It took me until today to finally get it. It wasn’t that Scott couldn’t love someone. He just couldn’t love me.

Then I saw a message that made my stomach drop. The date was our wedding day. [If marrying her makes you happy, then I’m willing to sacrifice.]

His words were simple, but the meaning hit like a punch.

The perfect love story, except I was the sacrifice. And all the love belonged to Jacqueline. Fine. If that was how it was, I would play my part.

The next morning, I woke up to a sharp pain in my back as a cold needle pierced my skin. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them.

I barely had the strength to lift my head, but when I did, I met Scott’s worried gaze. "Abigail, I know this is hard on you, but it’s all for our child. You don’t blame me, right? Once the baby is born, I’ll make sure they know how incredible their mother was."

His voice was so soft, so sincere. As if every word he said was the truth. But I knew better.

I didn’t bother arguing. I just nodded. Scott smiled, clearly relieved. He called for the nanny to bring over the special soup she had prepared, then carefully blew on each spoonful before feeding me, as if he was afraid it might burn me.

For a second, I almost believed in this version of him. Almost. But the lingering ache in my spine reminded me, this was all real. And none of it was love.

After dinner, Scott left to take care of some work. That was when my phone rang.

"Ms. Langley," an old yet familiar voice said. "Just reminding you, two days from now, everything is set. Don’t forget our agreement."

It was Yosef Lambert from the Dragon Squad. We had trained together years ago.

I glanced down at my swollen belly. "I won’t forget. Just make sure you do what you promised. He has to believe I’m dead, I have to die in front of Scott."

The line went dead. Right then, the door swung open.

Scott leaned against the frame, arms crossed, eyes sharp. "I heard my name, what exactly are you planning to do in front of me, honey?"

I quickly locked my phone and kept my voice even. "Nothing, just asking the psychologist if giving birth in front of you might traumatize you for life."

Scott didn’t even hesitate, just pulled me into a hug, his voice thick with emotion. "How could it? You went through hell for our child. The least I can do is be there. Besides, I’m the team leader, I’ve seen worse."

I just smiled at him, saying nothing.

"By the way, Abigail," he continued, "we’re having a celebration tonight. It’s for the successful recovery of the Dragon Squad and to prep for the mission the day after tomorrow. You’ve been through enough lately, so get some rest, I won’t be home."

I shook my head. "Take me with you."

Scott's expression tightened. "No. You're still recovering, and I won’t allow it."

And just like that, he turned and walked out, leaving me in the bedroom. But how could I sit this one out? A party to celebrate what cost me my legs, I had every right to be there.

At 7 p.m., I rolled myself into the venue. Glasses clinked, laughter filled the air, but as soon as I entered, the whispers started.

"Isn’t that Mr. Foster’s wife? She never shows up to these things."

"I mean… she was impressive once, but now? Just dead weight."

"Poor Chief. He’s stuck with her. If he’d married Commander Beckett instead, he’d actually be happy."

"I think old feelings might spark up again. Didn't you see them step out to the terrace together?"

Hearing that, I turned my wheelchair toward the terrace and overheard a familiar conversation.

"Jacqueline, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault that Jared has azoospermia," Scott said.

"But I still feel incomplete," Jacqueline replied. "And my mother-in-law won’t let me forget it. Scott, I can’t wait any longer, please, help me."

Scott’s expression softened with heartache, his eyes filled with something I had never seen before; hesitation, longing.

Then, without missing a beat, he pulled out his phone and made a call. "Dr. Ainsley, I want my wife to have a C-section the day after tomorrow. Get everything ready."

"Mr. Foster, that’s risky," the doctor warned. "It’s too soon after the cell fluid injection. Surgery now could be dangerous, and she’d almost certainly lose her uterus."

Scott didn’t even flinch. "It doesn’t matter. I’ve made my decision. Whatever it takes, I want Jacqueline to be a mother."

But what about me, Scott? Was I nothing more than a means to an end? Was my body just something to be sacrificed for your great love?

Tears burned my eyes, but before I could wipe them away, my wheelchair bumped into a vase, knocking it over with a loud crash.

Scott turned sharply, a flicker of panic in his gaze. "Abigail, when did you get here? Did you hear—"

"I didn’t hear anything," I cut in smoothly. "I just got here when I heard voices on the terrace."

Relief washed over his face. Jacqueline gave me a polite smile. "Abigail, long time no see."

I forced a small smile. "Yeah, it’s been a while. I was bored at home, so I thought I’d come out for some fresh air. But I’m good now, I will leave you two to it."

I turned to leave, but Scott caught up quickly, slipping his suit jacket over my shoulders. Crouching in front of me, he met my gaze. "Don't overthink it. Jacqueline is the team commander. I invited her here to discuss the upcoming battle, nothing more."

Scott’s tender expression had the cameras flashing nonstop, capturing what looked like a heartfelt moment. But I knew the truth, he wasn’t doing this for me. He just didn’t want Jacqueline’s reputation to take a hit.

"It’s fine, I’m not that petty. You two go ahead and talk. I’ll head home," I said with a small smile, turning away before he could see through it.

Back home, I went straight to the nursery, grabbed every piece of baby clothing I had knitted, and tossed them into the trash. This child was never meant to exist.

Scott walked in just as the last tiny sweater landed in the bin. His eyes flickered with surprise. "Why are you throwing those away?"

I kept my voice even. "It’s too early for the baby to be born. These are useless now."

Scott didn’t press further, but Jacqueline’s lips curled ever so slightly. "Oh? Well, I have a relative who’s about to have a baby. Mind if I take them?"

I paused, then shook my head. "No. I made these for my child. If you need baby clothes, go buy them yourself."

I turned to leave, but before I could take another step, Jacqueline grabbed my arm, her nails sinking into my skin.

"You’d rather throw them away than let me have them? Do you really hate me that much?" she asked, her voice soft, almost pitiful.

A sharp sting shot up my arm as I pulled free. Jacqueline staggered back dramatically. "Scott, help me!"

Scott lunged forward, catching her just in time. Then, without hesitation, he turned to me, his face cold, his movements swift.

The slap came out of nowhere. My head snapped to the side, and before I could react, I was on the floor, my wheelchair tilting slightly from the impact.

"Abigail, when did you become so heartless?" His voice was low, filled with disappointment.

"Jacqueline just thought it was a shame to throw them away. If you didn't want to give them to her, fine, but did you really have to hit her?"

Scott’s voice cut through the ringing in my ears, sharp and accusing. My cheek still burned from the slap, but his words stung worse.

A cold laugh slipped from my lips. "Scott, you think I'm cruel? I'm nothing compared to you."

His expression stiffened, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Don’t change the subject. Apologize to Jacqueline."

Before I could respond, Jacqueline sniffled dramatically, wiping at her eyes. "Forget it, Scott. Abigail didn’t mean it. I’m just a little hungry… could you make me something to eat?"

Just like that, his anger softened. Without another glance in my direction, he took her hand and walked away.

And just like that, the last piece of me broke.

I forced myself into my wheelchair, my hands trembling slightly, but I kept my face blank. No more tears. Not when tomorrow would change everything.

Scott, I hope you like the gift I have for you.

The next morning, Scott left early for battle. Jacqueline, however, found her way into my bedroom. She stepped inside, her lips curling into a smirk as she tugged down the collar of her silk nightgown.

Dark, unmistakable marks covered her skin.

"Abigail," she purred, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "You really are pathetic. Four years and you still couldn't hold onto your man. If Scott hadn’t told me last night, I never would’ve known, he’s always loved me. You? You were just there for convenience."

Her gaze flickered down to my belly, her expression darkening with jealousy. "But don’t worry. Once your baby is born, I’ll make sure it never gets the chance to take a breath. Do you really think I’d let you leave behind something that ties you to Scott? And once you lose your ability to have children, I’ll take your place for good."

I met her gaze, my expression unreadable. "Alright."

She hesitated, caught off guard by my lack of reaction. But before she could say another word, I glanced at the time and ended the recording.

A second later, the door burst open. A sharp pain shot through my skull and the world went black. When I woke up, my hands were bound, and a rough sack covered my head.

Jacqueline's panicked voice trembled beside me. "Let me go! If you hurt me, Scott will make you pay!"

I glanced at the time. Almost there. Right on cue, the door burst open. Scott and his men charged in.

A pair of rough hands yanked me up, and Yosef smirked. "Mr. Foster, you got here fast. The moment you heard it was Jacqueline, you didn’t even put up a fight."

Scott’s voice was sharp. "Let her go. I’ll concede today’s battle."

Yosef chuckled. "Oh, Scott, this isn't about winning or losing." He tilted his head, amused. "You're just in time for a little test."

His gaze flicked between us. "On one side, your frightened little lover. On the other… just your loyal mercenary. So tell me, who do you pick?"

Scott didn’t even think about it. "Jacqueline. No matter what."

Yosef let out a dramatic sigh and pulled out his pistol. "Then do it yourself. Kill the mercenary, and I’ll let her go."

Through the tiny gap in the sack covering my head, I saw Scott raise his gun. His voice was steady, almost indifferent. "As a soldier, you had to know this was coming. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your family is taken care of."

A hollow laugh caught in my throat. If he had just looked a little closer, he would have noticed. My legs were unsteady. My belly had started to round.

But he didn’t.

The gunshot rang out. Pain tore through my chest, hot and unbearable. Blood spread fast, soaking through my clothes.

Then, I felt something else. A deeper kind of pain. Something breaking. Something ending.

Before my eyes fully closed, I saw Scott rushing forward, catching Jacqueline in his arms. "Someone call a doctor! Jacqueline, are you hurt? I'm so sorry, I should've been here sooner."

Scooping her up, he bolted for the door. Just before disappearing, he shot a glance at the body on the ground.

"Take care of it," he told a soldier, then left without a second thought.

At the hospital, after the doctor confirmed Jacqueline was fine, Scott finally let out a breath. But something still felt off.

His gut told him something was wrong. Pulling out his phone, he was about to call home when a soldier came sprinting toward him, his face pale.

"Sir… it's bad. That body we just brought in, it's your wife."