Chapter 1

For the sake of a socialite like Lana, the Crown Prince actually proposed taking two wives during the royal gala.

I refused to degrade myself. Instead, I turned around and married Sean Sterling, a man who had been infatuated with me for years.

After our wedding, we were the picture of a perfect couple, living in what I thought was harmony.

It wasn't until I struggled through a difficult pregnancy that I discovered the truth.

The red coral bracelet he gave me wasn't a gift of love. It was infused with chemicals designed to ensure I could never carry a child to term.

Even the white jade pendant he kept in his study for years―the one he claimed was my future wedding gift―was engraved with orchids. Lana's favorite flower.

I was nothing more than a stepping stone he used to clear the path for his true love.

He suffered in silence at my side, only to use my family's influence to pave Lana's way to the top.

I might have been naive, but I am not blind.

One cup of the tea of termination, one signed divorce decree. Sean Sterling and I are over for good.

1.

"Ma'am, this baby was a miracle. Do you really have the heart to do this?"

My maid, Rain, had eyes red from crying. She tried to snatch the bowl from my hands.

"If the Lord finds out, he will be furious!"

I gave her a faint, cold smile and took the bowl back. I swallowed the bitter, dark liquid without a single moment of hesitation.

"He'll be thrilled to hear the news. Why would he be angry?"

This child was never something he wanted.

During my six years of marriage to Sean, I endured the constant shaming from his mother for being barren.

I traveled across the country to see every specialist until I finally conceived this child.

Even a maid like Rain knew how hard I fought for this. How could I, the one who lived through it, not know?

I looked down bitterly at the bracelet gripped tightly in my hand.

It was the most modest part of the jewelry he gave me when we got engaged, yet it was the one I cherished most.

He had personally fastened it around my wrist back then.

"Marrying you was my dream for years, Maddy. Now that I have you, I'll give you everything beautiful in this world."

I grew up in the rugged Northwest and loved the vibrant red of winter berries. So, he gave me these expensive red corals.

Back then, my heart was full of joy. I thought my long wait for a good man was finally over.

That was until the doctor checking on my pregnancy frowned at the beads.

"These aren't just corals. They are hormone-infused beads meant to prevent a woman from ever staying pregnant."

The beautiful lie Sean had woven with such care finally started to unravel before my eyes.

The medicine worked quickly. A sharp, tearing pain began to bloom in my lower abdomen.

The child I had prayed for over six years was now nothing more than a stain of red.

Just then, someone hammered loudly on the bedroom door.

"Maddy? What's wrong today? Why is the door locked?"

Sean's voice sounded urgent and worried. It was as if he might break the door down at any second.

I curled myself into a ball, my voice trembling as I answered.

"I'm not feeling well today. I look a mess and don't want to see you."

He sounded annoyed. "That won't do. If you're sick, we need a doctor. Are you being stubborn about your medicine again?"

"Maddy, if you don't open this door, I'm coming in!"

The door shook under his weight. But just as he was about to kick it open, he stopped.

A servant whispered something in his ear. The man who had been frantic for me just a second ago suddenly went silent.

His hand stayed on the door, but he didn't push.

"Maddy, something came up at the base. I have to go. I'll be back."

I let out a long, shaky breath. My hands, stained and trembling, rested on the wooden table. I had no strength left.

Sean Sterling held a high-ranking position in the military, but it was mostly for show. What could be so urgent?

It was Lana. She had caught a cold a few days ago, and the royal doctors were being blocked by the Crown Princess.

Lana had nowhere else to turn, so she finally reached out to Sean.

As soon as he heard she was in trouble, he lost his mind and went running to her side.

How could he possibly care about me at a time like that?

Rain cried as she held me. She wiped away the blood with shaking hands.

"Miss, this house has given you nothing but pain. We aren't staying here. Let's go home!"

I squinted through the pain and smiled. "Yes. Let's go home."

I had almost forgotten who I was.

Before I was Sean Sterling's wife, I was Madeline Vance, the proud eldest daughter of the General.

I didn't need him. I would be just fine on my own.