Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Ten years ago, in order to save my critically ill husband and daughter, I agreed to be transported into this romance novel world by a system.

This world was fundamentally a melodrama.

However, I wasn't the true heroine. According to the storyline, I had to snatch Garrick Pierce away from the female lead, Lorelei Dawson, marry him, and bear his child without any deviations.

At first, I didn't tell Garrick about the system. I pursued him genuinely, but reality proved that love couldn't be forced. Garrick loved only Lorelei, and no matter what I did, he never looked my way.

Garrick was the heir to a massive corporate empire, and his family required an equal partner with immense financial backing.

Lorelei was merely an ordinary elementary school teacher whom the Pierce family despised.

To stay by Garrick's side and complete the mission, I traded my health with the system in exchange for wealth and status, successfully forcing a marriage alliance with him.

After the deal was struck, my physical condition deteriorated rapidly. With a frail body and plain looks, I never managed to capture Garrick's interest, even after our wedding.

Parker was conceived during a night of heavy drinking. I still vividly remember Garrick holding me in the dark, whispering Lorelei's name into my ear.

I didn't care back then, because my only goal was to finish the plot and save my real family.

Yet right after I gave birth to Parker, before I even fully recovered from labor, Garrick demanded a divorce.

However, whenever I was separated from Parker, the child would be penalized by the system, crying incessantly through the night and suffering from persistent high fevers.

The system warned me that if I agreed to the divorce, not only would Parker suffer, but my real daughter back home would also face severe consequences.

Out of desperation, I confessed the existence of the system to Garrick.

If Parker and I were separated, both of us would die. Only by completing the full storyline could the curse be broken.

At that time, there were still five years left until the ending. For Parker's survival, Garrick withdrew the divorce papers.

I thought he would despise me even more, but surprisingly, he grew patient and treated me with far more gentleness over the years.

Because of his cooperation, the system rewarded us. Garrick's tech conglomerate skyrocketed in value, and the health of both Parker and myself steadily improved.

Unfortunately, the peaceful days didn't last. In typical romance novel fashion, Lorelei returned from abroad, and their destined connection reignited.

As the designated outsider, I stayed home every day to raise our son, keeping a strict eye on Parker's education and well-being.

For his fragile health, I forbade him from eating junk food and banned dangerous sports, which only fueled his deep resentment toward me.

The first time Parker met Lorelei, he looked at me with open disdain. "Mommy, you're nowhere near as pretty as Auntie Lorelei. Why did Daddy marry you?"

"You're so annoying, Mommy. No wonder Daddy doesn't love you."

Coupled with Lorelei's constant pampering and sweet treats, Parker completely rejected me, his biological mother, throwing himself enthusiastically into the arms of his father's true love.

Still, Garrick kept his boundaries in public and maintained the facade of our family.

A few days ago, the system informed me that the main storyline had reached its end. We were no longer bound by its rules and were finally free.

When I shared the good news with Garrick, he was thrilled and suggested throwing a grand celebration on Parker's birthday.

Because Parker was the child I carried for nine months, I didn't want to abandon him immediately. I had planned on staying a few more years to watch him grow.

Yet reality was cruel. While I was planning our future, they were plotting how to kick me out.

Since Parker wanted me gone so badly, I would gladly grant their wish.

Hearing the word "divorce," Garrick froze for a second before raising an eyebrow. "It's Parker's birthday today. What kind of tantrum are you throwing now?"

"Auntie Lorelei said this trick is called playing hard to get," Parker crossed his small arms like a smug little adult. The gesture that used to seem adorable now left me completely numb.

Garrick strolled over to the couch, sat down lazily, and spoke in a dismissive tone. "Who upset you this time? Or are you really doing what Parker said, playing hard to get?"

"This little scheme is far too cheap, Leah."

A scheme? I found it almost laughable. In his mind, I had schemed to bear his child just to cling to his wealth and prestige, so there was no way I would ever leave voluntarily.

"I'm simply granting your son's birthday wish. Besides… isn't making Lorelei your wife what you've always wanted? I'm clearing the path for you," I replied coldly. "Let's get divorced. I am not joking."

"I don't want a single penny of your fortune. As for the child…" I paused, glancing briefly at Parker before pressing my lips together. "You get full custody."

Both father and son went completely rigid. Garrick realized I was dead serious.

He paused as he started to stand up, letting out a mocking scoff. "Didn't you always say Parker was your whole world? You'd really give him up?"

I took a step back, making every syllable crystal clear. "Yes. He doesn't want me, so I don't want him either."

"Parker, Mommy is granting your wish. You can have your new mommy now."