Chapter 1

"Lia, have you thought about what we discussed? Your grandpa isn't doing well. You're our only daughter. Your dad and I don't have anyone else. Are you really not coming home to take over the company?"

Julia Summers sat in the empty room, paintbrush in hand, as her mother Elaine Yates' weary voice crackled through the phone.

In the dim room, she finished her painting with one last stroke, completing the portrait of a family of three.

Just as Elaine braced for another refusal, Julia answered. "Alright."

Elaine faltered, sounding almost startled. "Y-You mean yes?"

"Yes," Julia replied evenly. "I'll come back. I just need time to wrap things up here. I'll be home within two weeks."

A few clipped exchanges later, she ended the call.

Julia stepped out of the room, her gaze drifting over the three people in the hall below. Her eyes settled on the man seated on the couch.

He was undeniably handsome—his features sharp but not harsh, his presence quiet yet intense. His shirt and dress pants were perfectly pressed, the top button neatly done up, giving him an effortless elegance.

This was her husband. The man she'd gone against her family for, rejecting their plans and even cutting them off, all because she'd refused to marry anyone but him.

Sebastian Holt from Javerston was known for being cold and unapproachable, so much so that people in their circle called him "The Iceborne Scion". But now, here he was, speaking softly to a woman.

A strikingly handsome boy, around five or six, nestled into the woman's arms. His big, pleading eyes blinked up at her. "Aunt Penny, will you make trout almondine for me? Please?"

Penelope Dawson tapped the tip of his nose affectionately and smiled. "Of course."

Xavier Holt's eyes lit up with delight. "You're the best, Aunt Penny! Mom never gives me seconds."

He gave a little pout.

Penelope chuckled. "Well then, Xav, eat as much as you like today."

Xavier nodded, beaming. "You're so nice, Aunt Penny. I wish you were my mom."

Penelope's smile grew wider.

Julia stood on the upper floor, a dull ache pressing against her ribs.

Kids never knew when to stop eating. She only monitored Xavier's portions because seeing him curled up with a stomachache later would break her heart.

She couldn't take it anymore. That was her husband and son, but when the three of them were together, they looked like the perfect family, while she just didn't belong.

Julia turned and retreated to her room.

Before long, footsteps approached, and Penelope walked in. Her makeup was perfectly done, and her smile was warm and tender.

"Jules, come downstairs with me. Let's celebrate Xav's birthday together," she said.

Penelope used to be Julia's intern. She didn't come from much and was never more than average at her job.

Once, she broke down in tears before Julia and talked about everything she was going through. She told her that if she couldn't find a job soon, she'd have no choice but to go home and settle into marriage.

Feeling sorry for her, Julia brought Penelope into the company. No one expected that Penelope would turn around and wreck Julia's family.

Penelope had been mimicking Julia, determined to replace her as Falcrest Group's new leading lady. By the time Julia caught on, Penelope had already made herself comfortable, securing Sebastian's and Xavier's favor.

Julia had seen past Penelope's act long ago. She even blamed herself for inviting a viper into her nest.

"I'm not feeling well, so I won't be going," Julia said flatly.

Penelope put on an innocent act and coaxed, "You're Xav's mother, Jules. He needs your blessing."

Julia frowned, about to reject her again, but then the thought struck her, and she sighed.

This was between her and Penelope. Xavier was just a kid and shouldn't be dragged into it. As his mother, Julia owed him this much. So, she set her paints aside and brushed past Penelope on her way downstairs.

Being ignored, Penelope's smile stiffened, and a flicker of malice flashed in her eyes as she followed after Julia.

Julia went still as she stared at Sebastian and Xavier.

It had been ten years since she joined Falcrest Group to gain experience. That was where she'd met Sebastian, and where their constant teasing had somehow turned into a wedding.

She'd defied her family and walked away from their carefully arranged plans all for him. And she'd never regretted it.

Sebastian was everything—wealthy, handsome, and utterly devoted. And Xavier? A perfect, bright-eyed boy who made her heart swell.

For years, she'd truly believed she had it all.

But now Julia watched as Penelope served food onto Sebastian's and Xavier's plates with a flattering smile. Penelope's presence had ruined everything for her.

Julia quietly scooped some food onto her plate. She was about to take her first bite when a sickening feeling rose in her throat. She dropped the fork and rushed to the bathroom, gagging as her stomach heaved.

Sebastian was instantly on his feet, worry written across his face. However, Penelope stepped in his path, her own expression frantic. She grabbed his arm, asking, "What's happening to Jules, Mr. Holt?"

"Don't worry about it. She's been like this for a while," Sebastian said gently. Then he turned to Julia, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So what's the excuse this time? A cold? Or is the food just terrible?"

Julia didn't bother answering. She just dabbed her mouth with a tissue.

Would they even believe her if she said she was pregnant? Then again, what was the point in telling them? She'd be gone soon anyway. Why rock the boat between Sebastian and Penelope?

Penelope was only Sebastian's secretary, but that didn't stop her from calling him out.

"Mr. Holt, you shouldn't talk about Jules like that. She could actually be sick. She's lost so much weight lately," she said with a slight frown.

She got up, poured a cup of chamomile tea, and handed it to Julia. "Jules, are you okay? Here, have some of this."

Still feeling queasy and unable to bear the sight of her, Julia shoved her aside irritably.

Julia barely used any strength, but Penelope went with the motion, and the hot tea spilled all over her own hand. She cried out in pain.

"Penny!"

"Aunt Penny!"

Sebastian and Xavier rushed over at the same time, their eyes fixed on her injured hand with concern. Her skin, which had been pale just moments ago, was now bright red.

Xavier's eyes glistened with tears, and his voice sounded worried. "Aunt Penny, does it hurt a lot?"

Penelope gave him a weak smile and brushed it off. "Don't fuss over me, Xav. I just wasn't paying attention. It's fine."

Sebastian shot Julia a furious glare, barely keeping his anger under control.

"What the hell are you playing at now?" he demanded, his voice cutting like a blade.

Julia's chest tightened painfully when she noticed Penelope's smug expression and Xavier standing guard before her. Overwhelmed, she closed her eyes.

"I didn't do anything," she murmured.

But Sebastian would never believe her.

The family doctor arrived. Sebastian kept Penelope close, letting her lean against his chest. His eyes were filled with disappointment.

"You've changed, Julia. The old you would never have done something like this out of jealousy."

Had she really changed?

Yes. She had.

Ten years ago, Julia's skin wouldn't have had stretch marks from childbirth. She wouldn't have lost her glow from all those sleepless nights either.

She would never have given up her career just to manage Sebastian's household because of some offhand comment he made, especially not if it meant getting replaced by someone else in the end.

Suddenly, Julia felt exhausted. She swallowed the words she wanted to say in her defense, turned, and headed upstairs.

Julia paused at her door and looked back one last time, taking in the mess below.

Her eyes lingered on Sebastian and Xavier, whom she'd once loved more than anything. They gathered around Penelope like usual, just as close as ever.

Julia shook her head with a wry smile and rubbed her stomach. She set the timer on her phone, counting down the days until she'd be gone. Then, without looking back, she turned and walked inside.

From now on, she was done with their world.

Chapter 2

The noise outside gradually quieted down. Julia tuned it out with earplugs and a sleep mask, sleeping soundly till morning.

Now that she'd decided to return home and take over the family business, she would have to quit her current job.

She hadn't been to Falcrest Group much since Xavier was born. But back when Sebastian took the reins, she'd been by his side, helping him build the company.

Falcrest Group was the top company in the country, and Julia had played a big part in making that happen. That was why she still collected hefty dividend checks and bonuses every year without ever setting foot in the office.

Early in the morning, Julia studied her reflection. Her dark brown hair fell in gentle curls around her delicate face, and her striking eyes held no warmth.

She was a striking woman. Even though the endless grind of being a housewife wore on her, her beauty held on.

But the constant morning sickness and her family's cold cruelty wore her down over time, until her eyes turned dull and empty.

…

Julia was waiting for her resignation letter to print on the top floor of Falcrest Group when she overheard some employees talking.

"Did you see Penelope's Instagram?"

"Not yet. What did she post this time?"

"A whole bunch of stuff. Looks like she's celebrating someone's birthday. You should check it out."

They laughed and joked until one of them looked up and noticed Julia. Their smiles vanished.

"M-Ms. Summers?"

"Ms. Summers, you're at the office today?"

Julia nodded casually.

They muttered quick greetings before practically bolting. As they retreated, she caught fragments of their hushed voices.

"Ugh, of all people. Why's Julia even here?"

"She's already married to Mr. Holt. Did she have to rub it in our faces?"

"Please. I've seen the way Mr. Holt acts around her. He's not even that into her. Wouldn't surprise me if they got divorced."

Julia didn't react to their words. She'd never been well-liked at the company, so she was used to this by now. She never would've fallen for Sebastian if he hadn't helped her through all that workplace bullying.

Bored from waiting, Julia pulled out her phone and opened Instagram.

Penelope posted a nine-photo grid. The first one was from Xavier's birthday party last night. The decorations were over the top, and the centerpiece was a massive three-tiered cake.

But what caught Julia's attention was a photo taken at the hospital, where three hands of different sizes were stacked together, looking warm and tender.

She only had a minor burn. So why was she back at the hospital?

Julia found it ridiculous. She scrolled through the comments, finding that nearly all of them were full of well-wishes and admiration.

"Wow, is this your child's birthday party? So sweet!"

"Showing off again, huh? Who's this secret husband of yours? Won't you let your bestie meet him?"

"No matter what, being together as a family is the greatest happiness."

Julia knew Penelope had posted all this just to get under her skin, to goad her into lashing out at Sebastian like some unhinged woman.

The old Julia wouldn't have put up with Penelope's petty games. And she definitely wouldn't have tolerated Sebastian and Xavier leaving her behind to go fawn over some second-rate copy of herself.

But now? Julia was leaving, so none of it mattered anymore.

She faintly smirked as she tapped the screen, leaving a bright red heart in her wake.

Once her resignation letter was ready, Julia took it and went straight to the CEO's office, where she handed it to Alexander Kingston, Sebastian's assistant.

The secretarial staff had been whispering about her dismissively, just like the others before them. But the moment they saw her resignation letter, their voices jumped with shock.

"A-am I seeing this right?"

"Ms. Summers is quitting?"

Alexander's face went rigid, panic flashing in his eyes. "M-Mrs. Holt, Mr. Holt is in an important meeting right now. Maybe you could wait until he's done before handing this in?"

Julia offered a faint smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm a chief secretary, but that's just on paper. Since you're authorized to handle resignations, there's no need to bother him."

The onlookers sighed among themselves.

"Do you think the rumors are true? Julia and Mr. Holt are really over? And is Ms. Dawson the homewrecker here?"

"Ms. Dawson? But she's married, isn't she?"

"Open your eyes. That hand in her Instagram post was obviously Mr. Holt's. Nobody else in Javerston wears a Rolex that pricey."

"Exactly. And think about it—since Ms. Summers left for maternity leave, Ms. Dawson swooped in on all her tasks."

"Now that Ms. Summers has quit, she's probably clearing the way for her replacement."

Julia knew how much these people loved to gossip. There was a time when hearing things like this would have crushed her, leaving her crying under the covers late at night.

But now she realized their words were empty the moment she stopped giving a damn.

She smiled at everyone as if she hadn't heard a word they'd said and gave a polite nod. "Thank you for your hard work these past ten years. May Falcrest Group continue to thrive and prosper."

An awkward silence settled over the room. Only then did Julia return to her desk to collect the belongings she'd gathered over the years.

As someone who'd spent ten years with the company, her workspace was packed with reference books from her early days and notes she'd carefully kept after becoming Sebastian's secretary.

The notes spelled it all out—he drank hand-ground coffee every morning, couldn't stand tardiness, and banned perfume on any woman, plus all the rest.

Every single note was a mark of Julia's commitment, a quiet record of how much she'd given to this job.

Nobody had a clue what Julia gave up to be good at her job. To most people, being a secretary was just some little role for men's amusement—something a woman could skate by in if she was hot enough.

Sebastian was the only one who noticed the late nights she spent buried in contracts, the hours she put into perfecting presentations, the way she studied every last one of Falcrest Group's competitors until she knew them cold. He saw how she memorized every minor report as if it were second nature.

She worked so hard that even the untouchable scion had to take notice. He actually stepped down from his pedestal.

Julia had always believed Sebastian was the only one who really got her. Apparently, she was wrong. Everything between them fell apart in just ten years.

Julia was busy gathering her things from her desk when the meeting ended. Penelope stepped out first, her bright smile vanishing when she saw Julia.

Penelope's stomach dropped. Was Julia here because of that Instagram post? Was she about to go off on her?

The idea left Penelope on edge. She sank back into her chair, restless and uneasy, waiting for the outburst she was sure would come.

But all anyone else saw was her ducking her head, eyes brimming with tears like she'd been deeply hurt.

Sebastian was the last to emerge. Passing the secretarial department, he was caught off guard to find Julia at her desk.

Julia's desk had always been the one closest to Sebastian's office—a place of honor that once reflected her status and the closeness between them. Now, just the sight of her there put him on edge.

To make things worse, Julia seemed completely at ease, casually flipping through a book with a quiet smile. Next to her, Penelope sat hunched over her desk, dabbing her tears with a tissue.

Frowning, Sebastian rapped his knuckles on Julia's desk. "My office. Now."

She looked up at him, unbothered. "Alright."

The second she walked in, Sebastian spoke up. "Falcrest Group has no use for you right now. Only show up if there's a special occasion."

Chapter 3

Julia stiffened. No matter how many times Sebastian had let her down, she could never shake the way his icy words drove straight into her heart like a needle.

Her gaze fell, her smile slipping. "Yeah, okay."

Sebastian had braced himself for her usual sharp accusations. But Julia's quiet surrender took him by surprise, and for the first time, he actually looked at her.

That was when he realized Penelope had been right. Julia looked noticeably thinner. Maybe her nausea last night wasn't just her acting out of jealousy toward Penelope.

Sebastian pressed his lips together, his tone softening just a little. "Ms. Dawson has been handling your duties perfectly well. All I need from you now is to look after Xav.

"I've explained my relationship with her to you over and over, Julia. Stop this nonsense. Don't make me regret marrying you."

Regret?

Julia was the one drowning in regret for throwing away the Summers family's business to settle for being just his wife.

The Summers family name carried real weight. Wouldn't she have been better off coming back as their beloved heiress?

Julia closed her eyes, pulled out her resignation letter, and handed it to Sebastian, her tone polite and distant. "Consider this official, Mr. Holt. Today is my last day."

She was halfway out the door when his fingers closed around her wrist.

"Julia?"

Sebastian looked genuinely stunned, as if her words hadn't fully sunk in, the resignation letter still in his grasp.

His eyes locked onto the black signature stark against the white paper, his expression turning grim as he fought back a wave of anger.

"Is this some kind of petty revenge? I thought you were here to make things right, but you're just digging the hole deeper," Sebastian muttered.

"No, Mr. Holt. You said Falcrest Group has no use for me, and honestly? I think you're right." Julia kept her gaze down, her lashes trembling just a little. "Ten years change things. Falcrest isn't what it used to be.

"If everyone prefers Ms. Dawson, why should I hold onto a title just to collect a salary without doing the work? It's better to let someone more capable take over."

Sebastian scoffed, his sharp gaze cutting through her as if he'd already seen right through her excuse.

"Don't throw the last ten years at me like that. I know Falcrest Group wouldn't be where it is without you. You were an outstanding employee, Julia, but you've had no part in the business since Xav was born.

"I've gone easy on you. All you had to do was stay home and take care of the kid, and you'd still be Falcrest Group's leading lady. But you couldn't even manage that. And now you're talking about handing things over to someone more capable?

"You're just making it harder for Penelope. Julia, I know you too well. You've got the brains, but you don't have to be so nasty. Tell me, have you even apologized to her since last night?"

Apologize?

Did Julia really owe an apology to the woman who ruined her family? Shouldn't it be Penelope thanking her instead?

Julia let out a sudden laugh as she studied Sebastian with mild curiosity. "Yeah, I'm nasty. So tell me, Mr. Holt, have you ever thought about giving up on me?"

Giving up meant divorce.

They'd fought countless times over the years, and Julia had brought it up again and again. But every time, things just ended badly.

Sebastian would never agree to a divorce. Julia was still his wife, even if he cheated. That was just how the Javerston scion was—stubborn to the core and always used to getting his way.

And sure, in the beginning, Julia hadn't really wanted to leave him. Like he said, it was just another tantrum, another sad little cry for his attention.

But now? She was done.

Wouldn't it be better to end things and go their separate ways? They could even split the kids, each taking one.

Sebastian's expression turned stormy, his fingers digging into Julia's arm like he meant to leave bruises.

"Last chance, Julia. If you neglect your responsibilities again, I won't think twice about finding Xav a new mother. Do you know how often he comes to me?

"He tells me there's no joy or freedom when he's with you. Julia, why are you such a failure as a wife and a mother?"

A failure?

Julia closed her eyes and let out a slow breath. So this was how he saw it.

All those nights she'd waited up for Sebastian, brewing hangover remedies for him—that was what he called failure.

Her hands, raw and chapped from scrubbing his designer suits by hand in the winter, were proof of her failure, too.

Even the hours she'd spent drilling Xavier in advanced math, shaping him into the perfect Holt heir, counted for nothing.

There was no place left for her in this family.

Julia's apology was genuine. "I'm sorry, Mr. Holt."

It was time for the loser to step back.

She slid a hand into her pocket and tapped her phone screen. The countdown had already begun, with only 14 days left.

Once everything was settled, she would disappear without a trace, making sure Sebastian wouldn't have the slightest reason to be annoyed with her.

Her reaction caught Sebastian off guard. He wanted to say more, but Julia didn't give him the chance. She turned and walked away, her steps decisive.

Sebastian reached out to stop her again, but his fingers closed around empty air. A sharp pain shot through his chest, and the dread inside him deepened.

Frowning, Sebastian watched her go, the unsettling feeling that something irreplaceable was slipping further and further away settling over him.

After leaving Falcrest Group, Julia called her best friend, Haley Barlow. Even though they'd grown up together, it had been six or seven years since they last spoke.

Haley was a fashion designer who was always flying around the country to take measurements and hand-make outfits for models, plenty of whom were men.

Things could get pretty intense when a man and a woman were alone together. To put it bluntly, Haley cycled through boyfriends like they were outfits.

Sebastian couldn't stand that about her, so after Julia had Xavier, he talked her into cutting ties with Haley. He didn't want Xavier around that kind of influence.

Julia went along with it and ghosted Haley for six straight years. So when Haley finally heard Julia's voice after all that time, she was livid.

"Oh, now you remember I exist? Seriously, Julia, I thought you were too caught up in your little love bubble to crawl back. But here you are. What, you finally regret throwing me away?"

Helpless, Julia laughed, tears escaping before she could hold them back.

She hadn't cried when Sebastian humiliated her. She hadn't cried when Penelope made a fool of her. She hadn't even cried when she heard Xavier say he wished some other woman were his mother.

But her tears finally fell when it came to Haley.

"Yes, I regret it, Haley. Is it too late if I come back now?"

There was a long silence on the other end after Julia's raw confession. When Haley finally spoke again, her voice was thick with tears.

"Took you long enough, you brat. Do you know how exhausting it's been running your studio all these years? The whole art world's been waiting for you to return, Julia.

"Working as a CEO's secretary is a waste of your talent. You were born to hold a brush. You're the last great treasure of Impressionism. I've been waiting for you, Julia."

"I'm sorry, Haley. I'm so sorry."

Julia fell to her knees on the sidewalk, tears running down her face.

Born into privilege and gifted with talent, she was supposed to be extraordinary. Even Sebastian didn't know she'd majored in fine arts in Flarinelle, Iverria's capital.

Her first thesis artwork was displayed at the Velenza Biennale, stunning the art world. After graduation, her signed works sold for millions at auction.

But somehow, Julia took a job outside her field just to "gain experience". She had to start from zero, learning all about admin, finance, and accounting, but somehow, she ended up killing it.

She'd put her art on hold for ten years, but today, she finally decided to return to it.

Chapter 4

After settling on a time with Haley to hand over the studio, Julia returned to the Holt residence.

She'd given herself two weeks. After all, a decade of her life wasn't something she could just walk away from. There was still too much to take care of.

Her most pressing task was dealing with the Holt residence from top to bottom. The massive 5,400-square-foot villa didn't have a single maid because Sebastian thought they were too noisy.

So, Julia had been the one cleaning the entire place for years.

She intended to leave, but she would do so with the poise of an impeccable secretary. That was the pride expected of the Summers family heiress.

Since Penelope couldn't handle household affairs, Julia had to step in and select a capable maid for Sebastian and Xavier. She spent the entire day interviewing candidates, asking each one to prepare a pot of soup to Sebastian's liking.

That night, as she sat at the dinner table, a panicked shout came from the front door. "Jack, call the family doctor! Now!"

It was Sebastian.

Julia's pregnancy had made her more sensitive to the smell of blood, and the metallic scent churned her stomach. A frown crossed her face as worry gripped her.

What happened? Was he hurt?

She instinctively moved toward the door, but Sebastian burst in before she could reach it, carrying a woman in his arms.

A snow fell over Javerston outside, clinging to his hair and shoulders in damp patches, but he didn't even seem to feel it. He lowered the woman onto the couch, then barked, "Where's the doctor? Hurry up!"

Julia didn't need to see the woman's face to know who it was—Penelope.

Standing nearby in a thick robe, Julia asked flatly, "What happened to her?"

After their argument that morning, Sebastian wasn't in the mood to talk to her. He hardly even looked her way and muttered impatiently, "Debt collectors stabbed her in the shoulder."

"Debt collectors? Who are they after?" Julia pressed.

Had Sebastian, the CEO of Falcrest Group, actually gone broke?

Sebastian opened his mouth to say something, but Penelope jumped in first. She looked pale, and her tone was heavy with pity. "I'm sorry, Julia. This is all my fault. My father owes gambling debts, and those men figured out I was Mr. Holt's secretary.

"They ambushed me on the street and tried to take me. I fought back. That's how I got hurt. If Mr. Holt hadn't been working late and run into us, they might've killed me."

"Don't go saying things like that," Sebastian said firmly. "No one's touching you while I'm here. But your rental isn't safe anymore. I've already notified the police. You should stay at the Holt residence until they're caught."

Julia's refusal came instantly. "No."

Sebastian's gaze flicked up to her.

Julia's skin was pale too, but hers had the smooth, healthy sheen of fine porcelain. Maybe it was because she'd resigned and finally made peace with Haley, but she seemed more relaxed today.

Her cheeks flushed softly, and with her fluffy silk robe wrapped around her, she looked as poised and relaxed as a well-kept house cat.

Sebastian had been simmering with an unexplained irritation all morning, but the moment Julia said no, it vanished.

He turned away, his movement dripping with mockery.

Just as he thought, Julia had only been playing hard to get. She might keep up that calm act, but wasn't she still jealous of Penelope?

His voice lowered, sharp with warning. "Julia, this is the Holt residence."

In other words, this was his house. If he wanted someone here, they stayed.

"That's not happening," Julia shot back. "There aren't enough rooms. She has nowhere to sleep."

The Holt residence sprawled across three floors, but only three bedrooms were actually livable—Xavier's, Julia's, and Sebastian's.

There had been guest rooms, of course. But back in those early days, when they were still wrapped up in newlywed happiness, Sebastian had gotten carried away with renovations.

Instead of extra bedrooms, the house had a lavish nursery, a walk-in closet, a display room for high-end collectibles, and Julia's personal spaces—a sunroom, an art studio, and a yoga room.

The only thing it didn't have? A spare bedroom.

When they were newlyweds, Sebastian had pictured the two spare bedrooms as rooms for their future son and daughter.

But neither he nor Julia could have known that one day, they'd end up sleeping in separate rooms because of how much they'd grown apart.

And he never thought Julia would use the excuse of not having an extra bedroom to turn Penelope away.

Sebastian's expression hardened instantly. He sounded like he was speaking through gritted teeth. "Julia, you sleep in the master bedroom."

The message was plain—they could still share a bed.

Despite everything, it wasn't as if they hadn't slept together just three months ago. Otherwise, how would Julia be pregnant now?

But she couldn't care less. That night three months ago only happened because Sebastian was drunk. They'd slept together then out of pure resentment. Now, even that resentment had faded.

Julia refused to back down, digging in her heels, and that just made Sebastian even madder.

Just then, Xavier shuffled down the stairs half-asleep, rubbing his eyes.

"Mommy, Daddy, what's happening? I heard you fighting again," he said, his voice small and hurt.

Then he spotted Penelope on the couch, her wounds still bleeding as someone tended to them. In an instant, he was fully awake.

"Aunt Penny!" He scrambled over to her. "What happened? Why are you hurt? Does it hurt badly? Are you okay?"

Penelope gave him a faint smile and ruffled his hair. "I'm fine, Xav. Be a dear and go back to bed."

He latched onto her like a burr. "No! I won't sleep, not until you're better!"

Seeing how attached he was to Penelope, Julia smiled. "Xav, don't worry. She might be staying with us for a few days. But since we don't have an extra bedroom, would it be okay if she slept in yours?"

"Really?" Xavier's eyes widened, his face lighting up with excitement. "Hooray! Hoo—"

Catching himself mid-word, he slapped a hand over his mouth. "No, Mommy, I didn't mean it like that…"

How could he have forgotten? Julia couldn't stand how much he liked Penelope. Julia had been livid that one time he'd lost track of the hours hanging out with her.

After that, Sebastian taught Xavier never to mention how amazing Penelope was around Julia.

"It's fine. You can mean that."

Julia kept her voice low, her cold hands moving over her stomach under her robe. Today, she finally understood what it was like to raise an ungrateful child.

The day Xavier was born would stay with Julia forever.

She endured two days of excruciating labor before the doctors told her she was beyond help. They made Sebastian decide whether to save Julia or their unborn child.

Sebastian stood outside the operating room, his eyes reddened from crying. His voice was raw as he desperately begged them to save her.

But Julia refused. Tears streaked her face as she begged them to save Xavier. She would give anything, but couldn't lose the child she and Sebastian had together.

In the end, she dug deep and found the strength to bring Xavier into the world naturally, without even the comfort of pain relief.

Julia had given up her career for Xavier, pouring everything into raising him. And what did she get in return? His heart belonged to another woman, and he wished he'd had a different mother.

The realization left her completely drained.

The truth was, she hadn't even wanted to keep the baby she was carrying now. At her prenatal checkup last week, her first thought had been to end the pregnancy.

Life felt so hopeless that she'd never planned on having another child with Sebastian. But then she thought about leaving, and for the first time, a tiny spark of hope flared inside her.

This time, there'd be no Holt family to tie her down. She and her child could finally live on their own terms. Maybe things could actually get better.

Julia didn't hesitate any longer. She turned and walked away without a second glance.

Xavier had no idea why Julia was acting like this. He stood frozen, watching helplessly as she walked away. A heavy silence hung in the air before he suddenly broke down into desperate, heaving sobs.

Kids picked up on things. He might not have understood why, but something deep inside told him he'd just been tossed away like nothing.

Penelope jumped at the sound of his sobs. She pulled him close, murmuring, "Xav, don't cry. I've got you. It's okay, Xav."

She gave Sebastian an anxious look as if silently blaming Julia for making Xavier cry again.

Sebastian's expression hardened. He threw a quick, piercing glance up at the second floor but remained silent.

Chapter 5

Julia slept soundly that night and woke up the next morning ready to fix herself breakfast. But as she reached the top of the stairs, the rich scent of freshly cooked food drifted up to meet her.

Penelope had already prepared breakfast for everyone and was busy hand-grinding coffee for Sebastian. She looked up, saw Julia, and flashed her a smile. "Jules, you're up! Come here. I made sandwiches. Hope you like them."

"With Aunt Penny's cooking, who wouldn't?" Xavier chimed in with a bright grin.

But as soon as the words were out, he shot Julia a quick, wary glance. He was afraid of her—no, it was more than that. He hated her.

She'd been so different lately. Since when did she look at him with that cold, distant stare?

Back then, whenever he complimented Penelope, Julia saw it as a challenge. She'd get even sweeter, and that was his chance to slip out of those endless tutoring sessions.

Julia could read Xavier like a book. She let out a faint, joyless smile. Did he actually think she wouldn't see right through his little act?

There had been a time when Julia loathed Penelope, but only because the thought of Sebastian sharing that kind of closeness with another woman ate at her. She'd never let herself dwell on how Penelope doted on Xavier.

As the Holt family's eldest grandson, Xavier's upbringing was non-negotiable. Sebastian's mother had made that painfully clear to Julia, so she couldn't afford to slip up.

The truth was, Julia had always wanted Xavier to have a carefree childhood. She knew he was a bright, happy boy who loved comic books, video games, and the outdoors.

But as Sebastian's wife and the ever-watched "Mrs. Holt" in high society, she had no choice but to keep up a strict front.

That was why Xavier was always venting to Sebastian about how tough Julia was on him.

He never knew that behind her strict exterior, Julia had spent years researching teaching methods from every corner of the globe, all to find the right balance between firmness and warmth.

She might have seemed like an unrelenting mother, but there was more to her. Once, when Penelope was still her intern, Julia made her these hand-drawn fairy tale books and told her to use them to bond with Xavier.

Even the trout almondine Xavier loved? Julia had personally taught Penelope how to make it.

Unexpectedly, all those sacrifices had backfired. Her face went cold, tinged with something between absurdity and despair.

"What are you wearing?"

Penelope hadn't expected Julia's first question to be about her outfit. She gave a cowardly reply. "I-it's just a dress. I didn't have anything clean to change into last night, so I grabbed this from the walk-in closet. Jules, is something wrong?"

How ridiculous.

Some outsider was wearing Julia's clothes, brewing coffee for her husband and making breakfast for her child, and now had the nerve to ask if something was wrong.

Sebastian must have sensed Julia winding up for a fight because he cut in with a frown before she could speak. "Julia, it's just a dress. Leave it. You've got my black card. Go buy ten more if it's that big a deal."

Julia couldn't hold back a scoff when she heard that.

A wave of nausea twisted in her stomach, though she couldn't tell if it was from morning sickness or the hollow ache where breakfast should have been.

"Sebastian, have you forgotten that this dress is..."

That was the dress she'd had on after they slept together for the first time.

Julia had been so young back then, fresh out of college and full of wide-eyed optimism. At some corporate cocktail party, she'd actually believed she could swing a billion-dollar deal for her company.

She drank too much with a client, not knowing someone had slipped something into her drink. Next thing she knew, she was waking up in bed with Sebastian.

The next morning, she found her clothes ripped to shreds. With nothing left to wear for work, she sat on the bed, her face flushed with shame.

Sebastian found her embarrassment charming. He had his assistant get her a designer dress and made her his secretary.

Julia remembered every detail of that day because it was where their story began. But Sebastian? He'd forgotten. And now, he'd let Penelope wear that same dress. The thought made Julia sick.

Sebastian took in Julia's hesitation, his mouth twisting into a smirk as something sharp glinted in his eyes. "Well? Out with it. Julia, is this dress really that important to you?"

Penelope jumped in before things could escalate, gripping Julia's hand. "Jules, it's not Mr. Holt's fault. He didn't know. I was the one who put it on. He didn't stop me because he felt bad, but I never thought you'd be so upset… I'm sorry, Jules. I'll take it off right now. Please don't be mad!"

Her voice was desperate, tears threatening to spill.

Disgusted, Julia jerked her hand away. "Don't bother. It looks better on you anyway—keep it. In fact, take whatever you want from my walk-in closet. All of it."

Then she lifted her chin and shot Sebastian a scathing look. "Everything here is yours now, Penelope."

"Julia!" Sebastian snapped, slamming his hand on the table. "Do you have to be so harsh with her?"

"I'm not the one being harsh. You two are."

Julia's phone chimed with a notification. She looked down, scanning the alert lighting up her screen—13 days left on the countdown.

At this point, she might not even last that long. She'd have to bail early. She never would've guessed Sebastian could be this ruthless, tightening the screws a little more each day.

First, it was her clothes. What was next?

The thought had just crossed her mind when she caught a whiff of Penelope's fragrance.

Perfume?

It was faint but unmistakable, as if it were Penelope's natural scent. Julia hadn't picked up on it from a distance, but now, standing close, it surrounded her.

She had always been sensitive to scents. Her face went pale as she suddenly remembered the note she'd written at her desk, the one about Sebastian banning perfume on women.

So that was his game. When it came to Penelope, he really had no limits. He'd toss out all his rules for her.

Julia let out a dry laugh, but the tears came anyway, faster than she could stop them. In that moment, waiting for the countdown to finish felt impossible. She just wanted to leave now.

Her parents, grandfather, and Haley were all waiting for her. How could Sebastian let Penelope mock her like that, tearing apart everything she'd been through for the past ten years?

"If you think we're being too harsh on you, get out!" Sebastian snapped, his patience gone as he stared Julia down. "You mope around the house like the world owes you something. Julia, you wanted a divorce, didn't you? Let's get it over with."

Julia's chest heaved as she fought to keep her anger in check. "Fine, then let's—"

The word divorce never made it out. Her hands clawed at her throat instead, her lungs fighting for air, her skin blazing hot. Her eyes went wide with disbelief as she stared at Penelope.

Was that the smell of floral perfume?

A hollow laugh escaped Julia as she choked out her final words. "Sebastian, if you wanted me dead, you could've just said so."

Then the darkness took her.