Two years into their marriage, Maggie Thompson finally got the news she’d been dying to hear—she was pregnant. As she held the report, excitement washed over her. Today was their anniversary, and this felt like the perfect gift to share.

Stepping through the doorway, she was immediately greeted by her sister-in-law’s voice: “Mom, I heard Aubree is back—and she’s pregnant too!”

Aubree Foster had returned, and she was expecting a child? Maggie’s fingers tightened around the report in her hands.

“Really? She’s pregnant? Oh, how wonderful for her!” her mother-in-law exclaimed with delight. But the moment she noticed Maggie standing there, her smile curdled into a sneer.

“So you overheard. By now, you should know your place. Aubree is carrying Braxton’s child. You—a hen who can’t even lay an egg—should make yourself scarce.”

Her sister-in-law chimed in with equal mockery: “Yeah, Mom. I’m just worried some people won’t have the good sense to leave.”

Maggie’s face turned pale. Her sister-in-law and mother-in-law had never warmed to her. Two years in this family, and neither had shown her a shred of kindness.

In the past, she could swallow it. But now, with Aubree pregnant, was there even a place left for her in this home?

“Mom, let’s go shopping. I want to get Aubree a gift for when she gets back!” her sister-in-law said, tugging her mother along and deliberately bumping into Maggie as she passed. “Even a smart dog knows when to get out of the way!”

As they walked away, exhaustion crashed over Maggie. She dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face. The joy of discovering her pregnancy had morphed into a chilling despair, as if her heart had been doused in ice water.

She returned to her room and sat in a stupor until the early hours, when the door opened.

Braxton entered, reeking of alcohol. Maggie was eager to get out of bed and ask about Aubree’s pregnancy, but before she could say a word, his overwhelming kiss silenced her.

“She—mm—” The muffled protest vanished against his mouth.

His kiss was possessive. One hand wrapped around her waist, trying to pull her onto the bed. Maggie tried to push him away, but her hands were swiftly pinned down.

His unruly hand wandered lower, sliding past her waist…

In the past, Maggie would have submitted to Braxton’s advances. In bed, he became a devil, his fierce passion leaving her defenseless. But today, her mother-in-law’s words echoed in her mind. The other woman in Braxton’s heart was coming back—and she was pregnant. The thought sent Maggie into a panic.

Then she remembered her own pregnancy…

This couldn’t go on!

“No…”

Maggie snapped back to reality and bit down hard.

Braxton groaned in pain.

What had gotten into her? This madwoman had actually bitten him?

Click—the lights flicked on, and Braxton’s cold presence filled the room. “Maggie, what the hell are you doing?”

His voice was laced with barely restrained desire. He’d drunk too much, and the scent of his wife’s perfume had ignited a fire in him. The interruption only stoked his anger.

Maggie knew she had upset him. She cautiously looked up, meeting his dark, deep-set eyes. He was undeniably handsome.

Even with anger creasing his brow, his features were as captivating as ever.

This was the face she’d dreamed about for two years. Now the dream had shattered, and she could see his gaze had never held a drop of affection for her.

This man had once said he despised women who used deceit to climb the social ladder.

Taking a deep breath, Maggie softened her tone. “Braxton, I heard from your mom that Aubree is coming back from Europe. Is that true?”

Braxton frowned, suspicion darkening his eyes.

Maggie’s past experience told her Braxton was already wondering what she was up to.

The uncertainty gnawed at her. She closed her eyes and, in a voice mixed with despair and resignation, asked, “Is it true that she’s carrying your child?”

The question set him off. His hand locked around her throat, and he stared down at her with a chilling intensity. As she struggled, her face reddened.

His grip tightened as he looked at her with cold disdain. “Maggie, you ruined my brother, took your sister’s place so you could crawl into my bed—and now you dare meddle with Aubree?”

The murderous look in his eyes made her believe he truly wanted her gone.

“Maggie, did you really think you could use Grandpa to keep me bound forever?”

“Two years, and you still haven’t had enough of this miserable existence?”

Every word dripped with hatred, like shards of ice piercing Maggie’s heart.

She fought for air, eyes bloodshot, tears streaming down her face, but he showed no sign of compassion.

His contempt for her was obvious.

“You’re despicable by nature, Maggie.”

At that moment, his phone rang. Braxton released her and turned to take the call.

“I’m home…”

“Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Braxton’s voice softened, carrying a warmth Maggie had never heard before. It was obvious to her that Aubree was on the other end of the line.

“Cough—cough—”

Maggie gasped for air, looking up at Braxton as he ignored her completely.

He finished the call and looked down at her with a freezing gaze. “Maggie, don’t even think about pulling any stupid stunts. If you try anything again, not even Grandpa will be able to save you!”

With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Maggie climbed to her feet and watched from the window as he sped off in a hurry, showing just how tightly Aubree had a hold on his heart.

“Heh…”

The joy she’d felt holding the pregnancy report was utterly crushed by the events of the evening.

In Braxton’s eyes, she was nothing more than an outlet for his desires. He had never cared about her. Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law’s mockery only made it sting more. Her hope for this child now felt like a cruel joke.

Their marriage had always been a fantasy.

At the bedside, Maggie’s tears fell unchecked. Her quiet sobs grew louder—until they broke into uncontrollable laughter.

The childhood promises, her unwavering loyalty, even today’s anniversary—all of it felt like a cruel joke.

With Aubree carrying Braxton’s child, it really was time for Maggie to step aside.

She spent the night sleepless, and by dawn, she had made up her mind.

“What? You’re pregnant with Braxton’s child?”

“And you want to go to the hospital for an abortion? Are you insane?” her college friend Madeline Johnston exclaimed, jumping out of bed in disbelief.

“I’m not crazy, Madeline. I’ve thought this through. I don’t want to bring a child into the world just to have Braxton scorn them. It isn’t fair to the child,” Maggie said with quiet determination. She didn’t know if she was carrying a boy or a girl, but she knew she didn’t want her child subjected to a life of contempt and rejection like the one she had endured.

She understood how serious her decision was, but she believed that not bringing the child into the world might be kinder than letting them grow up unloved and unwanted.

Madeline sighed on the other end of the line, feeling the weight of her friend’s decision. She had seen Maggie’s unwavering love for Braxton, and she knew how desperately Maggie had once wanted his child.

“I’ve made up my mind,” Maggie said firmly, shutting down any lingering doubts. “I’m heading to the hospital now.”

“Wait—don’t rush. I’ll come with you—” Madeline’s words were cut off by the abrupt end of the call. Maggie had already made up her mind; she was determined to go through with it before the Thompsons found out about her pregnancy.

Meanwhile, across town, Aubree Foster sat in the hospital, pale and tearful, crying with practiced, delicate grace. “Braxton, I’m sure it wasn’t really Maggie… she adores you too much to do something so cruel,” she sobbed, feigning loyalty to her sister while quietly stoking Braxton’s anger.

Photos lay before them, showing Maggie leaving a hospital, smiling brightly and chatting with a driver. The same images were being used to frame her for Aubree’s miscarriage—allegedly caused by a deliberate car accident.

The driver—bruised and cowering—stammered out a confession. “She offered me a lot of money. I have a child who needs expensive treatment. I didn’t know she wanted me to hit a pregnant woman—please, have mercy!”

As the driver’s words seemed to confirm his worst fears, Braxton’s anger hit a boiling point. Only yesterday, he had warned Maggie not to cause any trouble, and today Aubree had lost her child.

Aubree’s voice softened, careful and deliberate. “Braxton… maybe Maggie was afraid of losing you. You know—the way she was back then, with your brother.” The hint landed exactly where she wanted it to.

Braxton’s anger flared, memories of his brother’s death flooding back. “That wicked woman!” he thought, feeling his composure slip away.

Back at the hospital, Maggie arrived with Madeline, ready to go through with the procedure. Madeline turned to her, concern etched on her face. “Are you sure about this? Once you go through those doors, it’s final.”

Maggie nodded and pressed a hand gently to her belly. “I’m ready. It’s time to let them have their way.”

“You know, I blame Braxton. How did he turn out so twisted? Falling for someone as manipulative as Aubree,” Madeline fumed. “He’s blind to what’s right in front of him.”

“Braxton, you dare show up here!” The words were out before Maggie even saw him storm into the hospital. Shocked, she turned to face him, her heart leaping with unexpected hope. Was he here because he knew? Because he cared?

Her hope was short-lived. Braxton approached, his expression cold, eyes fixed on the paperwork she held. “How dare you, Maggie? Whose child is it?” His accusation was laced with venom.

She looked up at him, hurt. “It’s yours, Braxton.”

“Ha.” He scoffed, his tone dripping with disbelief. “You connived your way into this marriage, and now you’re getting rid of my child?”

He pulled back, disgust washing over him at the thought that she might have been unfaithful. “You’re just as deceitful as your mother. You’ve even harmed Aubree’s child with your schemes. You deserve nothing but contempt.”

Madeline caught Maggie, keeping her from collapsing under the accusation. Furious, she lashed out at him. “You’re the one who’s blind! She’s carrying your child, and she’s trying to make room for that homewrecker, Aubree! How can you trust a mistress over your wife?”

“Shut up,” Braxton snapped, his patience worn thin, maintaining his composure only out of respect for Madeline’s family.

“Let’s go, Maggie. Forget him. He’s not worth your tears. Once your divorce is finalized, I’ll introduce you to someone worthy,” Madeline comforted, pulling her away.

“You think you can just leave?” Braxton’s voice thundered again. “You owe Aubree an apology for causing her to lose the baby.”

Maggie laughed bitterly. “I found out about Aubree’s pregnancy from my mother-in-law yesterday. I was home all day; there was no opportunity for me to orchestrate such a thing. I’ll accept consequences for my actions, but not for those I didn’t commit.”

For the first time, she stood up to him, meeting his gaze with defiance. Her defiant smile struck him deeply—a painful challenge he couldn’t fully understand.

Braxton staggered back, affected by her unexpected strength. He struggled to suppress the ache her defiance evoked in him, forcing it down amid the storm of accusations swirling inside.

Leaving the hospital, Maggie and Madeline decided to try another facility. Distracted, Maggie didn’t notice she had gotten into the same taxi from before. As they drove toward the suburbs, the driver suddenly accelerated toward an oncoming truck, swerving wildly off the road and veering toward a cliff.

“Maggie!” Braxton’s shout echoed as he slammed on his brakes, watching in horror. Maggie, in her last conscious thought, imagined hearing his frantic call. It seemed almost tender—a cruel illusion of care.

Five years later, at the airport back home, a striking woman in a vibrant red dress emerged from the plane, her twins by her side—a boy exuding calm confidence and a girl with infectious charm. The trio caught every eye, a picture of grace and unity.

“Mommy, Aunt Madeline’s over there!” the little boy noted, maintaining a mature demeanor that made Maggie’s heart swell with pride.

“I see her too,” she replied, grateful for the family they had become.

In that moment, she was thankful she hadn’t gone through with the abortion. Thanks to Madeline’s family, she had been whisked away overseas, receiving the best care possible.

“Maggie, welcome back!” Madeline Johnston, sharp in a crisp business suit, walked over with a warm smile. Her two children dashed ahead, throwing their arms around Maggie and affectionately calling her “Auntie Maddy.”

Madeline greeted each of them with a kiss and a squeeze, and as the kids pulled away, she couldn’t help asking, “You’ve been doing so well abroad. What made you come back all of a sudden?”

“There was something off about that car accident,” Maggie said, her smile equal parts alluring and assured. “And besides, Aubree’s glory days are numbered.”

The woman standing in front of Madeline was no longer the shy Maggie from five years ago. Everything that had been taken from her, she was going to reclaim—piece by piece.

Madeline let out an impressed whistle. “Look at you, Maggie. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but you came back more dazzling than ever. I bet you’ve got admirers beating down your door now, don’t you?”

“Yeah, and they’re all a total headache,” Wade cut in before Maggie could answer.

“Watch the attitude,” Maggie chided gently, tapping her son’s head with one finger before turning back to Madeline with a grin. “Oh, stop. And look at you—a full-on businesswoman now. Your brother told me you’re still single. Are you ever going to settle down?”

“Men are exhausting. I’d rather spend my time with you, Maggie,” Madeline laughed. Her career meant she couldn’t freely choose whom to love. Besides, she found her work far more captivating than any romance.

As they kept talking, a sleek limousine pulled up behind them, carrying a man with a cold, distant air. It was Braxton Thompson, just back from a business trip.

A familiar face flickered through his mind, and Braxton’s expression clouded. He shook his head at the thought. That woman was supposed to be gone—lost at the bottom of the cliff. How could she be here?

He didn’t even like her. So why did she keep creeping back into his head?

The memory of her accusations five years ago resurfaced, sharp and familiar, bringing the same old pang with it.

“Mr. Thompson, Ms. Foster heard you’re back and would like to invite you to dinner,” his secretary informed him.

“I understand,” Braxton said, shutting his emotions down and slipping back into his icy demeanor.

“The twins are simply adorable. Thank goodness you didn’t—ah, forget it. Don’t worry, I’ll look after them,” Madeline gushed over the two children, her maternal side showing. Even though she couldn’t stand Braxton, she had to admit he had remarkable genes. Wade especially was ridiculously handsome.

Maggie watched them with a soft smile. She understood what Madeline had almost said. After narrowly escaping death, she’d thought about ending the pregnancy. But the moment she found out she was carrying twins, she couldn’t do it.

The children were innocent. They didn’t deserve to carry the weight of Braxton’s name.

She hadn’t come back only for revenge. She also needed to pay her respects to the woman who had once cared for her at the orphanage. The late director had been uncommonly kind to her, and Maggie felt she had to be there for the funeral.

She left the children with Madeline and borrowed a car to visit the orphanage.

“Look—there’s the deadbeat dad who ditched Mom!” Wade jabbed a finger at the headlines.

“So, Wade, how exactly are you planning to pull off your secret plan?” Aspyn, ever the obedient sister, asked, following her brother’s lead.

“What secret plan? What are you two up to?” Madeline asked, walking back in with a bowl of fruit and playfully tousling their hair.

She knew Braxton’s kids couldn’t possibly be as innocent as they looked. Their charm had almost fooled her.

“Spill. If it’s not too insane, I might even help. Otherwise, I’m calling your mom.”

Wade and Aspyn exchanged a mischievous look. Then Wade flashed a charming smile and ran over to rub Madeline’s shoulders. “I knew you were the best, Auntie Maddy! They say beautiful people have kind hearts. No wonder you’re so gorgeous!”

“Yeah, Auntie Maddy, you get prettier every day,” Aspyn agreed with her brother.

Madeline was left speechless.

These kids were a pair of clever little devils.

Still, she couldn’t stand Braxton, and whatever mischief they were plotting sounded like fun she could get behind.

Meanwhile, at a high-end hotel, all eyes and cameras were fixed on a glossy event. The CEO of Thompson Group had rented out the entire venue to throw a birthday party for his rumored girlfriend, Aubree Foster. The hotel’s giant digital screens flashed photos of the couple in an embrace, sending the media into a frenzy.

Braxton, who was usually allergic to tabloids, had the press buzzing with this romantic scandal. Reporters—and even some of his fans—were eager to see for themselves how he spoiled Aubree.

Madeline had been talked into bringing the twins, but the glitz and glam only made her uneasy. She couldn’t stand Aubree.

“You two seriously wanted to come here?” she asked.

“I heard the food here is amazing, and Aspyn was curious. So I figured we’d come,” Wade reasoned, his eyes scanning the room. Madeline was skeptical of his innocent act. Still, she agreed—curious about what Wade was up to.

“Okay. The place is reserved, but I know the hotel manager. You can go in, but don’t wander off!”

Elsewhere, Maggie attended the orphanage director’s funeral. The late director had been a pillar to so many, and the legacy she left drew a crowd of dignitaries and supporters to the memorial.

Maggie wore a black dress, her face half-hidden by a mask, standing quietly at the back. She had come only to pay her respects.

“Did you hear Braxton Thompson might show up here too?”

“Wasn’t he supposed to be at Aubree’s birthday party today? Why would he be here?”

The murmuring of two women nearby drifted to her. Even after all this time, the sound of Braxton’s name still stirred an unwelcome ache in her chest.

Just then, the crowd shifted, and Maggie was jostled forward. Trying not to fall, she turned—and collided with a solid chest.

The distinct scent of tobacco filled her senses, and she knew immediately who it was.

Her hands gripped the tailored fabric of his suit, wrinkling the expensive material. The startled murmurs around them seemed deafening as she looked up into Braxton’s cold eyes.

Just her luck—it was Braxton Thompson.

Thankful for the mask, she pushed her sunglasses up and apologized politely. “I’m sorry—I lost my balance. Thank you for catching me. I can pay for the suit.”

Her voice was familiar, but distant and formal. Braxton frowned and pulled her back toward him, making her stumble into his arms.

His strong hands closed firmly around her arms.

“Maggie Thompson! You’re alive?”