“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?”

The man spoke, each word tight with an intensity that barely masked what he was feeling.

“Who is she?”

“Sir, you must be mistaken,” Maggie Thompson replied. “I don’t know you.” Her nails pressed into her palm, the sting grounding her. Her gaze was steady, a little perplexed—like she was looking at a total stranger.

Braxton Thompson felt like he’d been struck by lightning. Disguise or not, that voice and those eyes were unmistakable. He couldn’t accept that he’d gotten it wrong. In one swift move, he ripped off her sunglasses and mask—then recoiled, shoving her back in disgust.

“Who are you?” His eyes went wide with shock and disbelief. The brief hope he’d been clinging to vanished in an instant.

Maggie watched his sudden change with a touch of irony. So he really was looking for her? The eagerness he’d shown a moment ago suggested she meant something to him.

She slid her sunglasses back on, her gaze curious but cool. “I think you’ve made a mistake. I’ve only just come back to the country. It’s unlikely we’ve ever met.”

Braxton studied her, his chest going oddly hollow. The woman before him was undeniably striking—beautiful in a way that was sure of itself. The mole above her eyebrow was one thing his wife didn’t have. And there was a maturity in the way she moved, nothing like the timid woman he’d once known.

His ex-wife Maggie had been meek and unassuming—easy to push around, never daring to speak up. He’d kept her out of the public eye, convinced she wasn’t ready to be seen. Yet the woman in front of him radiated confidence, a professional who commanded attention.

Ready to leave, Maggie offered a polite smile. “I’m sorry about today. Consider this my way of making amends. Goodbye.” She handed him a gem—a design she favored, rare enough to make up for the damage to Braxton’s suit.

As she walked away, they’d drawn more than a few curious looks—including from Braxton’s assistant, Gustavo Cruz, who was left completely bewildered.

Wasn’t this woman stunning—just like his former wife? Braxton had stayed loyal all these years, even turning down Aubree Foster’s advances. Today’s encounter seemed to fly in the face of everything he’d held on to.

Still, Gustavo had to admit she did bear some resemblance to Maggie.

“Mr. Thompson, what’s going on?” Gustavo asked cautiously, trying to make sense of Braxton’s intentions. The usually composed man had just acted completely out of character—maybe he’d mistaken this woman for Maggie.

“Apologize first,” Braxton instructed, his expression cool and distant. He gave a slight bow and swiftly walked away.

In the car, Braxton couldn’t shake the encounter. “Gustavo, could she possibly be alive?”

Gustavo knew he meant Maggie. “Sir, that was a plunge into a void. The driver was unrecognizable. It’s unlikely she survived…”

A fall from that height wouldn’t leave anyone alive—unless by some miracle, like Madeline Johnston. They’d found her bloodied clothes with signs of predators nearby. Nothing more.

Maggie’s name had become a forbidden topic, never to be mentioned around Braxton.

“I guess. A woman like that wouldn’t have survived,” Braxton mused, turning the gem over in his fingers. It was designed by AE, a renowned international designer whose work had shot to fame over the past two years. It seemed unlikely his ex-wife had connections like that.

Gustavo felt a flicker of irritation. Why had Braxton held on to her earlier? His boss was clearly haunted by his past—and by his dreams.

“Mr. Thompson, are we heading to the Vienna Hotel now?” Gustavo asked hesitantly. Aubree had been nagging him about this event for quite some time.

“Yes.”

Lost in thought, Gustavo had to brake suddenly—but the car still crashed into the one ahead. His temper flared.

Maggie hurried out of her car, already apologizing. “I’m so sorry—I just got my license, and I’m not very experienced.”

“What kind of driving is that? Why are you slamming the—?” Gustavo began, then stopped short. He recognized her face. For a moment, neither of them could speak.

Maggie was speechless. They were crossing paths again so soon? What rotten luck. She should’ve let someone else drive today.

She felt embarrassed and annoyed at the same time. She’d rushed to the Vienna Hotel after Madeline said she was there with the kids, and her nerves had made her hit the gas instead of the brake.

She hadn’t expected to run into Braxton again.

“Who exactly are you?” Braxton demanded, suspicion flaring in his eyes. Running into her like this was too convenient to be a coincidence.

Maggie wanted to avoid him entirely. “Sir, like I said before, I don’t know you. This was an accident, and I take full responsibility. I’ll cover the damages.”

She handed Gustavo her contact info, eager to leave. “I’m in a hurry. I’ll pay for the repairs.”

“Give her the invoice,” Braxton said coldly. Gustavo handed her a detailed repair estimate. “This car is a limited edition worldwide. Every part is custom-designed, so the repairs have to be custom-made, too. The total comes to two million four hundred thousand dollars.”

Why not just rob me? Maggie almost blurted out, her heart sinking. Damn Braxton and his money.

She sighed, chalked it up to bad luck, and reluctantly wrote out a check. As she started to get back into her car, Braxton climbed in beside her.

“What are you doing?” Maggie demanded, momentarily stunned.