Chapter 1

"From today onward, I start anew!"

As I waited for my test results at the hospital, I scrolled through my husband Gavin Gould's ex, Mandy Green's, social media post. She had proudly shared a picture of her divorce certificate with a declaration of newfound freedom.

I was still in a daze when the doctor's cheerful voice broke my thoughts.

"Congratulations, Grace Summers! You're pregnant!"

I looked up sharply, stunned, unable to believe I had just heard. A flood of joy overwhelmed me.

After a year of trying, I was finally pregnant with Gavin's child!

My hands instinctively moved to my lower abdomen, a mixture of happiness and subtle melancholy swirling within me. Who would have thought that the moment I had been longing for—having a baby—would coincide with Mandy's announcement of a fresh start?

"Congratulations, Ms. Summers," the nurse, who had grown familiar with me during my countless visits to the hospital, beamed with genuine excitement. "You have to tell your husband the good news right away! He'll be thrilled!"

Smiling, I nodded, gently stroking my stomach. "Yes, he's been waiting for this moment for so long too."

"Make sure he comes with you for the prenatal checkups from now on," she teased. "You're the family's VIP now! No matter how busy he is, nothing's more important than you."

I smiled at her warmth, though her words stirred a bittersweet feeling. Over the past year, I had been the one making all the visits to the hospital alone. There was nothing wrong with me physically, yet there had been no sign of pregnancy.

The doctor had even hinted it might be Gavin's issue, suggesting a low sperm count, and recommended he undergo a checkup. But I couldn't bring myself to risk his pride. Instead, I begged the doctor for ovulation-stimulating medication, which I had been taking for months without success.

And now, after a full year, it had finally happened.

Thrilled, I bid farewell to the doctor and nurse and hurried out, clutching my test results. I couldn't wait to share the news with Gavin at his office.

As I reached my car, my phone buzzed. It was my mom, Elizabeth Wells calling.

I composed myself, inhaled deeply, and answered cheerfully, "Hi, Mom!"

"Grace, weren't you planning to visit the hospital with Gavin today? When will you two get here? I asked Alex to meet you at the entrance," she said, her voice weak but warm.

Ever since her late-stage liver cancer diagnosis, my mother had been longing to see me and Gavin have a proper wedding. She couldn't let go of me, her only worry.

Although Gavin and I were legally married, we had delayed the ceremony, because his grandfather, Walter Gould had fallen seriously ill. I had told my mother the marriage certificate held more legal weight than a wedding.

But to her, the wedding meant everything.

Outside of Gould family events, Gavin rarely brought me along to social gatherings, and my mother knew her time was running out. Her greatest wish was to see us walk down the aisle.

To grant her peace of mind, I mustered my courage and asked Gavin to prioritize the wedding. Thankfully, he agreed, and we had been busy planning it ever since.

"Mom, don't let Alex run around too much. We'll call him when we arrive," I reassured her.

"Alright, take your time. And if Gavin's too busy with work, don't push him too hard. You can come alone to see me," she said, her concern evident.

"Don't worry, Mom. Gavin promised he'd come to see you with me. He won't let you down."

"That's good to hear. That's good."

After hanging up, I got into the car. Nathan Clarke, our driver, was already waiting.

"To the office," I instructed.

Nathan hesitated. "Mrs. Gould, isn't Mr. Gould not too fond of you visiting his office?"

Smiling, I placed a hand on my abdomen. "I have urgent news for him."

"But…" He seemed uneasy. "Why not give him a call first?"

His hesitation didn't surprise me. After all, it was Gavin who paid him, not me. And Gavin had made it clear that he didn't like me showing up at work unannounced.

I wavered, unsure whether to call Gavin or surprise him, when my phone rang. It was him.

Overjoyed, I answered immediately. "Honey, I—"

But before I could finish, his calm voice cut in.

"Gracie, I'm working late tonight. Don't wait for me. Have dinner by yourself."

"Then, honey, are you…" I began, only to hear a faint gasp—a woman's voice—in the background.

"I'm busy. Talk later."

He hung up abruptly before I could respond.

The dial tone echoed in my ears as my chest tightened, weighed down by an invisible stone. My heart raced, and my mind unwillingly replayed Mandy's earlier post announcing her fresh start.

As if possessed, I reopened Mandy's profile and found a new update.

"A special visit."

The post was accompanied by a photo of a man standing by a massive floor-to-ceiling window, phone in hand.

Even though it was just a silhouette, I recognized him immediately.

It was my husband—Gavin Gould.

He was with Mandy.

…

The Gould Group towered over the bustling commercial district of Fuvine.

As we approached the company building, I couldn't help but notice the massive LED screen outside the Gould Group headquarters displaying the strikingly beautiful face of Mandy Green.

She wasn't just a famous actress but also my husband's childhood sweetheart—his first love and now the spokesperson for the Gould Group's products.

Stepping out of the car, I felt a bitter smile tugging at my lips.

Gavin disliked my coming to his office unannounced, so in our two years of marriage, my visits to the company were rare. Naturally, I didn't know about this, and no one had ever bothered to tell me.

Perhaps it was because no one felt the need to tell me.

"Mrs. Gould, what brings you here?"

As soon as I entered the building, Caleb Reed, Gavin's assistant, approached with a subtle hint of nervousness on his face. "Mr. Gould is in a meeting. Shall I take you to the lounge to wait for him?"

"There's no need. I'll wait for him in his office."

When I opened the door to Gavin's office, the face I had just seen on the LED screen greeted me in person.

Mandy Green was here!

"You are…?" She looked at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

She must have come straight from work, her makeup flawless and her high-end designer dress accentuating her figure perfectly.

I glanced around the room but didn't see Gavin.

"You're Gracie, aren't you?" Mandy seemed to recognize me finally, smiling brightly. She carried herself with the composure of someone who felt right at home. "You're here to see Gavin? He's in a meeting."

Ignoring her, I turned to Caleb, who was standing by the door. "When will Gavin be back?"

Caleb was momentarily taken aback, as if surprised by my calm demeanor. "Around ten. In about half an hour."

I nodded, then walked straight to Gavin's desk. "I'll wait for him here."

Mandy seemed unfazed by my complete disregard for her. She casually crossed her legs and resumed playing a game on her phone, her posture relaxed and unbothered.

Not long after, the office door swung open, and Gavin walked in, fresh from his meeting.

He was dressed in a tailored charcoal-gray suit that highlighted his sophisticated and commanding presence. But when his gaze landed on me, his brows furrowed slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Suppressing my emotions, I didn't want to show weakness in front of Mandy. I stood up, hooked my arm around his in an intimate gesture, and said with a smile, "I missed you and wanted to see you."

Gavin glanced down at my hand but didn't say anything further.

Instinctively, I looked toward Mandy. Her gaze was fixed on my hand wrapped around Gavin's arm, her expression fleeting and unreadable. It was so brief that I couldn't fully grasp it before it vanished.

Drawing my attention back, I took a deep breath and mustered a smile, ready to share the news of my pregnancy while asserting my position.

"Honey, I—"

But before I could say the word "pregnant," Mandy let out a sudden exclamation.

The next moment, there was a loud crash as a glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.

"Sorry, I wasn't holding it properly," Mandy apologized quickly, bending down to pick up the broken shards.

Gavin's expression shifted instantly, and before I knew it, he released my arm and rushed toward her. "Don't move."

"Ouch…" Mandy suddenly drew back her hand, her brows furrowing as she held her finger, now bleeding.

"I told you not to touch it!" Gavin scolded her, his tone laced with frustration as he grabbed her hand to inspect the cut. "Why are you always so careless? Why did you even pick up the glass?"

"Geez, why are you so harsh?" Mandy replied, her voice a mix of defiance and playful innocence, though her eyes glimmered with amusement. "I didn't do it on purpose."

Standing there, I could still feel the residual warmth of Gavin's hand on mine, but now that hand was holding someone else's.

I froze, watching their interaction, feeling like an unwelcome outsider in my own husband's office.

Ten years of unrequited love and two years of marriage—I had always thought Gavin's reserved and distant demeanor was simply his nature.

I believed that, like a block of ice, he would eventually warm up.

But I had never imagined seeing such urgency and concern on his face.

It was painfully clear how love—or the lack of it—could be so obvious.

"Honey, should we take Ms. Green to the hospital? If we're too late, the cut might heal," I finally said, unable to suppress the sarcasm in my voice.

Gavin seemed to realize the inappropriateness of his actions. He frowned at me briefly before letting go of Mandy's hand. "You're a grown woman. How can you still be so clumsy?"

Mandy chuckled lightly, giving him a playful look. "You're always like this. You've been fussing over me since we were kids. Poor Grace must be so jealous."

She turned to me, her face radiant with a carefree smile but tinged with boyish charm. "Grace, don't blame Gavin. He's just always been like this—overly cautious. You must know that by now, being married to him."

I forced a smile, though my heart felt hollow, as if an icy wind was whistling through it.

No.

The Gavin I knew wasn't like this.

Seeing how much he cared about Mandy felt like a sharp thorn piercing my heart.

"Well, I have another shoot to attend. I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now," Mandy said, grabbing her bag from the couch and walking out without looking back.

Caleb quickly escorted her out, closing the office door behind him.

Now, it was just Gavin and me in the vast office, though the space felt suffocatingly narrow. My chest felt tight, and my stomach churned uncomfortably.

"What's wrong? Are you really jealous?" Gavin asked, stepping closer.

The faint scent of makeup lingered on him, and it churned my stomach even more. Unable to hold it back, I turned and rushed to the restroom, leaning over the sink as nausea overtook me.

"Gracie…" Gavin frowned as he stood behind me. "Could it be that you're pregnant?"

Chapter 2

I didn't care about the churning in my stomach. My gaze instinctively lifted to meet him.

"No, that's not right."

Before I could figure out how to respond, Gavin frowned slightly, shaking his head as if rejecting his own thoughts. "It's impossible for you to be pregnant."

I had no idea how he arrived at such a conclusion, but strangely, I felt a fleeting sense of relief.

Just half an hour ago, I had been eager to share the joyous news of my pregnancy, but now…

I lowered my head, filled a glass with water, and rinsed my mouth without saying a word.

Gavin handed me a towel, his brow furrowed. "I know how much you want a child, but you can't keep pushing your body like this. Medicine always has side effects."

I looked up at him reflexively.

The bright light from above cast sharp angles across his handsome face. His deep-set eyes and high brow created shadows that only accentuated the intensity of his gaze.

This was Gavin Gould, the man I had secretly loved for ten years. My teenage diaries were filled with his every move, every word.

In the past, this kind of concern would have thrilled me beyond words.

But now…

"Grace, don't keep things from me. You can't keep exhausting yourself like this," he said suddenly, his voice low and serious.

I froze, caught off guard. "What are you talking about?"

"The prescription you asked me to pick up this morning—Mandy happened to see it."

That familiar, intimate tone from Gavin's lips pierced my ears like shards of ice.

He continued, his tone steady, as though stating facts. "She said it's medication to stimulate ovulation, something only taken by people struggling with fertility. But when I asked you about it before, you told me it was just vitamins and supplements."

"Did Mandy tell you that?" I interrupted, my voice hoarse and heavy.

Gavin frowned, clearly displeased by my reaction. "She saw it by chance; it wasn't intentional."

I couldn't believe it. Even now, Gavin's priority was to defend Mandy.

A wave of emotion surged within me, threatening to drown my reason.

No wonder Gavin was so certain I couldn't be pregnant!

Because Mandy had told him that only infertile people took such medication—and he believed her without question.

"So…" I met his gaze directly. "Do you think I can't get pregnant too?"

Gavin raised an eyebrow, surprised by my unusually assertive tone.

In front of him, I had always been gentle and accommodating. Even when I occasionally played coy, it was only to add a touch of playfulness.

This blunt, confrontational side of me was a first.

"Isn't that the case?" Gavin's brow furrowed deeper, his patience waning. "You've been going to the hospital every other day, popping pills like they're candy. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?"

I stood there, stunned.

All the effort and sacrifices I had made over the past year suddenly felt absurd and laughable.

Knowing Gavin's prideful and cold nature, I had done everything I could to shield him from any speculation about his fertility.

I endured countless rounds of medication, swallowing pill after pill. On top of that, I had to bear my father-in-law's cruel taunts, calling me a barren hen who wasn't worthy of marrying Gavin.

Yet through it all, I tried my best to protect Gavin's dignity and his pride as a man.

And now, I was the one labeled as infertile.

My vision blurred, and my chest tightened as if an invisible hand was squeezing my heart.

This was the man I had loved for 12 years.

"You want to know why I was taking the medication? Let me tell you—"

Before I could finish, a knock interrupted me. The door swung open.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting?"

Mandy stepped into the room, apologizing with her words but showing no trace of remorse on her face.

"Gavin, my car broke down. Can you give me a ride home?" she asked, her tone casual.

I turned to look at Gavin, my heart still simmering with anger but holding onto a sliver of hope.

I wanted to see what he would choose.

Perhaps…

I also wanted to give myself a way out.

This child growing inside me was one I had waited two long years for. Considering Gavin's possible low sperm count, this might be his only child.

But if Gavin chose Mandy, then I would finally lose all hope.

Gavin seemed momentarily taken aback by Mandy's return. He frowned and said, "I'm busy. Caleb can take you home."

I exhaled quietly, relieved Gavin hadn't chosen her.

Mandy pouted in mock annoyance. "Gavin, ever since you got married, you've turned into a henpecked husband. This is such a small matter; Grace won't mind. She's not that petty, right?"

She glanced at me with a bright smile, her tone playful.

I stared at her, momentarily thrown off by her carefree demeanor.

I couldn't deny that her relaxed, easy-going attitude made me question whether I had been overthinking things or misjudging her intentions.

But deep down, I just didn't like her.

I returned her smile, though my voice was calm and firm. "You're wrong, Ms. Green."

Mandy froze, her smile stiffening on her face.

"Mr. Reed, please arrange a car for Ms. Green," I said, turning to look at Caleb.

Caleb instinctively turned toward Gavin, seeking his reaction.

Gavin frowned slightly, clearly hesitant.

"Gavin!" Mandy protested, her tone laced with indignation. "You're really something! Are we not good friends anymore? Are you ditching me for her? My current status would be a huge problem if the paparazzi caught me. Scandals are the last thing I need."

I turned to her sharply. "Oh? And getting caught with my husband wouldn't be a problem?"

"That's not what I meant…" Many looked at me in disbelief. "Gracie, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me? Gavin and I grew up together—we've always been close. He sees me as a brother. If we wanted to be together, it would've happened long before you came into the picture."

"Mandy Green!"

Gavin's face darkened as he interrupted her sharply. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Mandy suddenly seemed to realize her slip and covered her mouth, feigning innocence. "Oh? Gracies doesn't know I'm your ex-girlfriend? I'm sorry! I thought you told her. But that's ancient history now. Gracie wouldn't still care about that, would she?"

"Enough!" Gavin's voice carried an edge of frustration as if he had reached the end of his patience. "Caleb, take her home!"

Mandy pouted and rolled her eyes at him. Instead of looking offended, she seemed to relish her position, as though her actions were backed by unwavering confidence.

"Fine, fine. I'm leaving now. We'll catch up another time."

As Mandy finally left the office, I snapped out of my daze. That was when I realized Gavin had taken my hand at some point. Instinctively, I yanked it away.

"Don't touch me!"

Gavin's lips pressed into a thin line, and his tone dropped to a low rumble. "What happened between me and her is in the past. Don't overthink it."

"And now?" I locked eyes with him. "Do you still have feelings for her?"

Gavin responded immediately, without even pausing. "No."

I took a deep breath, forcing down the wave of bitterness rising in my chest. "Gavin, if you still love her, I'm willing to step aside. We can part ways peacefully."

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a shadow flit past the door, the unmistakable glint of polished black boots catching the light.

Someone was outside!

But this was Gavin's office. Who would dare eavesdrop on their boss?

"Grace, do you even realize what you're saying?" Gavin's brows knitted together as his tone turned colder. "This is absurd. I told you, there's nothing between Mandy and me. Stop letting your imagination run wild!"

Chapter 3

"Alright, Gracie, stop being difficult."

To my surprise, Gavin softened his tone, as though he didn't take my words seriously. He reached out to take my hand again, but I slapped it away.

I was still fuming, and perhaps because of the intense emotions, I felt a faint discomfort in my lower abdomen.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself.

"It's impossible between her and me now," Gavin said in a low voice. "Besides, we're already married."

As he spoke, he wrapped his arms around me from behind. "You're my Mrs. Gould."

"Let go of me." I instinctively struggled, but his grip only tightened.

"Alright, don't be angry, okay?"

The doting tone in his voice was something I had never experienced before.

In all the years I had loved Gavin, it had always been me trying to please him. This was the first time he was trying to comfort me.

In the past, such a gesture would have made me happy for days.

But now, it only left me hollow.

"Mandy is divorced," I said flatly.

"Don't be difficult," Gavin replied dismissively, clearly not believing me.

I took out my phone, opened Mandy's social media profile, and held it out for him. "See for yourself."

Gavin glanced at the screen briefly before pulling me back into his arms. His voice was calm and steady. "She has her life, and we have ours."

I turned to look at him, unsure whether his words were genuine or simply a way to placate me.

Could I really be overthinking things?

As my mind raced, Gavin suddenly called out through the intercom, summoning his secretary, Sophia Harper, to the office.

When the door opened and Sophia entered, I quickly pulled away from Gavin's embrace.

Gavin didn't seem to mind. He simply instructed her, "Cancel my afternoon schedule. Also, contact Dr. Hill at Starlight Hospital. Let him know I'm ready for the appointment we discussed earlier."

I blinked in surprise.

Greg Hill was one of the top physicians in Fuvine. He was nearly impossible to book an appointment with, let alone meet. I had tried before without success.

"What's wrong?" Gavin asked, noticing my surprise. He curved his lips slightly. "Weren't we going to visit your mom today?"

"You scheduled Dr. Hill for my mom?"

Gavin nodded.

My heart softened at his consideration. Knowing he had been mindful of my mother's condition made my chest ache in a bittersweet way.

We had been married for two years, and for two years, our marriage had been a secret.

Aside from the Gould family and a few of Gavin's close friends, almost no one knew of my existence.

Still, Gavin treated me well, giving me the respect and dignity befitting "Mrs. Gould" in public.

I had loved him for ten years. Marrying him was the fulfillment of my greatest dream. I should have been content.

Maybe I was just too sensitive.

Even if Mandy had been Gavin's first love, those feelings should have faded long ago. They were both married—Mandy's divorce shouldn't matter.

Would Gavin really leave me to be with her again?

And besides, my mom was looking forward to our wedding, and now I was carrying his child.

Perhaps my heightened emotions were just due to the pregnancy.

With that thought, I mustered my courage. "Gavin, there's something I need to tell you."

But before I could finish, Gavin's phone rang.

Following his gaze, I glanced at the screen. The caller ID read Mandy Green.

The words I had prepared got stuck in my throat.

I pushed him away and stepped back. "Answer the call."

"It's not important," Gavin said, ending the call. "What were you about to say?"

"I—"

Before I could continue, his phone rang again.

It was Mandy calling, once more.

Gavin frowned at the screen, clearly annoyed, but still answered. "Mandy, what now?"

I turned my head away, choosing not to look at him. Instead, I lowered my gaze to my abdomen.

This life I had longed for suddenly felt bleak.

I placed my hand gently on my belly, trying to suppress the waves of emotion crashing inside me.

"What?" Gavin's voice suddenly grew tense. "Alright, stay where you are. I'm coming right now!"

He ended the call abruptly, his expression grim as he looked at me.

"Mandy's been in a car accident. I need to go."

With that, he grabbed his car keys from the desk and headed for the door.

"Honey…"

I reach out instinctively to stop him, my voice filled with disbelief.

At the doorway, Gavin hesitated and turned back to glance at me, his expression conflicted. Finally, he spoke.

"Gracie, I'll have Sophia arrange a car to take you home. We'll visit your mom another day."

Without waiting for my response, he turned and walked out.

I stood there, staring blankly at his retreating figure. It felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over me, leaving me cold and drenched from head to toe.

At that moment, I wanted to laugh.

So, when it came down to me or Mandy, Gavin still chose her.

He abandoned me.

Lowering my gaze, I placed a trembling hand over my abdomen.

Suddenly, I wondered if this child should even be brought into the world.

…

I didn't ask Sophia to send me home. Instead, I left the company alone.

The massive LED screen outside continued to display Mandy Green's advertisement. Her radiant smile seemed to mock me, a reminder of how utterly out of place I felt.

Not far from the entrance, I saw what Mandy had called a car accident.

A sleek black Maybach was parked on the roadside with its hazard lights flashing, and behind it was a minivan that had rear-ended it. It was nothing more than a minor fender bender—barely a scratch on the paint.

Moments later, Gavin's car arrived. He stepped out, frowning, and Caleb immediately approached him, lifely explaining the situation.

Mandy also got out of the Maybach, raising a hand to massage her forehead. She brushed her hair back and leaned toward Gavin, her lips pursed in what seemed like a playful complaint.

Seeing the two of them—handsome and beautiful, standing so close—it was hard not to think of them as a perfect match.

My vision blurred as tears welled up. I reached up instinctively and felt the wetness on my face.

As I wiped away the tears, a car pulled up beside me.

The door opened, and the first thing I saw was a pair of black military boots hitting the ground. The man who stepped out moved with precision, the straight lines of his trousers accentuating the muscular contours of his legs. His shadow stretched long in the summer sun.

The golden sunlight illuminated his figure, and when I looked up, I saw his face.

Sharp features, dark brows, and piercing eyes—his whole presence exuded an untamed confidence, sharp and commanding.

I frowned slightly. It was Tom White—Gavin's childhood friend, the heir of Fuvine's most prominent family, the Whites, and the indisputable golden boy of the social elite. Back when he and Gavin were at Fuvine University, they were dubbed the "Twin Stars."

But I remembered he had joined the military the year I married Gavin.

What was he doing here?

"Grace?" Tom smirked, his gaze carrying a hint of mischief. His inky black eyes, though playful, had a depth that was impossible to read. "What are you doing here, crying all by yourself?"

"I wasn't crying."

I refused to admit it, especially in front of Gavin's closest friend.

Tom chuckled lightly, not pressing the issue. He glanced toward the minor accident scene before turning back to me. "Heading back to the Gould residence? I can give you a ride."

"No, I…"

Before I could finish, he added with a smile, "Or should I call Gavin over to take you home?"

"No!" I blurted out instinctively.

Tom grinned, leaning against the open car door with one arm resting on the frame. "Then hop in."

Left with no choice, I relented. "I'm not going home. I need to go to Starlight Hospital."

"Fine, that's on my way too. I'll take you."

"Alright."

The car pulled away, driving past Gavin and Mandy. I couldn't help but glance back. Mandy looked startled, clutching Gavin's jacket lapel and hiding against him as if something had frightened her.

I averted my gaze, unwilling to look any longer, but my eyes landed on Tom's hands gripping the steering wheel. His long, well-defined fingers moved with practiced ease, their grip firm yet relaxed.

It was hard not to acknowledge how generous fate had been to him.

Good looks, an impeccable family background, intelligence, and skills.

Not a single flaw.

Like Gavin, he was truly one of life's golden children.

"Grace, how've you been these past few years?"

Lost in thought, I was startled by his deep voice. I looked up and met his dark eyes in the rearview mirror.

"Fine," I replied quickly, shifting my gaze.

Back when I was secretly in love with Gavin, I had learned everything about the people around him, including Tom's wild and unrestrained personality. He was someone not to be trifled with, given his formidable background and reputation.

After years in the military, he carried an even more intimidating presence, a natural authority that made people cautious around him.

Tom glanced at me briefly before turning his attention back to the road. His expression was unreadable, his dark eyes as impenetrable as ink.

"Still as bad at lying as ever, Grace."

I turned to him, startled by his remark.

"Sorry to eavesdrop…" Tom smirked, his tone polite but his demeanor unapologetic. "I overheard your argument with Gavin earlier."

Argument?

I froze, my gaze dripping to his shoes—a pair of black military boots.

Only then did it dawn on me. The shadow I had seen outside Gavin's office during our fight had been Tom.

He must have been there to find Gavin.

But why had he left?

As my thoughts spiraled, Tom turned to look at me, his lips curving into a carefree smile.

"Grace, are you thinking about getting a divorce? I can help you."

Chapter 4

I stared at him, mouth slightly agape, utterly taken aback. I couldn't believe what I had just heard.

But as I calmed down, I realized Tom had to be joking.

He was Gavin's closest childhood friend. The two had grown up together, their bond stronger than most siblings.

That comment was probably his way of testing me on Gavin's behalf.

Even if it wasn't a test, I didn't expect him to truly help me. After all, family matters were not to be aired in public.

Suppressing my emotions, I forced a light laugh. "You're joking, Mr. White. Gavin and I are fine. What I said earlier was just in the heat of the moment."

"Oh?" Tom turned to look at me, his dark eyes unreadable, his voice low. "Is that so? Guess I overstepped, then."

I laughed dryly, choosing not to respond further.

Thankfully, Tom didn't dwell on the topic. He tactfully shifted the conversation to lighter matters.

He was witty and humorous, with a unique perspective that gradually drew my attention away from the mess involving Gavin and Mandy.

It was during our conversation that I learned Tom had left the military.

This surprised me because I remembered Gavin mentioning Tom's accomplishments in the army.

Apparently, Tom had been promoted to major six months ago, a rank that was a testament to his extraordinary capabilities. His future in the military seemed boundless.

Why would he leave? Perhaps he simply wanted to start a new chapter in life—like leveling up and switching to a new quest.

People like him and Gavin were dragons among men, favored by destiny—born to be admired and envied by ordinary people like me.

"It's been over two years, but you're still as impressive as ever, Tom."

Our casual conversation eased the tension between us, giving us enough courage to tease him slightly. My address for him naturally shifted from the formal "Mr. White" to the more familiar "Tom."

"Grace, we just saw each other at the end of last month," he replied, his tone layered with meaning as he glanced at me.

"Hmm?" I blinked, confused. "The end of last month?"

I recalled a banquet at the end of last month, one that had been both thrilling and chaotic.

But I didn't remember seeing him there. Could it have been at another event?

"Where did we meet?"

Tom only smiled, offering no answer, effectively ending the topic.

…

Soon, we arrived at Starlight Hospital.

I assumed Tom would leave after dropping me off, but to my surprise, he got out of the car as well. As we passed the hospital entrance, he even stopped to buy a basket of fruit.

I looked at him, puzzled.

"What? Don't you bring gifts when visiting elders?" Tom asked with a low chuckle.

My cheeks flushed slightly. I didn't respond, instead quickening my pace toward the hospital.

When I entered the room, Elizabeth, who had been lying on the bed, immediately sat up.

"Gracie and Gavin are here."

But when she saw that the man behind me wasn't Gavin, she froze, her pale lips trembling slightly. "Gracie, where's Gavin?"

I forced a flawless smile. "He's busy with work, getting everything ready for the wedding."

"I see," A flash of appointment crossed Elizabeth's face, but she quickly masked it with a gentle smile. "There's always so much to do before a wedding."

Her gaze shifted to Tom. "Gracie, who is this?"

"He's…"

Before I could answer, Tom stepped forward with a smile, placing the fruit basket on a nearby table. "Good afternoon, madam. I'm Gracie's senior, Tom White."

"White…" Elizabeth's expression shifted slightly, clearly recognizing the significance of the name. After all, the White family was the most prestigious in Fuvine.

Tom smiled faintly. "Gracie mentioned your health, madam. I happen to have a doctor friend here at Starlight Hospital. I'll ask him to take a look at you."

"There's no need, really. I wouldn't want to trouble you."

"Please, madam, no need to be so polite," Tom replied with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

I knew Tom meant well. Given it concerned Elizabeth's health, I couldn't refuse, so I offered him my sincere thanks.

But when Dr. Greg Hill, the renowned specialist, walked into the room, I was stunned. I turned to look at Tom in disbelief.

He had mentioned a doctor friend—but it turned out to be Greg himself.

Elizabeth was equally astonished. She knew Greg's reputation, especially at Starlight Hospital, where even getting an appointment was nearly impossible.

Greg quickly began examining Elizabeth, leaving Tom and me waiting outside the room.

I glanced at Tom, still processing the unexpected turn of events.

"Tom, thank you so much," I said sincerely.

For Tom, it might have been a small favor, but to me, it meant the world.

Tom's lips curled into a faint smile. "Don't mention it."

I instinctively parted my lips, about to say something, but my attention was caught by the screen of the television across the hall.

On the screen was Mandy Green's face. The TVs in the hospital corridor were muted, so I couldn't hear the audio, but a bold headline flashed across the screen.

"Famous Actress Mandy Green Announces Divorce and Reveals New Romance!"

The scene then shifted to an image of Mandy nestled in a man's arms.

Even though the man's face was pixelated, I recognized him instantly—it was Gavin Gould.

I shot to my feet, my face draining of color.

Even though I knew a single photo didn't necessarily mean anything—and I had been there that day, so it could just be an unfortunate angle taken by the paparazzi—I couldn't stop my hands from trembling slightly. My vision blurred with unshed tears.

"Don't look."

A large hand suddenly blocked my view, shielding me from the television. Startled, I instinctively grabbed the person's wrist to push it away, but Tom stepped in front of me, his huge frame completely obscuring the screen.

I lowered my head, desperately trying to keep my tears from falling.

I kept telling myself over and over to trust Gavin. No matter what, I need to hear his explanation first. But my chest ached with an overwhelming bitterness I couldn't shake.

As I stared at the ground, my eyes fell on Tom's arm, and I realized I was still gripping his wrist.

"I'm sorry," I quickly let go.

Tom didn't seem to mind. His long lashes lowered slightly as if deep in thought. I noticed his Adam's apple bob slightly as he swallowed, but I didn't dwell on it for long.

Suddenly, the door to the hospital room burst open, and a nurse's panicked voice rang out.

"Ms. Summers! Your mom was fine just moments ago, but after watching something on TV, she suddenly fainted!"

"What?"

Chapter 5

I rushed to Greg's office, panic gripping me. Inside, Elizabeth lay on a couch surrounded by several doctors and nurses.

My legs felt weak, and I nearly stumbled.

Behind me, Tom caught my arm, his calm voice steadying me. "Don't worry. With the doctors here, your mom will be fine."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. But when I saw Elizabeth being wheeled into the emergency room, I couldn't hold it together. Leaning against the wall, I slid to the floor, my mind in turmoil.

Elizabeth was already in the late stages of liver cancer, her body frail and weak. And now, Gavin's scandal had caused her to collapse.

What if something happened to her?

I shook the thought away and immediately dialed Gavin's number.

He had to explain everything to Elizabeth himself, to clear this misunderstanding.

The phone rang for over ten seconds, but no one answered.

Just as despair began to set in, the call finally connected.

"Hello, honey, you—"

Before I could finish, Mandy's voice came through.

"Grace, Gavin's gone out to get medicine for me. He left his phone here. Is there something urgent? I can relay the message to him."

My throat tightened, and no words came out.

Through tear-filled eyes, I saw the phone being taken from my hand. Startled, I looked up to meet Tom's deep, steady gaze. The dam broke, and tears streamed down my face.

"Don't cry." Tom's brow furrowed slightly. His hand reached toward me, but he hesitated, clenched it into a fist, and withdrew.

I turned away, wiping my tears with trembling hands.

"No matter how upset you are, don't harm yourself. Get up—it's cold on the floor," Tom said, lifting me to my feet and guiding me to a nearby bench.

"Thank you," I murmured sincerely.

The hour-long wait felt like an eternity.

When the red light above the emergency room finally dimmed, I shot to my feet and rushed to the door as Dr. Hill stepped out.

He glanced briefly at Tom before turning to me. "Don't worry, Ms. Summers. Your mom is stable now, but her body is still very weak and needs rest."

"Can I see her?"

"Yes, but keep it short."

"Thank you, Dr. Hill."

I hurried toward the patient room but stopped halfway, suddenly remembering Tom. When I turned back, I saw him leaning casually against the wall, speaking with Dr. Hill.

Whatever Dr. Hill said made Tom frown slightly, his dark eyes sharp and commanding, exuding an overwhelming sense of authority. Dr. Hill gave a sheepish smile, raising his hands in mock surrender. The two seemed to know each other well.

Realizing they had matters to discuss, I turned back and headed to the patient room.

Inside, Elizabeth was still asleep from the exhaustion of the operation. Her gaunt hand rested in mine as I sat by her side. Looking at her tired but peaceful face, my tightly wound nerves finally relaxed, and I couldn't hold back my tears any longer.

Covering my mouth, I sobbed quietly, pouring out all the frustration and sorrow I had been holding in.

I didn't know how long I cried. When I finally wiped my tears and took a deep breath, I reminded myself that tears wouldn't solve anything.

I needed answers.

I had to confront Gavin about what had happened today.

If he couldn't give me a satisfactory explanation, then divorce might be the only option.

The thought made my chest tighten with sorrow.

12 years.

I had loved him for 12 long years.

How many sets of 12 years does a person get in their lifetime?

Perhaps I had been wrong from the start. Knowing he had someone else in his heart, why had I believed I could eventually warm it?

Now that Mandy was divorced, the only obstacle between them was me.

To Gavin, Mandy would always be special.

If I didn't clarify things now, I might find myself facing a divorce when Gavin came to his own conclusions.

It was better to end it swiftly than drag it out.

"Don't cry anymore."

A tissue appeared in front of me. My brother, Alex, stood there, his expression a mix of irritation and concern.

"Alex," I felt the tears welling up again.

He frowned, dabbing at my tears with the tissue, his movements surprisingly gentle despite his gruff demeanor.

"I told you from the start that Gavin wasn't the right guy for you. But no, you just had to marry him, stubborn as a mule…"

Seeing me lower my head, he sighed heavily and ruffled my hair. "What's going on with Gavin and that actress? If he really cheated on you, I'll make him pay, even if it costs me everything!"

"No." I shook my head instinctively, unsure if I was trying to convince him or myself.

"Gavin and Mandy grew up together, that's all. Besides, I was there too."

"You were?"

"Yes."

"Then it must be a misunderstanding." Alex pursed his lips, glanced at Elizabeth's frail figure on the bed, and took a deep breath. "Dr. Hill said Mom's body can't take any more stress. If this really is a misunderstanding, bring Gavin to the hospital tomorrow and clear things up for her. She deserves peace of mind."

A lump rose in my throat, and I nodded. "Alright, I will."

After a brief conversation, Alex shooed me away, insisting I get some rest.

As I opened the patient room door to leave, I noticed a tall figure standing at the end of the hallway.

Tom White?

He hadn't left!

As soon as he saw me step out, he stubbed out his cigarette in the nearby bin and strode toward me.

"Is your mom okay now?"

"She's fine," I was surprised he had waited for so long and felt a twinge of guilt. "Thank you, Tom."

"What's with the formalities?" Tom raised an eyebrow, his posture lazy but his smile warm. "Come on, I'll drive you home."

Soon, the car slowly pulled into the Gould family estate.

As I stepped out of Tom's car, my mother-in-law, Amelia Foster, hurried out of the house to greet us.

"Tom?" Her face was full of surprise as her gaze darted back and forth between Tom and me. "Why are you the one bringing Grace home?"

"I went to Gavin's office to look for him, but he wasn't there. I ran into Grace on the way, so I offered her a ride back," Tom replied casually.

"Gavin wasn't at the office? That boy is so busy these days; I hardly ever see him!" Amelia muttered absentmindedly before quickly shifting the topic. "It's so rare for you to visit, Tom. You're not leaving today. Stay and have lunch with us!"

I stood quietly to the side, not saying a word.

Since Gavin and I got married, Tom had rarely visited the Gould family home. Then he suddenly enlisted in the military, disappearing from our lives for years.

In the past two years, Gavin had barely mentioned Tom's name, leading me to believe their childhood friendship had faded with time.

Just as I assumed Tom would politely decline the invitation, he surprised me with a laugh. "It's been ages since I've had your cooking. During my time in the military, I've dreamed about it so much I couldn't sleep!"

I was startled by his decision to stay and glanced up at him in surprise, only to find his gaze already on me.

Caught off guard, I quickly lowered my head, unsure why his attention had shifted to me.

"You sweet talker!" Amelia said with a laugh. "But all that charm, and you still haven't brought home a wife. Gavin's been married for two years now. When will it be your turn?"

Tom chuckled, his eyes briefly flickering back to me. "I guess I just don't have Gavin's luck."

"You always have an answer for everything!" Amelia scolded him playfully, and the two of them continued chatting and laughing as they walked toward the living room.

Just then, the sound of an engine roaring cut through the air.

Amelia stopped and turned back. When she saw the familiar black Maybach pulling into the driveway, her face lit up with joy.

"Gavin's back!" she exclaimed happily.

But the moment the car door opened, and the person who stepped out was revealed, her smile froze on her face.

It wasn't Gavin.

It was Mandy Green.

Chapter 6

"Mrs. Gould, it's been a while," Mandy said gracefully as she stepped out of the car, her smile radiant and poised.

Amelia's face darkened slightly, but with others present, she held back her displeasure.

"I brought this gift from Magnaris. I hope you'll like it," Mandy said, offering a beautifully wrapped bag with both hands.

Amelia barely glanced at it, making no move to accept.

Mandy, unfazed, maintained her bright demeanor and turned to me instead, holding out the gift. "Grace, could you hold this for Mrs. Gould?"

But I didn't even look at Mandy. My gaze was fixed on Gavin as he stepped out from the other side of the car, holding a bag of medicine—likely the same medication Mandy had mentioned earlier over the phone.

At that moment, I felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest.

So, when I needed him the most, Gavin had been busy taking care of Mandy.

"Grace, why are you just standing there?" Mandy said cheerfully, grabbing my hand to force the gift into it.

Fueled by anger, I immediately pulled my hand away, not caring about appearances.

Mandy's face froze, her cheerful expression faltering. She turned to Gavin with a pleading look.

Gavin frowned, about to say something when a stern voice came from the house.

"Grace Summers! Where are your manners? We have a guest, and you dare act so rudely? Who taught you this kind of behavior?"

Victor Gould, my father-in-law, strode out, glaring at me with furrowed brows.

His words stung, bringing up my upbringing.

My anger surged. "I didn't realize the Gould family had a rule about welcoming uninvited guests. Perhaps you can teach me, Dad?"

Victor's face turned a shade darker, clearly not expecting my retort. "What nonsense are you spouting? Mandy is not an invited guest!"

"Oh? So, you invited her then?"

Victor opened his mouth, but seeing the sharp look Amelia sent his way, he quickly swallowed his words. "I won't argue with you about this!"

He turned to Mandy, his demeanor instantly softening as he accepted the gift from her hands. His smile was warm and ingratiating.

"Mandy, when did you return to the country? How long are you staying this time?"

"Hello, Mr. Gould," Mandy replied with a dazzling smile. "I just got back today and plan to settle here in Fuvine."

"Is that so? That's wonderful!" Victor laughed, but his laughter quickly subsided as he changed the topic. "Why are we all standing outside? Let's go in and chat."

He turned to Tom. "Tom, when did you arrive? It's been so long since we've seen you. You've gotten even stronger!"

Tom smirked faintly, his tone laced with teasing. "I've been here much longer than Mandy. Maybe you only had eyes for her and didn't notice me."

"You cheeky boy," Victor forced a smile, clearly uncomfortable but unwilling to press further.

After all, the White family's influence spanned military, political, and business sectors, far surpassing the Gould family's.

Victor's gaze shifted back to me, his tone sharp again. "Grace, stop embarrassing yourself and go make us some coffee!"

My heart sank.

Once again, I was the easiest target.

Victor had vented all his frustration on me. It wasn't new—he often criticized and nitpicked at me.

I knew part of his disdain stemmed from his unresolved feelings for Mandy's mother, his unattainable first love. To compensate for his regrets, he had always tried to push Gavin and Mandy together, going out of his way to meddle.

For Gavin's sake, I had endured this treatment for years.

But not today.

"I'm not feeling well today. Please ask one of the maids to do it."

I wasn't being dramatic—my pregnancy and emotional turmoil had left me with a dull ache in my lower abdomen and an uncomfortable tension in my back.

Victor's face darkened further. "I told you to make coffee. Why are you passing it off to the maid?"

Before the situation could escalate, Tom chuckled. "Mr. Gould, they probably don't know how to brew coffee properly. Gavin's brewing skills are second to none."

With a single sentence, Tom deftly deflected the responsibility onto Gavin.

Gavin shot him a helpless look. "You finally show up, and now you're ordering me around? If you want coffee, make it yourself."

Tom leaned back lazily, his smile playful. "Forget it. I don't need coffee."

Victor's face flushed slightly with embarrassment, and he forced an awkward laugh, choosing not to respond.

Gavin smiled faintly. "Let's go inside and talk."

The spacious living room was filled with the rich aroma of coffee.

Tom and Gavin seemed to have plenty to catch up on, likely due to how long it had been since they last met. Their conversation flowed easily, though it soon turned to Tom.

"You're really not staying in the military?" Gavin raised an eyebrow. "I heard that, at your current promotion rate, you could become the youngest general in history within ten years."

Tom sipped his coffee, letting out a low chuckle. "Don't believe everything you hear."

Gavin shook his head with a smile, not taking it seriously.

The White family had a long-standing military lineage, giving Tom a natural advantage in that field. Coupled with his extraordinary talent, it was no surprise he excelled no matter where he was.

"So, what's your plan now?" Gavin swirled his mug. "Taking over White Corporation?"

Tom was the sole heir of the White family, a direct descendant in a lineage spanning nine generations.

White Corporation was currently managed by his father, who was still in his prime, so it didn't seem like there was any immediate need for a handover.

"I'm staying out of the family business," Tom replied lazily, leaning back with his hands behind his head. "I'm planning to go solo."

"In what field?"

"Military tech research."

As their conversation continued, I found myself tuning out, lost in my thoughts.

Just as I was distracted, Mandy nudged me unexpectedly.

"Grace, pour Mr. White some coffee!"

The push caught me off guard, causing me to wobble and nearly tumble off the couch.

Normally, I might have brushed it off, but now that I was pregnant, my tolerance was lower.

"What are you doing?" I glared at her, my voice sharper than usual.

Mandy looked at me, feigning shock. "What's wrong with you? I was just reminding you to pour coffee for Mr. White. Why are you being so hostile?"

"If you wanted to remind me, you could have spoken up. Why did you push me?"

"It wasn't intentional! Why are you being so aggressive?" Mandy frowned, wearing an expression of exaggerated disbelief. "Gavin and I grew up as friends. Acting like this is just embarrassing for him—why will people say about his reputation?"

My gaze turned cold. "I didn't know 'friends' could cause scandals."

"Scandals?" Amelia's expression shifted as she looked over.

"What scandal? Who's involved in a scandal?"

I was about to speak when Mandy interjected, her face full of indignation.

"Grace, don't drag me into your marital problems, alright? Stirring up drama might work on men, but it doesn't work on me."

Her audacity made me laugh in disbelief. What a perfect play of feigned innocence—turning the blame back on me like some petty game.

What a piece of work.

Chapter 7

"Shut up!"

Amelia wasn't about to indulge Mandy. After shooting her a glare, she turned to me, her expression tense. "Gracie, what did you just say about a scandal?"

Before I could respond, Gavin spoke up in a calm tone. "Mom, it's just the paparazzi making things up. I've already arranged for it to be dealt with."

Hearing this, Amelia immediately understood the situation. She glared at Gavin before pulling out her phone.

Sure enough, every major news outlet's front page was plastered with headlines about Mandy Green's divorce announcement and accompanying scandal. The featured photo? Gavin holding Mandy protectively in his arms.

Although the paparazzi had thoughtfully pixelated Gavin's face, Caleb's face was fully visible in the background. Anyone familiar with Gavin would immediately recognize his assistant.

Amelia slammed her mug onto the table, clearly furious. Her sharp gaze landed on Mandy.

"Gavin might not understand the ins and outs of the entertainment world, but you certainly do. Mandy Green, I'm warning you—Gavin and Grace are about to have their wedding. Don't even think about playing any tricks!"

"Mrs. Gould…"

"Stop! Our family isn't big enough to accommodate a superstar like you!"

"Dear, what are you doing?" Victor frowned, clearly uncomfortable with Amelia's outburst and attempting to smooth things over.

Amelia, still fuming, shot him a glare. "Be quiet!"

Victor's face darkened, but he said nothing more.

Mandy suddenly stood, her expression a mix of indignation and hurt. "Mrs. Gould, yes, Gavin and I grew up together, and we did have a past. But now, I only see him as a friend! I didn't want to be photographed either. It's not something I can control.

"It seems I came at the wrong time today, so I'll take my leave," her voice paused momentarily before she continued, her tone righteous. "But that doesn't mean I've done anything wrong. Gavin and I are completely innocent."

With that, she grabbed her bag and turned to leave, her head held high.

"Wait, Mandy…" Victor hurried after her. "Let me walk you out."

Without waiting for Amelia's response, he rushed out of the room, leaving her seething.

The living room fell into an awkward silence, the atmosphere oddly still.

"Are you having a wedding soon?"

Tom's casual voice broke the tension.

Now that Mandy was gone, Amelia's face softened, and she managed a smile. "Yes. We postponed it because of the old man's illness and only registered their marriage. Now that his health has improved, it's time to make it official."

"I see," Tom's earlier smile faded slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Looks like my timing was just right."

Gavin chuckled. "Speaking of timing, why did you enlist so suddenly last time? At least now we can make up for it and celebrate together."

Tom lowered his gaze, saying nothing, his expression unreadable.

…

Soon, the meal was ready, with an array of sumptuous dishes covering the entire table.

Gavin and Tom continued their animated conversation, catching up on business topics after so long apart.

Perhaps because of the pregnancy, I felt unusually tired. After finishing my meal, I quietly excused myself and went upstairs.

I had planned to wait in the room for Gavin to have an open and honest conversation, but at some point, I dozed off.

In the haze of sleep, I felt someone approach. Strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a warm embrace, and I could feel the heat of his body against my back.

Startled, I woke up and immediately grabbed the person's wrist.

"Did I wake you?" Gavin's voice murmured near my ear, his chin resting lightly in the crook of my neck. His warm breath sent shivers down my skin.

I instinctively turned my face away.

Gavin leaned closer, planting soft kisses along my cheek as he moved toward my lips.

The faint scent of alcohol in his breath hit me, and my stomach churned uncomfortably. Pushing against his chest, I stopped him. "I need to ask you something."

Gavin frowned slightly, clearly displeased by my rejection.

Propping himself up, he looked down at me with a sharp gaze. "Still jealous of Mandy?"

The intensity of his stare carried an overwhelming pressure. I sat up, meeting his eyes without flinching. "My mom saw the news about you and Mandy today. She was so angry that she passed out and had to be rushed to the emergency room."

Gavin froze for a moment. "Is she okay?"

"She's stable for now, out of immediate danger."

Gavin exhaled a sigh of relief before standing up and grabbing his car keys from the table. "Let's go to the hospital."

I blinked in confusion. "What for?"

"To explain everything to Elizabeth in person."

"Explain what?"

The thought of Mandy's claim of being a close friend reignited my frustration. In this day and age, any man's relationship with a woman could turn into something unspeakable, let alone with someone like Mandy—the so-called first love disguised as a childhood friend.

Gavin pursed his lips and said nothing. Instead, he pulled out his phone, scrolled through it briefly, and handed it to me.

I hesitated but took it, glancing at the screen.

It was a screenshot of a news article showing a harrowing car accident. The accompanying photo depicted a bloodied man lying on a stretcher.

I looked up at Gavin, confused. "What is this?"

Gavin's voice broke the silence. "That's Mandy's husband, Andrew Coleman. Years ago, he saved my life in that crash. His legs were shattered beyond repair, leaving him permanently disabled."

I stared at him in shock, barely managing to find my voice. "But Mandy is divorced now, isn't she?"

He nodded. "Yes. If it hadn't been for me. They would still be a picture-perfect couple. It's my fault."

I hadn't expected Gavin's special treatment of Many to stem from guilt over this.

Still, guilt could easily rekindle old feelings.

"And you… How do you feel about her?" I started to ask but trailed off when Gavin ruffled my hair with a faint smile.

"Still jealous, aren't you?" he teased.

I glared at him, swatting his hand away to fix my now-messy hair. "Who wouldn't be, when you get so worked up over her breaking a glass?"

It was one thing to worry about her after hearing about her accident, especially given Andrew's past. But getting overly concerned about a broken glass. That seemed excessive.

"She attempted suicide after Andrew was diagnosed with his disability," Gavin explained, his tone heavy. "Using a glass."

My eyes widened in disbelief.

"She might seem cheerful and carefree, but it's all an act. She's been battling severe depression for years and can't handle even the slightest stress."

For a moment, I was stunned into silence.

If that were true, it would explain Gavin's unusual behavior around her.

Even so.

"Guilt is one thing, but there are other ways to repay her. Considering the sensitive nature of your relationship, it's better to limit your interactions with her going forward," I said, unable to hide my concern.

Gavin nodded. "Don't worry. I know where the boundaries are."

His firm response eased my tension slightly, and I let out a small sigh of relief.

Still, a trace of worry lingered in my heart.

I could only hope that Gavin would truly follow through on his promise.

Chapter 8

Early the next morning, Gavin drove me to the hospital to visit my mom.

When we arrived at her room, we found it empty. The bed was made, and there was no sign of her belongings.

Panic surged in my chest as I grabbed a passing nurse. "Excuse me, where's the patient from Room 603?"

"The patient from Room 603?" The nurse pointed down the hallway. "She was transferred to a VIP suite earlier this morning."

I froze for a moment, then turned to Gavin. "Did you arrange for my mom to be moved to a VIP room?"

Gavin hesitated briefly before nodding. "Of course. Who else would it be?"

A wave of gratitude filled me. "Thank you, honey."

Securing a regular room at Starlight Hospital was already difficult, let alone a VIP suite. Even the regular room had been obtained through Gavin's connections.

Elizabeth's late-stage liver cancer had severely disrupted her sleep, and the elderly woman in the next bed often groaned in pain through the night, making it worse. Alex had tried to arrange for a more comfortable room for her, but VIP suites were always fully booked.

I hadn't expected Gavin to go out of his way for Elizabeth like this. The frustration I had felt over Mandy's drama yesterday dissipated instantly.

"There's no need to thank me," Gavin said with a soft chuckle, taking my hand as we walked toward the VIP suite.

Looking up at his handsome profile, I felt a stir of emotion and finally resolved to tell him. "Gavin, there's something I need to tell you."

I hadn't shared the news of my pregnancy yesterday because of the tension over Mandy. But now that everything had been cleared up, I didn't want to keep it from him any longer.

"What is it?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to speak but stopped when I heard Alex's voice from inside the VIP suite.

"Mr. White, I can't thank you enough. If it weren't for you, my mom wouldn't have been able to move into this VIP suite."

"It's no trouble at all," Tom replied casually, his voice carrying clearly into the hallway.

I turned to Gavin, surprised. "Did you ask Tom to help with this?"

Gavin hesitated again, then nodded with some reluctance. "Yes."

I frowned in confusion—why would he hesitate over such a simple question?

Before I could think further, Gavin pushed the door open and walked in.

"Gavin?" Alex's tone immediately turned icy as he spotted Gavin. "Oh, so you finally decided to show up?"

Alex had never gotten along with Gavin, especially after our marriage. He felt Gavin didn't treat me well enough, which only deepened his dislike for him.

Gavin ignored Alex and turned to Elizabeth, who was propped up in bed. "Mom, how are you feeling?"

"Gavin, you're here? I'm fine now, don't worry about me." Elizabeth smiled weakly at him, her face still pale from the previous day's scare.

"Gracie told me what happened yesterday." Gavin's voice was warm and steady as he approached her bedside. "I'm so sorry for making you worry."

True to his reputation as a savvy businessman, Gavin skillfully reassured Elizabeth with just a few words, clearing up any lingering concerns about the scandal.

Relieved, Elizabeth smiled faintly. "As long as you and Grace are fine, that's all that matters."

With his purpose accomplished, Gavin turned to Tom with a grin. "What brings you here?"

"I was visiting a friend and happened to run into Mrs. Summers. Thought I'd stop by to check on her," Tom replied, his tone light and casual. He tilted his head slightly in my direction, adding with a lazy smile, "Plus, I heard from Grace about her struggles with the room situation, so I pulled a few strings."

I looked at Tom, confused. I hadn't mentioned anything about the room to him yesterday.

Wait.

Realization dawned on me. It was Tom, not Gavin, who had arranged for Elizabeth to be moved to the VIP suite.

Gavin must have noticed the shift in my expression because his face showed a flicker of embarrassment.

He raised a hand to rub his nose, clearly trying to play it off. Then he patted Tom on the shoulder. "Thanks, buddy."

Tom brushed off Gavin's hand, his smile tinged with amusement. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I only did it for Grace's sake."

"You're impossible," Gavin muttered with a wry smile.

The two of them left the room shortly after, likely to talk elsewhere. Meanwhile, I busied myself washing the fruit Gavin had brought, cutting it into small pieces for Elizabeth to eat more easily.

"Did you and Gavin argue yesterday?" Elizabeth asked worriedly.

Afraid she would worry, I quickly shook my head. "No, we didn't."

"That's good," she let out a soft sigh, her voice tinged with melancholy. "You and Gavin should stay well together. If I'm no longer here, he's the one you'll have to rely on."

"Mom," my nose stung, and my eyes began to blur with unshed tears. "Don't say things like that. You'll live a long life."

Elizabeth gave a weak smile, her eyes filled with longing and reluctance for the world. "Yes, you're right. I still need to see your wedding, Gracies. I need to see you have a baby."

I held her hand tightly, taking a deep breath before sharing my news, hoping to lift her spirits. "Mom, I'm pregnant."

"What?" Elizabeth and Alex said in unison.

"Gracie, what did you just say?" Alex, who had been casually scrolling through his phone, suddenly jumped to his feet and walked over to me, his gaze fixed incredulously on my stomach.

Under his intense stare, I instinctively placed a hand over my belly and nodded with a smile. "Yes, I just found out yesterday."

"That's amazing!" Elizabeth's joy was palpable as her face lit up. "Does Gavin know yet?"

"I haven't had the chance to tell him."

"How could you keep such big news from him?" Elizabeth said, brimming with excitement. "Don't just stand there—go and tell Gavin right away."

Unable to argue with her, I left the room to find Gavin.

But after searching the hospital and not finding him or Tom, I was about to call him when a familiar, low voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Did Mandy get divorced because of you?"

It was Tom, but his tone lacked its usual lazy charm. Instead, it carried a sharp edge, almost interrogative in its intensity.

There was a long pause, as though the question had stunned the other party. Then, I heard Gavin's quiet response.

"Yes."

The smile froze on my face.

My body stiffened as if all the blood in my veins had turned to ice.

I stood rooted to the spot, feeling as though I had been plunged into a frozen abyss.