Chapter 1

I was two months pregnant. My health was failing, so I had no choice but to quit my job to save the baby.

Julian, my husband, told me that even during pregnancy, we couldn't abandon our 50/50 split. He insisted I pay $3,000 a month for groceries until the day I gave birth.

The very next day, his first lover, Gemma, posted a flashy update on social media.

"Six years of knowing each other. Someone bought me this Birkin to make me smile."

In the photo, the man’s hand holding the bag was wearing a ring. It was Julian’s wedding ring.

My fingers tightened around my phone until my knuckles turned white. Gemma’s Birkin felt like a physical sting to my eyes.

Six years. A Birkin. We had been married for three, and what had he ever given me?

I once jokingly told Julian it would be a dream to own a Birkin. He told me, "Being a gold-digger isn't a good look. We agreed on 50/50. Don't even think about using my money."

Julian walked into the room and saw how pale I was. His eyes flickered with something like guilt, but he said nothing and went straight to the closet to grab his clothes.

I threw my phone onto the bed. "Julian, look at this. Tell me what this is!"

He slowly buttoned his shirt, acting casual. "It's just Gemma’s post. What’s the big deal now?"

"What’s the big deal? I’m pregnant! I quit my job for your child, and you’re out buying Birkins for another woman! Do you have a heart?"

"What Birkin? Has the pregnancy made you lose your mind? Stop looking for trouble."

"Julian! How long are you going to keep lying? Do you think I'm an idiot?"

I was shaking with rage. Tears streamed down my face, hot and unstoppable.

"Yara, that’s enough! Don’t think I’ll keep spoiling you just because you’re pregnant!"

"Gemma and I are over. If you keep making these scenes, let’s just get a divorce."

I let out a cold laugh. My heart felt like it had turned to ash. "Fine. Let’s get a divorce."

He looked shocked for a split second. Then, his face twisted into a sneer of pure arrogance.

"Divorce? Think carefully. Do you really think someone in your condition could find anyone better than me?"

Right then, my phone rang. It was an unknown number.

"Is this Yara Vance? Your mother is at St. Jude’s Medical Center. She’s in critical condition. Please come immediately."

It felt like a lightning strike. Without thinking, I grabbed Julian’s arm. "Something happened to my mom. Take me to the hospital, now!"

"Why should I go? She’s your mother, not mine. It has nothing to do with me. I’m not going."

"Julian! How can you say that? She’s your mother-in-law!"

I stared at him in disbelief. How could anyone be this cold-blooded?

He looked at me as if I were a stranger. "I’m not her son. I’m not going."

"And remember, we’re 50/50. Figure out the medical bills yourself. Don’t expect a single penny from me."

I couldn't believe my own ears. This man was a monster.

"Stop wasting my time. If you want to go, go by yourself. Don’t count on me."

He didn't even look back as he walked out the door.