Chapter 1

The head of the Sterling family, Soren Sterling, was looking for a wife after a car accident left him paralyzed. The news sent shockwaves through the elite circles of New York.

My father uploaded my profile immediately.

"Since you're so determined to break up with Sawyer Montgomery, go ahead and see if you can climb into the Sterling family," he sneered.

I refused, but when I tried to grab his phone, he slapped me hard across the face. "This isn't up to you."

Desperate, I went to Sawyer for help. He was the only one who could make my father change his mind.

But I accidentally overheard their conversation.

"Don't worry, Sawyer. Soren Sterling is a cripple. Shae is far too proud to ever want him. It won't be long before she comes crawling back to you, crying for a second chance," my father said.

Sawyer chuckled.

"Lulu wanted a child, so I just slept with her a few times to help out. Shae is making a scene over such a small thing. You really have a way with words, Uncle."

My blood turned to ice. I felt like I was falling into a frozen abyss.

I had been standing on the ruins of a lie the whole time, with no one behind me.

But then, the Sterling family actually chose me. And that was when they started to panic.

1

I held my breath outside the study door, my heart aching in sharp bursts.

The conversation inside continued.

"Sawyer, Lulu is sweet and soft-hearted. You'll have to look out for her in the future."

"Don't worry, Uncle. If Lulu hadn't risked her life to save me from that fire five years ago, I'd be dead. I'll protect her forever."

Sawyer paused before adding, "Helping Lulu get pregnant was just my way of paying her back. Shae wants to break up over it, and who knows what crazy things she'll do out of jealousy."

My father laughed nervously.

"Don't take it to heart. The girl is young and foolish. A few more lessons will make her fall in line."

"Soren Sterling isn't just a cripple; he's known as the cold-blooded Grim Reaper. Shae isn't stupid enough to go there and die. Even a fool knows how to choose."

Sawyer sighed. "Lulu is carrying my child, after all. I can't let her feel mistreated."

"I understand, I understand," my father nodded repeatedly.

I felt like I couldn't breathe.

To my father, I was just a pawn used to clear the path for his secret illegitimate daughter, Lulu Thorne.

And to the man I once loved most, I was absolutely nothing.

My nails dug deep into my palms, the metallic taste of blood spreading in my mouth.

I stumbled back, my waist hitting a vase in the hallway.

The sound of shattering glass echoed.

The study door swung open. Sawyer looked at my red-rimmed eyes, his brow furrowing.

"Are you still upset about the marriage registration?"

He looked troubled. "I tried to talk to your father, but he's set on sending you to the Sterlings."

Seeing my silence, he leaned in closer.

"Actually, there is one more way... if you get pregnant with my child, the Sterlings will never take you."

Looking at his hypocritical face made me want to gag.

I sneered, "I'll pass on your generous offer, Sawyer."

I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist.

Sawyer pinned me against the wall, his tone turning vicious.

"Shae Thorne, don't push your luck. Have you forgotten how you used to beg me in bed?"

Rage boiled over. I raised my hand to slap him.

But before my hand could land, my father appeared and stopped me.

He shoved my hand away, his face turning pale with anger. "Shae, have you lost your mind?"

"Sawyer is doing this for your own good! Don't be so ungrateful!"

Before I could speak, a soft, delicate voice came from behind them.

"Dad, Sawyer, please don't be angry. It's my fault for upsetting Shae..."

Lulu walked over, cradling her pregnant belly. Sawyer immediately rushed to support her, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"You silly girl, how could this be your fault? You're just too kind."

"Be careful not to stress the baby. Go back to your room and rest."

Before leaving, he didn't forget to give me a warning glance.

"Shae, I'm giving you a way out. Don't make things difficult for yourself. Think about it carefully."

Once they were gone, my father's attitude softened slightly.

He frowned. "Years ago, you said you wouldn't marry anyone but Sawyer. Now that he's willing to take you, you're throwing a fit."

"I found you a match with the Sterlings to ensure your future, and yet you cry about that too."

"Sawyer is willing to marry you, but you keep pushing him away. What exactly are you playing at?"

My heart felt like it was dripping blood.

I never imagined my father would push me into a fire pit just for his illegitimate daughter.

I suddenly burst out laughing, though tears fell uncontrollably onto the floor.

Seeing my silence, my father was about to explode when his phone rang.

He answered impatiently, but as soon as he heard the introduction, his face went ghost-white.

"The... The Sterlings?"

A steady male voice came from the other end.

"Yes. Congratulations, Mr. Thorne. Your daughter, Miss Shae Thorne, has been chosen by Mr. Sterling. Someone will deliver the betrothal gifts shortly."