Today is my second wedding anniversary with Charles. He gave me the gift of a grand party at a hotel for us. However, when I arrived there, I saw him embracing another woman affectionately.

“I know, Victoria. But I need time,” Charles said in a low voice.

“You always have an excuse, Charles,” replied the woman, whom I recognized as Victoria Harrington. She is one of Charles’s close friends I often see at family events and has even come to our house a few times. “Two years! I’m sick of waiting. If you really love me, you’ll get rid of her right now.”

I hid behind the wall, holding my breath. What does she mean? Get rid of who?

“I’ve told you, I’ll do it. But not now,” Charles sighed in frustration. “I need to make sure everything goes smoothly. You know I can’t be reckless.”

“Smoothly? You married that stupid woman only for your grandfather’s inheritance!” Victoria snapped. “You don’t even love her. So why hesitate? Get rid of her quickly!”

My heart froze. What does all this mean? Inheritance? I didn’t even know anything about this.

“Yes, I don’t love her,” Charles said flatly. “But I can’t make my grandfather suspicious. Ana is still useful. Once she’s no longer needed, I’ll marry you right away.”

My knees weakened, and tears began to flow uncontrollably. So Charles never truly loved me? Our marriage wasn’t built on love—it was an arrangement. I didn’t even know what kind of agreement my parents had with Charles’s grandfather, but I thought that was the only reason. Turns out, it wasn’t.

“Charles, you’re too slow!” Victoria kept pressing him. “If you don’t act soon, I’ll do it myself. I have plenty of ways to handle this.”

“Don’t do anything rash, Victoria!”

“What, are you starting to care about her? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen in love with her?” Victoria’s voice was sharp and pointed.

“Love? Don’t be naive! If not for making her believe me, I wouldn’t even touch her. I only want my grandfather’s inheritance, that’s all! Just be patient a little longer,” Charles replied. “I already followed your wish not to pick her up here. Isn’t that enough proof that I choose you over her?”

I covered my mouth, holding back a gasp. Charles had indeed asked me to come to this hotel on my own, saying he needed to finish something first. It was because of Victoria? But how did I end up in this hotel room? Is this Charles’s plan too?

I couldn’t clearly remember what happened earlier. The only thing I recalled was my car breaking down on the way, so I took a taxi to get here.

“No! I just want you , Charles. Leave her immediately!” Victoria demanded.

“Fine, I’ll do as you wish.”

Victoria wrapped her arms around Charles’s shoulders, stood on her toes, and kissed him.

I couldn’t bear it any longer. My body trembled, and my chest felt as if a thousand sharp knives were stabbing it. Slowly, I turned away, trying to escape before they found me there.

A few steps before reaching the ballroom, I stopped. I couldn’t show up in this state. Grandfather would worry, and I didn’t know how to explain everything to him. His health hasn’t been good lately.

I turned around and headed to the restroom to calm myself down. No one could know about my condition now.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I wanted so badly to smile, but it felt impossible. The beautiful world I thought I knew had crumbled in an instant. The man I believed loved me turned out to be a traitor. The marriage I thought was happy was nothing more than a game. Was it wrong of me to hope for love from Charles, even though our marriage was arranged?

I tried to hold back my tears, but then someone gently tapped my shoulder. I hoped it was Charles, but it wasn’t.

One thing that came to my mind now was that I needed to protect myself.

I didn’t turn around; the reflection in the mirror already showed who it was. A woman, someone I once thought was just a friend of my husband’s.

I gripped the sink tightly, feeling a storm of anger and sadness brewing inside my chest. I waited for Victoria to finish her mocking laughter, her voice dripping with derision.

"Anna." Victoria’s voice was cold, filled with triumph.

I raised my head, locking eyes with her reflection in the mirror. She stood right behind me, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "So, you’ve figured it all out?"

I bit my lip, holding myself back from reacting.

"Good, that saves me the trouble of explaining your place, doesn’t it?"

I turned to face her, looking straight into her eyes. "What do you want, Victoria?"

She let out a small laugh, brushing her hand over the shoulder she’d just touched. "Only one thing—leave Charles’ life. You know he doesn’t love you, don’t you? You’re just a tool, Anna. Yes, a tool to get what he wants. Once he doesn’t need you anymore, he’ll cast you aside, and I’ll take your place."

Her words were sharper than any knife. I wanted to scream, to vent my disappointment and anger, but no sound came out of my throat.

"If you have any dignity, you should leave before you’re forced to," she continued mockingly. "You must realize there’s no place for you here. You don’t belong, you poor woman!"

I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed to leave; the air in the restroom felt suffocating. Hearing footsteps approaching, I finally found my way out as Victoria allowed me to leave.

Returning to the party, I buried my emotions deep within. I kept smiling, pretending this was the grand celebration of love that it was supposed to be. No one knew I had just uncovered a truth that shattered my heart. One thing was clear to me now—I had to protect the Montgomery family’s name, especially Charles’ grandfather, the only family member who treated me with genuine kindness.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. Victoria’s words echoed endlessly in my mind, like poison coursing through my veins. How could I endure a marriage where it was clear Charles didn’t want me?

I stared at Charles’ broad back as he slept, facing away from me. I wanted to reach out and touch him, but I didn’t have the courage. Was I ready to hear the truth directly from his lips?

The following morning, I finally gathered the nerve to speak to Charles. He sat at his desk, his expression calm as he focused on his laptop screen.

“Charles,” I called, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Hmm?” He didn’t turn around.

“If you have another woman, I’m willing to divorce you.”

He slowly closed his laptop, turning to look at me with his piercing blue eyes. “What are you talking about, Anna?”

I bit my lower lip nervously. “I—maybe I’m not the perfect wife. So, if you’re unhappy and have someone else, I won’t force you to stay.”

Charles’ expression shifted instantly. He stood up, walked toward me, and sat beside me. Taking my hands gently in his, he looked at me with a gaze full of concern.

“Anna, what’s going on? Why are you saying this?” he asked softly. “I love you. You’re my wife, the only woman I want.”

I wanted to believe him. His words sounded so sincere, like the Charles I thought I knew. But I couldn’t forget what I overheard the night before.

“I’m not sure,” I replied weakly.

He let out a long sigh, his eyes softening as he gazed at me. “If anything, I’m the one with so many flaws. But trust me, I don’t want to lose you, Anna. I’ll do anything for you.”

I searched his eyes for honesty. His words were sweet to hear, but I still doubted him. Did he truly love me?

Charles brushed a strand of hair from my face, kissed my forehead, and whispered, “I love you,” before heading off to work. I remained uneasy, dissatisfied with his answers and his affection.

My body felt exhausted, and a wave of nausea suddenly hit me. I thought it was just stress, but the calendar in the room jolted me. I was late for my period.

With trembling hands, I retrieved a pregnancy test kit from the drawer. Locking myself in the bathroom, I stared at the small device with a pounding heart.

Minutes later, two lines appeared. I froze, a rush of mixed emotions swelling in my chest. I was pregnant?

Tears streamed down my face, but this time, they weren’t out of sorrow. Hope—that was the first thing that filled my heart at that moment. Even if Charles didn’t love me, this child was part of our marriage—something real, something I could cherish.

I gently placed a hand over my stomach as if I could feel the tiny life growing inside me. Perhaps—just perhaps—this was the start of something new.

I sat alone in the waiting room. My hands trembled, and my heart pounded loudly in my chest. After seeing the test pack result, I needed to confirm this wasn’t just false hope. Even though my body felt drained and my mind was chaotic, the thought that I might be carrying a new life gave me strength. I had to protect it.

When the doctor called me in, I was asked to lie down on the examination bed. I tried to stay calm, answering all the doctor’s questions. The doctor lifted my shirt and applied a cold gel to my stomach. My eyes fixated on the screen—black; I couldn’t see anything.

A few minutes later, the doctor confirmed that I was indeed pregnant. My pregnancy was already five weeks along.

Tears streamed down my face once again. I was overwhelmed with emotion—there was a little life inside me. For the first time, I had a reason to keep going.

I wanted to tell Charles immediately. Would this news change everything? But I held back when Charles called, asking me to bring some documents he had left at home to his office.

I smiled a little. I imagined placing the medical result on top of the documents. What would Charles’ reaction be?

Victoria’s presence outside the house stopped me in my tracks. She was speaking with Charles’ driver.

Her gaze met mine, and her smile sent a chill down my spine. She seemed to realize something. But there was no way she knew about my pregnancy, right?

I ignored her and went into the house without a word. I retrieved Charles’ documents and slipped the test result inside. I walked out carefully, hoping not to see Victoria again. Thankfully, she was gone.

Charles’ driver took me to his office. Everything seemed normal until we were driving downhill, and the car lost control. The driver panicked, trying to steer. Everything happened so quickly—the car skidded and hit the barrier. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

I stepped out of the car, trembling. Upon inspection, the driver found that the brakes had been tampered with. My blood ran cold—this wasn’t an ordinary accident. Only one name came to mind: Victoria.

Realizing the danger, I called for a taxi. I had to be careful; there was a baby to protect. I tried calling Charles several times, but he didn’t answer. Maybe he was in a meeting, I thought.

Suddenly, the taxi stopped. The driver claimed there was an issue with the engine. I was forced to get out, but shortly after, everything went dark.

I woke up to the strong smell of alcohol. I quickly sat up, checking if my body was okay.

A sense of unease gripped my chest. The bed’s sheets were disheveled, as if someone had just been lying beside me. This must be Victoria’s doing again. I needed to leave immediately and tell Charles before she did anything worse.

When I arrived at Charles’ office, his secretary was startled by my disheveled appearance. But I didn’t care. I stormed into Charles’ office.

“Anna? What happened to you?” he asked, walking toward me quickly.

“I’m fine,” I replied curtly.

Charles took the documents from my hands, intending to place them on his desk. But the pregnancy test result slipped out and fell to the floor. He picked it up, reading it with a serious expression.

My heart raced as I waited for his reaction. I hoped he would show happiness, and he did. I smiled in relief.

“Is this real? I’m going to be a father?” Charles’ joyous laughter was like rain, extinguishing the fire that had been raging in my heart.

“Yes, our wish has come true. Grandfather will be so happy to hear this,” I said.

Charles nodded. He hugged me and kissed my cheeks repeatedly. He jumped up and down with excitement, like a child.

He gently rubbed my stomach, even speaking to the baby inside in a playful manner.

I laughed, but not for long. Victoria entered, carrying some documents in her hand.

“Go home and rest. I don’t want anything bad happening to you or our baby,” Charles said.

I nodded in agreement. My steps slowed as I glanced at Victoria, who gave me a meaningful smile. I didn’t close the door fully, wanting to hear their conversation.

“You’re insane! She’s carrying my child!” Charles’ shout startled me slightly. Was he truly afraid of losing me? Or just the baby?

“I already told you I would handle it myself! You’re too slow!” Victoria defended herself. “I will keep trying to get rid of her!”

I heard Victoria crying as Charles slapped her in anger. After that, I had to leave immediately; Charles’ secretary looked at me suspiciously. At least I could feel at ease knowing Charles was defending me.

Night fell, and I waited anxiously for Charles. I immediately opened the door when I heard the sound of a car pulling up.

Charles got out, loosening his tie that was still neatly in place. His face looked tired, as it had been in recent days. However, his expression changed when he saw me.

He ignored me, walking quickly into the bedroom. I followed him, waiting for the words that would come out of his mouth.

The door closed tightly. Charles stared at me seriously. “Whose child are you carrying?”

I sharpened my hearing, hoping I had misheard. But Charles repeated the same question. “Answer me! Whose child is that?!”

“What do you mean? This is your child—our child,” I replied, my voice trembling.

Charles smirked coldly. He pulled something out of his pocket and threw a pile of photos right at my face.