Chapter 1

My son was gasping for air, his face pale and clammy.

I went to the local pawn shop, clutching the last of my family heirlooms.

I just wanted to get enough money for his medicine.

But Gavin, my husband, snatched the purse right out of my hands.

"The boy is still breathing, isn't he? He doesn't need a doctor," he sneered.

"I have a much more important use for this money. What would a brainless housewife like you understand?"

I begged him, but he walked away without a second glance.

Eventually, the small, frail body in my arms went cold.

I carried my son's lifeless body, stumbling through the streets until I found him.

Gavin was standing in a boutique, holding a delicate pearl tiara.

He was presenting it to his first love, Liana, like it was a sacred offering.

They looked like a perfect couple, glowing with happiness.

My vision turned red with rage.

I grabbed a knife from a nearby stall and charged at them, determined to take them both to hell with me.

When I opened my eyes again, I realized I was back in the past.

I was at the beginning of my pregnancy.

In my past life, I was a high-born Princess.

I had cut ties with my royal family just to marry this man, only to have my heart shredded.

This time, I will not keep this child.

I will write the letter of annulment and leave him in the dust.

1

A sharp cramp shot through my abdomen, and I let out a low groan.

Gavin heard me from outside the room and spoke coldly.

"Stop making those noises. It's annoying."

I looked at myself in the copper mirror.

My face was gaunt, my eyes were hollow, and my hair was a mess.

The phantom sound of my son's desperate cries made my heart ache.

In my previous life, Gavin pitied Liana because she was an orphan.

He put her needs above everything else.

I felt resentful back then, but I mistakenly thought he was just a man of deep loyalty.

I didn't realize the truth until my son was dying of a fever.

He didn't care at all.

He stole the money meant to save our son's life to buy a gift for Liana.

That was the moment I died inside.

I lost my mind and tried to kill them, but it only led to my own tragic end.

I never expected the heavens to show me mercy and let me be reborn.

I pushed the door open and saw him holding my favorite jade pendant.

He was ready to head out.

I rushed forward to stop him. "That pendant belonged to my mother!"

"It's just a piece of jewelry. Don't be so dramatic," he said, shaking my hand off roughly.

"Liana likes it. It's only right that I give it to her."

"She likes it? Do you even remember that you have a wife?" I laughed, my voice dripping with bitterness.

He was just a struggling scholar.

He survived solely because I sold my jewelry to put food on the table.

And now, he was throwing my treasures away just to please his little mistress.

He looked guilty for a split second, but his face quickly hardened.

"I'll pass the imperial exams and become a high official. I'll compensate you later."

"Also, Liana hasn't been feeling well lately. Go brew some nourishing soup for her."

"Be quick about it. Don't keep her waiting."

My heart felt like a block of ice. I couldn't help but mock him.

"Gavin, if you wanted to take care of her so badly, why did you marry me?"

"I didn't give up my status to be your maid!"

His face darkened, and he glared at me. "Seraphina, why are you so jealous and petty?"

Without another word, he stormed out and headed straight for Liana's place.

The walls in this house were paper-thin.

Liana must have heard everything.

She appeared at her door, leaning against the frame with a fragile look.

"Gavin is just worried about me because I'm all alone. That's why he asked for your help."

"Don't be angry, sister. I'll try to talk to him for you."

Look at her, acting like she's the lady of this house.

Gavin looked at her with such tenderness.

"Liana, don't tire yourself out. I'll go brew the soup for you right now."

He had never done a single kind thing for me.

When I was sick in bed, he complained that I was a nuisance.

He only cared about his books and ignored my existence.

Now, suddenly, he knew how to serve someone.

I let out a cold laugh, not wanting to look at them anymore.

I turned back into my room and slammed the door shut.

Since I've been reborn, I won't make the same mistakes.

If he wants his first love so badly, he can have her.

I won't keep this baby.

In this life, I am going to ruin him.

I gently touched my belly, though it wasn't showing yet.

Tears blurred my vision.

"Baby, don't blame me for being heartless."

"I don't want you to suffer in this cruel world."

I was starving, but I had no appetite.

I looked around the room. The silk blankets I brought from the palace were gone.

I didn't even have to guess. He must have taken them to Liana.