Her face showed perfect surprise—no guilt at all.

“Please don’t misunderstand,” she said gently. “Diego wanted to play on the playground but was too scared to be alone, so I took Lizzie with me.”

“But Sheldon thought I’d be overwhelmed taking care of them alone, so he came to help me.”

“If you’re upset, blame me. It’s my fault. Sheldon and Lizzie are completely innocent.”

Stacey played the fragile maiden flawlessly—soft eyes, trembling voice.

Yet as she leaned closer, tilted her collar just enough. Faint bite marks peeked out.

She made sure I could see them clearly.

“That’s fine,” Sheldon muttered, rubbing his temples. Irritation crept into his voice. “Reba is not the type to indulge petty jealousy.”

Then he talked to me, “I also have an event to attend here, I intend to invite you and Lizzie to come together.”

Stacey shocked to hear that and cut off, “But you said we—”

Before she could finish, Sheldon’s voice dropped, cold and sharp. “Stacey, go pick Diego or you will be late to come to the event.”

I stood there quietly.

Stacey shot me a concealed glare before picking up Diego—reluctance etched into every step.

As Diego and Lizzie waved goodbye, Lizzie bounced to my side, clinging to my arm.

“Mom, please don’t be upset with the second… I mean, Auntie Stacey. I’m so happy to play with Diego, too.”

Last night, when she was dreaming, she called her second mommy. It seemed she was used to calling Stacey that.

“I’m not upset,” I replied calmly. “It’s just… unexpected to run into the four of you here.”

My tone turned distant. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to the house.”

“Reba, are you not hearing what I said before?” Sheldon said softly. “There’s a charity event here, come with me.”

I didn’t answer. But he thought my silence meant that I agreed.

He slipped an arm around my waist without hesitation.

“You’ve gotten fuller,” he murmured absentmindedly, then corrected himself, “That’s good. You used to be too thin. No matter how you look, I love you all the same.”

A cold, faint smile touched my lips.

After all, my body hadn’t changed in years. The comment came only because his hands had grown used to Stacey’s narrow waist.

That afternoon, he brought me to a high-end store, asked me to pick whatever I wanted.

But at checkout, I sent everything to Stacey.

“Why don’t you just take it?” I asked quietly.

“We didn’t bring bodyguards,” he replied. “Your arms will be full carrying the bags.”

“Then at least pick one outfit for tonight,” he added. “We’ll go to the salon after. Should I choose one for you?”

In the end, I wore the dress Sheldon chose. The makeup Sheldon chose.

When I stepped out, I barely recognized herself. I looked like a second Stacey.

Lizzie clapped happily. “Mom, you’re so beautiful!”

I turned toward the mall’s giant screen.

Stacey appeared on it, wearing the same red dress.

Red was Stacey’s favorite color. The one Sheldon always chose.

In the past, I would have confronted him—demanded answers, threatened separation within the relationship.

But now… I couldn’t afford mistakes.

With less than one week left, I let him do as he pleased.

At the event, I wasn’t surprised to see Stacey again—wearing the same color dress as mine.

This time, she stood on stage as the host. Her words were sharp and charming, her laughter drawing applause from the entire hall.

When she stepped down, she walked straight toward us.

She deliberately took the seat beside Sheldon. With practiced intimacy, she pinched Lizzie’s cheek and waved for her assistant. Soon, Diego was placed beside Lizzie.

In the end, I sat trapped between them.

Lizzie and Diego played happily, while Sheldon and Stacey chatted animatedly, voices low, smiles familiar.

Stacey kept provoking me with glances and small gestures. I gave her nothing. I simply sat still, quiet and detached.

Until the final item appeared. A familiar blue pendant.

It was my family’s, something that passed down through generations. I had given it to Sheldon on our wedding day.

Sheldon promised to pass it to our daughter one day, for her to give to her husband. But two years ago, he said it was lost.

My fingers trembled as I reached for the bidding card, but someone had called first, “Five thousand dollars.”

Stacey pouted theatrically. “I want it so badly. It’s perfect for Diego. His birthday is coming up.” She sighed. “But it’s too expensive for just a pendant.”

Diego tugged her hand. “It’s okay, Mom. As long as you’re there, that’s enough.”

Sheldon smiled.

“I’ll buy it for you,” he said casually. “A gift for Diego.”

“Ten thousand dollars.”

My chest tightened.

How could he bid it easily for others when he knew how precious it was for me?

Could it be he already forgot about it?

Or perhaps—he had never taken anything of mine seriously to begin with.

In frustration, I bid higher, “Twenty thousand dollars.”

Stacey’s face darkened. Displeasure flickered across Sheldon’s eyes at her recklessness.

Yet Stacey quickly masked it with sweetness.

“Reba,” she said lightly, “You live such a blessed life now. Sheldon and Lizzie adore you endlessly. You wouldn’t mind letting me have this pendant, would you?”

Lizzie tugged at her cloak. “Mom… why don’t we let second… Auntie Stacey took it? We already have so many treasures at the Manor.”

My lips curved into a strained smile. “What if this is the only one your first mother refuses to yield?”

I deliberately emphasized the word “first,” making Lizzie a little scared.

After all, I had never cared for blessed adornments. But this time, I would not retreat.

Sheldon squeezed Stacey’s hand reassuringly, then flicked Lizzie’s forehead gently. “That’s enough.”

“In this family,” Sheldon said coldly, “we honor what your mother wants. How could you even suggest giving away something she desires?”

Stacey’s smile shattered. She stood abruptly and left the auction hall, heels striking the floor in sharp, furious beats.

Sheldon exhaled deeply and rose, clearly tempted to follow.

Before leaving, he bent and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“I’ll collect the pendant,” he said gently, “Take care of Lizzie and Diego for me.”

I was about to follow him, but Lizzie tugged at my dress, saying she needed me.

For years, Sheldon had used Lizzie as his shield, a perfect excuse to slip away unnoticed, indulging forbidden desires under the cover of night.

But a child was still a child. I saw through it easily.

Feigning the need for fresh air, I said, “You stay here with Diego.”

Lizzie sensed my mood and didn’t stop me.

I followed Sheldon’s scent through the corridors. It led me to a secluded washroom hall.

Stacey stood there, crying into Sheldon’s chest.

Hidden behind a door, every word reached me clearly.

“If I hadn’t moved away during school,” Stacey sobbed, “we would’ve gone to college together. You would’ve married me. It’s all your fault—for marrying that doctor!”

She cried for a long time.

Sheldon didn’t interrupt. Not once.

When her sobs finally softened, he chuckled quietly.

“Look at you,” he murmured. “Crying like a newborn baby. What a mess.”

His teasing only fueled her resentment.

“I don’t care!” Stacey snapped, fists clenched. “Your wife took the treasure I wanted. You owe me tonight!”

The air between them shifted—tight, dangerous, charged with unspoken hunger.

Sheldon’s voice dropped, rough and low.

“You said it yourself,” he warned. “Don’t beg me to stop later.”

That night, behind closed doors, the man chose desire over loyalty—and the sound of my heart breaking was far louder than any cry Stacey made.

What I didn’t witness came moments later.

Stacey’s voice trembled. “Do you love me?”

Sheldon didn’t hesitate. Lust still clouded his gaze. “If I didn’t, why would I keep you by my side?”

Encouraged, Stacey pressed closer, voice coy. “If you had to choose—me, or that woman… who would it be?”

“Obviously you.”

The word struck like a blade.

“Then divorce her for me.”

A pause fell between them.

“You know I can’t,” he said coolly. “My family will only hand over the company if I stay with her. It’s written in my father’s will.”

He sighed, almost impatient. “You know my situation. Reba is the one who changed me into who I am today. That’s why my parents insisted I marry her.”

My breath stopped. I covered my mouth, disbelief crashing over me.

So that was it.

All those years, every vow and carefully crafted affection was only a payment for inheritance. For wealth that only came as long as he stayed married to me.

It was too cruel.

Too cruel, Sheldon Carter!

And as if that truth hadn’t already torn me apart, he reached out and brushed Stacey’s cheek, coaxing, “Hey, I barely touch her anymore. Isn’t that proof of how much you mean to me?”

“…Fine.”

But Stacey wasn’t satisfied. She wanted more than affection.

She wanted the title—Mrs., not mistress.

Tears streamed down her face.

Since Lizzie’s birth, my intimacy with Sheldon had faded into almost nothing.

I once believed he was protecting my fragile body after childbirth.

Now I understood.

He had already satisfied his lust elsewhere—and no longer needed to pretend with me.

I left, coming back to the auction hall.

Just as I entered, my phone vibrated. Another message from Stacey.

A photo appeared—the two of them naked in the bathroom. Then the words followed. [Guess what your husband just did? It’s only a pendant. Take it if you want. His heart and everything else belongs to me now.]

I didn’t block Stacey. Not yet.

Stacey still had a role to play.

Not long after, Sheldon handed me the pendant. “I’ve paid for it, I hope you’ll treasure it.”

“I brought it also.” He gave milk for Lizzie and Diego.

“Thanks, Dad,” both of them thanked him as if they were siblings.

Sheldon was a little surprised, but seeing that I didn't react, only focused on my treasure, he didn't confirm anything and simply stroked the two children's heads.

After all, it was true that Diego was his son. There was nothing more I needed to compromise on.

I brushed the pendant.

Once, I believed this marriage would last ever after. But now I knew, not all men were devoted to one woman for life, most were like Sheldon.

Perhaps my heart had finally exceeded its limit.

The moment we returned to the Manor, I collapsed with a raging fever.

Heat scorched my skin through the night.

Sheldon panicked, scooped me into his arms, and rushed me to the hospital.

When I woke, a nurse stood by my bed, handing me a cup of water.

She said with relief, “Finally you’re awake. You’ve burned with fever for three days and nights. Mr. Sheldon and your daughter never left your side.”

I sighed softly.

“I don’t know what weighs on your heart. If I had a husband and child guarding me like this, I would be glowing with joy.”

After urging me to let go of my worries, she quietly left.

Not long after, Stacey entered.

She smiled gently and placed a hand on her abdomen. "I've just checked my pregnancy, and the doctor said it's twins. Perhaps I can finally grant Sheldon's wish as soon as possible."

"Imagine how happy Sheldon would be to be surrounded by the many children he desires, and that will only happen if he's with me."

"So, be considerate, Reba."

I reached for my bag and pulled out the divorce papers, handing them to her.

“Then make him sign this,” I said calmly. “I will be glad if you submit it to the court too for me. If you succeed, your wish will come true.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

I nodded.

At least this way, everything would finally be simple.

Just as Stacey reached for the papers, I pulled them back.

“One more condition,” I said quietly. “My birthday is tomorrow, and I know you must be aware of what Sheldon has prepared for me that night.”

“If you can lure him away from me tomorrow night, I’ll leave from your sight forever.”

Stacey blinked. “Are you serious? You won’t tell Sheldon?”

“I don’t lie,” I replied. And I meant it.

This wouldn’t be a simple divorce. It would be my disappearance from his world—forever.

“…Okay.”

Not long after, Sheldon and Lizzie returned from their meal.

“What are you doing here?” Sheldon asked.

"Oh, I'm doing a health check-up here, then..." Stacey smiled calmly. “I heard Reba was awake after her health check, so I came to visit.”

She added softly, “I also need your signature as a sponsor to claim insurance.”

Sheldon saw the pregnancy book in Stacey’s hand and panicked at once, signing without hesitation before turning to me. “Are you feeling better?”

Stacey smiled, satisfied, and left straight for the court.

I hadn’t expected it to be so easy.

After Stacey was gone, the room grew quiet.

Sheldon reached out to brush a loose strand of hair from my forehead, I lifted my hand and lightly touched his wrist.

Just barely, but enough.

“I’m sweaty,” I murmured, eyes lowered. “I feel unpleasant.”

He froze, startled—then softened.

He gathered my cool hands in his.

“How could you ever be unpleasant?” he said gently. “You always carry the scent I love. I could never grow tired of you.”

He kissed my hand.

Lizzie squealed, covering her eyes. “Ewww, so mushy!”

Then I wriggled closer, wrapping my arms around me. “Then I’ll keep Mommy warm too!”

Beyond the glass wall, people passing by slowed their steps.

They saw a flawless picture. A gentleman husband, a lovely wife, and a bright, laughing child.

Eyes filled with envy.

No one knew this perfect family was already breaking apart.

But the illusion shattered the moment Sheldon’s phone chimed.

He glanced at it.

I caught the contact name before the screen dimmed, “My Darling.”

A sharp silence fell between us.

Sheldon stood at once, smoothing his face into practiced calm.

“Urgent meeting,” he said evenly. “I’ll bring back your favorite pastries.”

He ruffled Lizzie’s hair. “Be a strong girl. Protect Mommy.”

“I want to go with Daddy!” Lizzie whined, reaching for him.

Sheldon hesitated, torn for a brief second. “Maybe I should bring her…”

“Go,” I cut in, my voice calm, almost gentle. “Take her. It’ll be easier for me.”

He blinked, surprised, but didn’t argue. He lifted Lizzie into his arms and left.

He didn’t return until nightfall. No pastries. No gifts.

Only voice call—from Stacey. [I’ve submitted everything to the court and will ask them out tomorrow night. You’ll do as promised, right?]

A photo followed, the four of them at dinner, smiling beside a pregnancy test.

Then a video. Lizzie laughed brightly at the camera. “Diego and I will have other siblings, I love my second mommy the most!”

The clip ended.

My hands didn’t shake.

I felt nothing.

The next day, I packed my things and took a taxi to Sheldon’s parents’ home.

I remembered the first time I met them—how anxious they were, how tightly Sheldon’s mother clutched her husband’s hand.

Sheldon’s condition had terrified them. His depression, his fear of people, and his trembling before every meeting.

Back then, his father had sighed heavily.

“If this continues,” he said bitterly, “I’ll have no choice but to hand the company to my nephew.”

He was helpless.

But under my treatment, Sheldon slowly recovered. His parents looked at me as if I were a miracle.

His mother had gripped my hands, eyes reddened. “Thank you.”

His father said hoarsely. “You didn’t just heal my son. You saved my family.”

From then on, they treated me like their own daughter.

They often joked about Sheldon and me.

“She listens, he calms down,” his father laughed once. “Perfect compatibility.”

His mother nodded eagerly. “If you don’t marry her, you’ll never find anyone better.”

When they found out Sheldon proposed to me, they were overjoyed.

His father even drank more than he should have at the celebration, smiling like a relieved man who had finally escaped his worst fear.

Sadly, he died two years ago in a plane crash while on a business trip.

But at least I owe her mother a farewell.

However, when I arrived, my steps faltered. Sheldon’s car was parked outside.

Through the window, I saw Stacey in the living room.

Laughter spilled out—excited, intimate, unmistakably warm.

I stood there, listening.

And understood, I was already the only one missing from their family.

“Mommy, relax,” a woman’s voice chimed brightly. “I’ll give the Carter bloodline many kids within three years. I won’t let this lineage end with me.”

His mother laughed, delighted. “Good girl. That’s all these old people will for. I long to see this house lively again.”

Then her tone softened with pity.

“As for Reba, she’s kind-hearted, but damaging her core while birthing Lizzie was such a tragedy. Thankfully, we still have you. If you carry this child to term, you’ll be the Carter family’s savior.”

The gift bag in my hands suddenly burned.

Inside were the farewell presents I had chosen with care.

Now, all of it felt pointless.

Quietly, I handed the gifts to the housekeeper nearby, swallowing the ache rising in my throat.

I still remembered the night after my wedding ceremony, Sheldon’s mother had clasped my hands tightly. “If Sheldon ever strays, come to me. I’ll tear his ears off myself.”

“No matter what happens, you’ll always be the daughter in law I acknowledge.”

Yet today, I heard her welcoming another woman with genuine warmth.

Sheldon was their blood. I was, at best, a girl who came into their family, an outsider.

I left, took a taxi, and headed straight for the airport.

As the plane prepared for take-off, my phone chimed.

A message from Sheldon. [Don’t forget tonight’s agenda. We’ll celebrate your birthday and our anniversary.]

A link followed. The venue and the time.

Sheldon’s secretary once told me the product would be launched tonight and the brand ambassador was Stacey.

I remembered the first time I saw something strange with Sheldon on our fourth anniversary.

“What happened to your neck?” I asked casually, pointing at the crimson marks along his skin. “Looks like something bit you.”

He stiffened.

The marks still carried the red of a recent heat—clearly left by another woman’s lips.

Sheldon cleared his throat, Adam’s apple bobbing.

“Probably night-sting insects,” he said weakly. “You don’t think I’d stray, do you? You know you’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

“Is that so?” I replied.

It was a deep winter. Even insects were buried beneath frozen snow.

I didn’t wait for his excuses. I brushed past him and entered the washroom.

He stood there, frozen, his face drained of color.

Moments later, perhaps driven by guilt, he followed me and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.

The mirror reflected us clearly—my distance, his conflict.

He sighed softly. “Can you believe it? Four years of marriage. It feels like a blink. And there are so many seasons ahead of us.”

In my mind, a quiet answer surfaced. ‘Too bad there won’t be another year for us.’

Almost at once, Stacey’s phone call came through. “Hello, Reba. Are you leaving already?”

I steadied my breathing before answering, “Don’t worry, you will get what you want.”

She smiled. “Good, since tonight will be remarkable for us.”

After hanging up the call, I called the organization handling my staged death.

“Sheldon will go to the event tonight with Stacey,” I said calmly. “Prepare the stage near her apartment.”

I paused, voice steady as ice. “Make it convincing.”

The call ended.

I removed the SIM card, snapped it in half, and discarded it.

As airplane mode on, I whispered to myself, “From today on, there will be no Reba Barrett anymore.”