At 10:00 am, Anna was still lying down. She should have been at the mansion according to her return schedule.

Actually, Anna didn't want to go there, but there was no way she could pear; she had to have a reason to go, and that required proof.

The door to her hospital room opened. Ivan entered with a tense expression, followed by several of his people. "Anna! What happened?" he asked, his voice full of worry.

“I picked you up at the villa, but you weren't there. I searched through my people, and we finally found you here."

Ivan sat next to the treatment bed. He rubbed Anna's forehead lightly. The warm look in Ivan's eyes hypnotized Anna. She also hoped that Ivan would change by learning about her pregnancy.

Anna rubbed her stomach, then said, "The doctor said I...."

The ringing of Ivan's cell phone on his bed stopped Anna's words, who had already seen the identity of the caller. It was Benita.

Ivan immediately pulled out his cell phone with a panicked face, and then he stood up. Ivan took the call. "Yes, I'll be there. Don't do anything yet."

Anna smiled bitterly. She moved her hand away from her stomach.

"Aren't you going to wait for me until it's time to go home?" she asked as Ivan approached again.

"Sorry, I suddenly have an important job. So what did the doctor say? What's wrong with you?"

Anna shook her head. "Don't worry. I have indigestion."

"You should take better care of yourself," Ivan said. "I'll go. Let me know if you want to come home. By the way, we have an invitation to the opening of a painting gallery tomorrow. Benita invited us. If you're better tomorrow, come along, she wants to meet you."

"Okay.”

Anna knew that Benita had captured her fiancé's heart. But she still didn't expect Ivan's attitude towards her to have changed so quickly. Ivan didn't care anymore, even though Anna was in a helpless state.

Ivan hurriedly left the hospital room. Anna then stroked her flat stomach. She let out a long sigh, trying to ward off the tears that were ready to fall, but she was unable to.

"Why didn't you tell me everything? Isn't Sir Ivan entitled to know how you are?" Nika handed her a tissue as she saw Anna covered in tears.

Anna smiled bitterly. "He's no longer mine, Nika. I no longer matter to him."

Nika hugged Anna tightly, becoming Anna's guide amidst the turmoil of her already fractured heart.

***

Anna got out of the car with an anxious heart, though her smile remained engraved. The elegant maroon dress Ivan had given her wrapped around her body ideally, adding a graceful yet fragile impression. She wanted to look perfect for Ivan, even though her heart was still haunted by the pain of Benita's gallery, all eyes on the couple. However, the glory was short-lived. Anna's eyes were immediately drawn to Benita standing in the center of the crowd of guests. She was wearing a dress of the same color and style. The difference was that Benita's dress looked more luxurious with the addition of expensive accessories that made her look like a queen.

Whispers began to sound around her. Two female guests looked at her and said quietly, but Anna could hear them clearly.

"Anna wants to compete with Benita, huh?"

"Benita is definitely more compatible with Don Ivan. You see, Anna is like a fading shadow."

Benita and Ivan were quite well known, especially since their business dealings had begun to dominate several regions. So, any show would be taken seriously.

Anna's face turned red, not from embarrassment but from humiliation. She felt like she was being stripped naked in front of everyone. Her gaze fell on Ivan, hoping he would do something to defend her dignity. However, Ivan only smiled faintly at Benita, who was waving at them, as if he didn't care about Anna's feelings.

Anna held back the tears that were about to spill. She took a step in a different direction, but Ivan grasped her hand firmly, restraining her movement. "Stay here," he said in a cold tone.

Anna couldn't say anything, she just followed Ivan, who approached Gerald and Mike. Their sardonic gazes clearly showed what they thought of Anna. They treated her like a useless appendage. Anna bowed her head, holding back the shame and annoyance that felt like daggers piercing her chest.

As the ceremony began, Benita approached Anna with a glass of wine in her hand. "Drink this, Anna. We must celebrate this beautiful day," she said with a meaningful smile.

Anna politely declined. She couldn't possibly consume a drink that would harm her womb. "Sorry, I can't drink alcohol."

However, Benita urged her. "Just a sip, Anna. Don't spoil the party." She said commandingly.

When Anna refused again and didn't take it, Benita pretended to trip, causing the wine in her glass to spill and stain her dress. Gasps could be heard from the guests around them.

"Oh, Anna, what are you doing!" said Benita in a tone that sounded annoyed and full of mockery. "How could you!"

Ivan came over to them and gave Anna a sharp look. "Help Benita clean her dress," he ordered firmly.

Anna nodded wordlessly, following Benita into the bathroom. There, the atmosphere turned even more tense. Benita stood in front of the mirror, casually cleaning her dress. When Anna wanted to help her, she brushed her off rudely. "Get rid of your dirty hands, bitch!"

"What do you mean, you spilled the wine? Why are you mad at me?" Anna was not having it. Anna turned away, preferring to leave Benita rather than listen to her insults again.

"I want you to know something," Benita said suddenly. Anna stopped her steps and looked at the woman.

Benita turned her head with a sly smile. "That dress you're wearing? I chose it. I purposely bought it at a cheap store and asked Ivan to give it to you. Do you know why? Because I wanted everyone to see the class difference between us, and I succeeded, right? You're just a lower-class woman who doesn't deserve to stand next to Ivan."

Anna bit her lip, holding back the overwhelming pain. "Why are you doing this, Benita? What did I do wrong? I never bothered you!" she said in a trembling voice.

"Because I want you to know your place," Benita replied. She took out a photograph from her bag and handed it to Anna. "Look at this."

The photo showed Ivan hugging Benita tightly. They were on a messy bed, a loving smile plastered on Ivan's face.

"Not only that," Benita continued. "I'll soon be his wife, and you? You'll be thrown out of the mansion like a homeless dog. Ivan never loved you, Anna. You were just a tool for him. You can't even give Ivan inner satisfaction.”

Anna tried to return the photo, but her hands were shaking. "Stop it, Benita. I don't want to hear any more of your nonsense!"

However, Benita didn't stop. She stepped closer, her eyes full of hatred. "You know what hurts more? You're still hanging on to his side, like a loser who doesn't know when to give up. Do you think you can win Ivan's heart? You have nothing against me."

"You have no right to say that!" Anna fought back.

"Are you pretending not to notice the signs of our affair? He's never at the office or the mansion every Sunday, is he? Where does he go? Doing business? Or spending the night at my house? You're pathetic, Anna!"

Anna was silent for a moment and began to realize the truth of what Benita was saying. Ivan was never alone with her on Sundays but preferred to spend the night on Saturdays or Mondays.

Seeing the look on Anna's face, Benita laughed, saying, "You idiot! No wonder Ivan is so wild when he's with me. He has to deal with a stubborn slut like you, huh? You know, yesterday we spent the day passionately in your bed, Anna. I knew you were in the hospital, so I called Ivan and invited him to act out his wild fantasies. Turns out he wanted to fuck me there."

Anna's breath caught, and she clenched her hands until her knuckles turned white. "Stop it! You accuse me of being a slut, yet you explain your true position. You have taken another woman's fiancé and become the fulfillment of his forbidden desires; are you proud of that?"

"Shut your mouth slut!" Benita suddenly raised her leg, trying to kick Anna. Reflexively, Anna shielded her stomach with both hands.

The movement did not escape Benita's eyes. She again wanted to strike Anna in the same spot, but Anna was getting protective of her stomach.

Benita smiled slyly. She narrowed her eyes and looked at Anna with suspicion. "Wait... you're pregnant, huh?"

Anna was silent, trying to hide the truth. But Benita wasn't stupid. She laughed coldly, then stepped closer with a wicked smile. "Then I'll have to make sure you don't have any reason to survive."

Benita tried to attack again, but Anna backed away to protect herself and the baby she was carrying. Anna knew she had to escape this situation as quickly as possible before Benita hurt her.

Anna succeeded and wanted to run away, but Benita blocked her way.

"So, you want to challenge me, Anna?" Benita grabbed her; then she slapped Anna hard on both cheeks, then she took off her high heels and slapped them hard on her calves; only a soft moan escaped her lips. Benita did that while grinning at Anna like a person losing her mind.

"What are you doing? Stop now!" shouted Anna. But Benita ignored her.

Anna stood transfixed in the bathroom corner, holding her breath as Benita began to scream for help. Her face was full of pretence, and her body was deliberately lying on the floor as if she had just been assaulted. Benita's screams attracted the guests' attention, who immediately swarmed to the bathroom door.

Anna felt her blood boiling. She wanted to scream and tell the truth but was tongue-tied. The guests who saw the scene immediately cast accusatory glances in her direction.

"How could you treat Benita like this?" someone whispered from the crowd.

"Benita is so nice, and you attack her? How clueless," said another sarcastically.

Ivan appeared before Anna could explain, with a worried look on his face. He went straight to Benita, who was lying on the floor.

"What happened here?" he asked coldly, staring at Anna momentarily before kneeling beside Benita.

Benita burst into tears, playing her role perfectly. "I just wanted to be nice to her, Ivan. I even forgave her for ruining my dress, but Anna suddenly pushed me. I don't know what I did wrong." Benita acted like she was crying.

Anna clenched her hands into fists, holding back the almost overwhelming emotions. "That's a lie! I didn't touch her at all!"

Ivan, however, wasn't listening. He lifted Benita gently, carrying her like a hero rescuing the king's daughter. Anna could only stare with her heart torn to shreds.

"I'll take her to the dugout," Ivan said firmly. Then, he looked at Anna coldly. "You're coming with me."

Anna wanted to refuse, but Ivan's footsteps forced her to follow. They arrived in a quiet room upstairs. Ivan attentively placed Benita on the sofa, then fixed Anna with a sharp gaze.

"Explain what happened!" Ivan ordered.

Anna shook her head firmly. "I didn't do anything to her, Ivan. She started it all. She-"

"There's no need to lie anymore, Anna," Benita interrupted in a low voice as if she was enduring pain. "I tolerated your behaviour, but you attacked me instead. I don't know why you hate me so much."

Anna felt her body trembling. "Ivan, it's not what you think. Benita lied!”

"That's enough!" Ivan snapped at her, making Anna pause. "Apologize right now!"

Anna's eyes widened in surprise. "I won't apologise for something I didn't do!"

Ivan's face flushed with anger. "Anna, don't make things difficult for me. If you continue like this, I'll have no choice but to leave you."

The threat made Anna's chest feel tight, but she remained firm. "Then just leave me, Ivan. Do you see our relationship as just another lie?"

"You just need to admit it. I'm not asking you to do anything complicated. Why are you testing everyone's emotions?”

“I won't do anything!" Anna walked towards the exit.

Ivan's anger reached its peak. He blocked Anna's movement, then pushed Anna roughly towards Benita. Anna lost her balance and fell. Her head hit the corner of the table, leaving a gash that immediately bled.

Ivan looked shocked. He approached Anna in a panic. "Anna... I didn't mean to. I-"

However, Anna brushed off Ivan's hand and tried to help her up. With a cold gaze full of wounds, she stood up on her own, although her body felt weak. "You've hurt me enough, Ivan. Stop it, or I'll hate you so much!”

“Never mind, Ivan. Let him be. I should get out of here. You take care of your fiancé." Benita walked with a limp.

"I'll take you home." Ivan picked Benita up again. He turned to look at Anna, who was covering her wound with her hands. "I'm disappointed with you, Anna. Go home and reflect on your mistake."

Without waiting for a response, Ivan left.

Anna left the room. Her tears spilt over as she stepped out of the party that had broken her heart.

She cried all the way. Regretting this day. She should have had the courage to refuse to come.

Ivan's words had been so harsh and also conscious when it came to hurting her. Anna couldn't take it all anymore. Her heart was too fragile to accept such inner torment.

Anna got to the mansion and walked to her room, but her steps stopped when she got a call from an unknown number. She ignored it, but the number sent a message instead.

"You don't have to wait for him to come home. I'll make Ivan exhausted on the bed."

Another message arrived. A video that Anna clicked on immediately. It showed Ivan and Benita making love. Their bodies were clearly exposed without a single thread. Not having to wait for the video to finish, Anna immediately pressed the pause button.

Nika looked at Anna anxiously. "Miss Anna, what happened? You hurt your forehead!"

"It's okay," Anna replied briefly.

Anna went to her room to pack her clothes. However, when she opened her closet, she found her pregnancy test results file.

Anna sat on the edge of the bed. "Daddy doesn't want to be with us." She stroked her stomach. Then she crumpled up the letter and threw it into the trash can

Anna stood, staring at her reflection in the mirror. It was so messy, and the red dress made her sick of Benita and Ivan. Her gaze fell on Ivan's ring on her finger. Anna took it off and placed it on the nightstand. She never thought she would do this.

"Nika," she called in a trembling but determined voice.

Nika appeared at the door of the room. "Yes, Miss Anna?"

"Pack my things. I'm leaving here."

Nika nodded in acceptance of the order. She quickly put Anna's clothes into a large suitcase.

"If you're done, immediately put my suitcases into the car. You must be ready whenever I order you to leave. We have very little time."

"Yes, Miss."

Meanwhile, Anna did not want to stand idly by. She went to the study and started collecting evidence of Ivan and Benita's affair. She organised everything and put some video clips that Benita had sent.

After that, Anna turned on her cell phone camera and recorded herself talking about all the heartache and disappointment she had felt since she first heard about everything in the creation room.

One thing she kept secret was her pregnancy. She was sure Ivan would make a fuss about it.

After compiling everything into video and photo slides, Anna left the study and returned to the room. Anna chose to sleep for one more night. Her preparations weren't done yet; there were important people she had to contact to make her plan happen.

***

Ivan came home and found Anna sleeping with a tired face. The man smoothed the hair covering Anna's face. The movement he made made Anna wake up from her sleep.

She found Ivan sitting beside her. She was trying to be ordinary, although looking at Ivan's smile nauseated her.

"Did you sleep well?" Ivan noticed the wound on Anna's forehead, apparently already in plaster.

"Yes, I slept very well."

"I apologise. I treated you harshly earlier. I want you to apologise to Benita. That's all."

Ivan turned soft. He took Anna's hand and kissed it. "Do you want to keep our relationship going?"

Anna wanted to shake her head and swear, saying all her horrible thoughts before Ivan's face, but she didn't want to mess up her plan. Finally, she nodded.

“Yes, I was wrong. I pushed Benita too much, and she got hurt. I want to apologise to you both. Do you want to?" she asked in a pleading tone.

Ivan nodded. He hugged Anna tightly. He stroked her back gently.

"I'm glad that what Benita said was true. That you will realise your mistake."

Anna held her breath. She didn't expect Ivan to act this way. How could a Don, who often dealt with the dark world like him, collapse with the words of a woman who acted like a boss or an important person who had the right to control everything in his household?

"So, what are you planning to do? Do you want to come to Benita's house? I'll drive you."

"No, I'm inviting you to a painting exhibition. It happens to be a friend of mine, she gave me the tickets. I felt bad at the last event. You must not have enjoyed the whole gallery, right?"

Ivan smiled and nodded. "You always know what I like." Ivan brought his face closer to Anna to kiss her. But Anna immediately dodged.

"I just woke up. I'm going to the bathroom." Anna avoided Ivan. She would never let him touch her again. Even when he hugged her, Anna was sick of the strong scent of female perfume. The smell of infidelity that Ivan could no longer hide