

I headed straight to Angel’s Café, which was already packed.

While I waited for the food, a familiar figure caught my eye through the café’s large window.

Leilani Olson, dressed in a knee-length Victorian-style dress and high heels, walked into the café. She was glued to her phone, following a server toward a private room, and didn’t seem to notice me.

“Carlos, I’m here. How much longer are you going to be?” I overheard her say, and my heart sank.

Carlos had a meeting at one. I’d been worried he wouldn’t have time for lunch, so I’d come to get food for him. Yet apparently, he was perfectly willing to dine with Leilani.

People say pain dulls with time. But watching Carlos be so considerate to Leilani? It cut just as deep every single time.

“Miss, your order is ready.” The server handed me the takeout bag.

I snapped back to reality. “Could I use the restroom, please?”

The server pointed me in the right direction, and I headed toward the private rooms.

When I reached Leilani’s room, I stopped.

I just stood outside the door, not sure what I was going to do—maybe I was only delaying the disappointment I knew was coming.

Would Carlos really show up?

I reassured myself. Maybe Ethan hadn’t had a chance to pass my message on to Carlos yet.

I pulled out my phone and called Carlos.

He picked up quickly.

“What’s going on?” I asked, a little too fast.

“Just finished my meeting. What do you need?” His voice was deep.

“Did Ethan get my message? I picked up lunch, and I’m heading back to the office. Can you wait for me?” I asked, lowering my voice.

After a moment of silence, he answered, “Yes.”

Relief washed through me, lighting up a hope I’d thought was long dead.

Maybe my mother was right. I couldn’t keep being so weak that I let another woman take my husband.

I hung up and caught a glimpse of Leilani through the private room’s open door.

I was about to leave when her voice stopped me. “Why can’t you come now? Carlos, you promised me!”

“Carlos, have you forgotten what you promised my mother?”

Her voice climbed, anger sharpening every word.

I stayed put, almost savoring the frustration and defeat in her voice.

Whatever Carlos said on the other end shut her up. When she spoke again, her tone had gone soft. “Fine, I get it. You’ll divorce her after she has the baby to keep your grandfather happy. I’m not mad anymore. I know you’re doing this for us.”

When she hung up and stood, I froze at the door, her words ringing in my ears.

If I hadn’t heard it with my own ears, I never would’ve believed Carlos could be that heartless.

Three years in the same bed, and I’d never once touched his heart.

I was so lost in my own head that I didn’t notice Leilani stepping out.

She didn’t even look surprised to find me there.

Her gaze dropped to the takeout bag in my hand, and her lips curled into a smirk. “Adele, are you really that desperate for a man? Waddling around with takeout while pregnant?”

I really had humbled myself into the dust for Carlos.

But no one besides him could hurt me with words.

I frowned and met her gaze. “Unlike you, Miss Olson, I’m not the one throwing myself at my husband.”

“You—!” Leilani spat, teeth clenched. “You cling to Carlos even though he despises you! Do you really think he’ll like you just because you plotted to get pregnant?”

I looked at her and almost laughed. “Funny—I don’t remember him calling it a plot when we were in bed.”

“Adele, you’re shameless!” Leilani’s eyes burned with hatred as she glared at me. Then she leaned in close and hissed, “Don’t worry. Someday, I’ll take real good care of your child.”

The threat had barely left her mouth when she reached for my belly.

Panic shot through me—I was sure she meant to hurt my baby.

I shoved her away on instinct. The takeout bag flew from my hand, tumbling to the floor and spilling everywhere.

A server rushed over, alarmed.

I glared at Leilani, furious. If I weren’t pregnant, I swear I would have slapped her.

But I couldn’t risk my baby. Not now.

“I can deal with you just fine, Leilani,” I warned. “Watch your step.”

Carlos’s child gave me leverage with his grandfather, and the old man would know exactly how to make Leilani disappear.

I wasn’t weak. I just didn’t want Carlos to hate me.

Leilani’s expression flickered, her eyes full of malice.

As I turned to leave, she let out a sudden yelp.

Her foot slipped on the spilled food, and she grabbed my arm, dragging me down with her.

Terror seized me. My mind went blank—until a searing pain ripped through my abdomen.

The server screamed, “Blood—there’s so much blood! Call an ambulance! Hurry!”

I looked down in horror. Blood was pouring from between my legs.