Chapter 1

In the fifth year of our marriage, Garrett Morgan brought a pregnant woman to my doorstep.

He looked at me with a sense of duty that felt like a slap in the face.

"Lyra's father saved my life on the battlefield. She was his final request on his deathbed. I have to take responsibility for her," he said.

To protect her reputation, Garrett handed me legal separation papers.

He claimed he promised Lyra she wouldn't be a mistress. He said once they were married, he would bring me back into the house as an equal wife.

In my past life, I cried and begged him not to do this.

Even after I found out I was pregnant, Lyra whispered that I didn't look the part.

Garrett decided I was faking it just to spite her. He orchestrated a scandal to ruin my reputation and left me to die in the cold river.

I opened my eyes again.

This time, I didn't hesitate. I picked up the pen and signed the papers.

1

"Serena, don't worry. Once Lyra has the baby, I'll bring you back as my official wife," Garrett whispered.

He held my hand, his voice dripping with a tenderness that made my skin crawl.

I sat in the high-backed chair, watching Lyra Wynn. Her tears fell like perfectly timed rain.

"Serena, I never wanted this. But my father's dying wish was that I never live in the shadows of another woman."

"I know I'm wrong for this. But I can't go against his last words. Please, give us a chance. I won't take Garrett away from you."

Garrett rushed to her side, pulling her up with a look of pure devotion.

"Lyra, I'm the one who failed you. But since you're carrying my child, I'll give you the status you deserve. I won't let your name be dragged through the mud."

Lyra cradled her belly, leaning into Garrett's chest.

I sat there like a piece of furniture they had forgotten to throw out.

Garrett looked back at me, his patience finally snapping.

"Serena, you should know I'm asking you out of respect. Don't be difficult."

"If you refuse to be sensible, I have a thousand ways to end this marriage without your consent."

Perhaps realizing he sounded too harsh, he grabbed my hand again. His tone softened just a fraction.

"Lyra's pregnancy is showing. We can't wait. You know how much a woman's reputation matters in this town."

I finally let my hands relax.

I knew he wasn't lying about the threats.

In my last life, because I refused to leave, he drugged me. He put me in a stranger's bed to destroy my honor.

The feeling of suffocating in that icy water was still fresh in my mind.

Lyra looked at me with watery eyes. "Serena, I just want to have this baby. It's Garrett's child."

She lowered her voice, making herself sound even more pathetic.

"After the baby is born, even if Garrett divorces me and lets you raise the child as your own, I won't complain."

Before I could speak, Garrett let go of my hand. He pulled the sobbing Lyra into a tight embrace.

"Don't say such foolish things, Lyra. You are the mother of my child. You're the hero of this family. No one will ever kick you out."

He glared at me, his irritation clear.

"Serena, you've been empty-handed for years. You've brought enough shame to this house. You should have some self-awareness."

I let out a bitter laugh and cut him off. My voice was cold and distant.

"I agree to the separation."

I paused, looking him dead in the eye.

"But on one condition. You are not allowed to leave Oakmont for three years."

The country was at peace. Staying in the city for three years wouldn't be hard for a decorated man like him.

Garrett frowned, clearly confused by the strange request.

"Garrett..." Lyra whispered.

She took his hand and placed it on her rounded belly.

Garrett didn't hesitate any longer. He nodded.

But that wasn't enough for me. I pulled out a pre-written contract and pushed it toward him.

He looked at me with a complicated expression.

"Is all this really necessary?"

I didn't say a word. I just signed my name on the separation papers.

Garrett sighed and signed the contract without another word.

The moment the ink dried, I felt a strange sense of peace. For the first time, I smiled.