Chapter 2

1.

The lingering scent of intimacy in the room was suffocating.

The two people on the bed looked like their fun had been ruined.

Grant's expression was grim.

"Didn't your mother ever teach you about these things?"

"The Spring Rejuvenation is the only way to boost our luck. Stop acting like it's a big deal!"

April pulled her loose robe together, looking aggrieved as she lowered her head.

"Avery, I know you're upset, but I'm doing this for the family."

"Even though Grant's brother is gone, I'm still the matriarch of this house. I have to protect our legacy."

She sighed, her eyes welling with tears.

"If it wasn't for the family's fortune, I wouldn't humiliate myself like this. I shouldn't have to deal with your attitude or let you think I'm a bad woman…"

Seeing her act so fragile made my blood boil.

"Humiliated? You look like you're enjoying every second of it!"

"That's enough!"

Grant cut me off, his brows furrowed in deep irritation.

"Avery, can you stop being so small-minded? April is already sacrificing so much. Can't you show some grace?"

"If it weren't for her efforts, do you think we'd be married? Do you think you'd even be pregnant? I just got a notice that my new project gets signed the day after tomorrow. Shouldn't we thank her for that?"

My pupils shrank, and my heart felt like it was being squeezed by a cold hand.

I dug my nails into my palms to stop the shaking.

"So, you're saying all of this… is thanks to her?"

Grant glanced at my bump, his tone finally softening a fraction.

"Look, Avery, don't overthink it. It's just for tonight. Things will go back to normal tomorrow. Go sleep in the guest room and stop stressing out. It's bad for the baby."

He paused, adding a bit of empty consolation.

"You're carrying a Sterling heir. I know it's hard. After New Year's, we'll start the nursery. I'll buy that designer crib you wanted."

I stared at him, feeling a wave of icy disgust.

Without the half-naked woman in his arms, he almost sounded like a good husband.

Grant seemed uneasy under my silence and sighed, preparing to get out of bed.

But April gently grabbed his sleeve and started sobbing quietly.

"Grant, it's all my fault… After Gideon passed away, I should have just followed him…"

Grant immediately pulled her back into his arms, patting her hand.

"She's just being immature. Ignore her."

"I remember everything you've sacrificed for me."

"I promise, I won't let you down."

I watched them, my heart turning to stone.

One played the victim, the other played the hero.

I looked like a jealous third party in my own home.

I thought about the countless hormone shots I endured to keep this baby.

The nights I couldn't sleep from the pain, vomiting until I tasted blood.

I had just gone back to my parents to beg my father for an investment.

I did it all to save Grant's failing company.

And yet, in the end, everything was her "credit"?