Chapter 1

After five years of marriage and 99 rounds of IVF, Avery Langford finally got pregnant.

She brought the prenatal report home, ready to share the joy with her husband, Damien Whitlow. However, she heard him bantering with his friends, so she stood outside the study.

"There are things Avery never knew. I faked her infertility report and made her go through 99 IVF attempts. The baby she's carrying isn't mine—it's Julian Whitlow's. And truth is, the woman I've loved all along is Serena Langford."

The shock hit Avery like a bucket of cold water. Damien continued talking.

"Next week at our fifth-anniversary dinner, Grandpa will announce me as the heir. That's when I'll make sure everyone knows Avery's been sleeping with that bastard, Julian!"

Avery trembled with rage, and her whole body shook. She crumpled the report in her fist, pulled a number from her blocklist, and sent, "Julian, I want to discuss a big deal."

...

Laughter broke out in the study.

"I knew Damien hated Avery. No way he suddenly wanted her pregnant. So, it's a bastard after all!"

"For a second, I almost thought you'd fallen for her, Damien!"

Damien's profile cut sharply in the lamplight as he smiled mockingly. "Fallen for her? I can barely stand her. If I hadn't slipped up and slept with her five years ago, I never would've married her!

"And you'd better keep your mouths shut! If Serena hears about this, you're finished!"

Avery felt every word cut straight to her bones. A chill swept through her whole body, as if she had been submerged in ice.

Five years ago, her mother, Catherine Doyle, fell to her death. Just a day after, Avery's father, Thomas Whitlow, was already bringing his mistress and illegitimate daughter home.

With no way to stop him, Avery went to a bar to drown herself in alcohol. But someone slipped something into her glass. When she opened her eyes the next morning, she was in Damien's bed.

That was the moment Serena burst in with her friends and saw everything.

Since everyone knew Avery had liked Damien for years, no one believed her and assumed she had done it on purpose.

In the end, Damien's grandfather, Eldon Whitlow, stepped in and asked Damien to marry Avery.

At the time, Julian, who had long been kept outside the family, was just brought back.

Since Damien was desperate to become the heir, he didn't dare defy Eldon.

To Avery, marriage was the least awful choice she had. So, they married.

For five years, Damien remained cold and distant—except at night, when he liked to entangle himself with her.

Avery once believed time and patience would win Damien's heart. But his heart had always belonged to Serena. And the "accident" five years ago had only been the snare he laid for her.

He had gone so far as to arrange for her to carry Julian's baby, all to secure his inheritance.

The truth hit so hard that it left her breathless and trembling. She could have accepted Damien not loving her, but she couldn't forgive him for torturing her with 99 IVF attempts.

How could he be so heartless?

From the study, someone warned, "Damien, don't let Avery find out the baby is Julian's, or they might team up against you."

Damien let out a derisive snort. "Avery thinks she's superior. She looks down on those born out of wedlock. Why else would she always be at odds with Serena?"

Even if Avery learned the truth, she would never cooperate with Julian.

The study immediately erupted with applause.

"Brilliant! Three birds with one stone. Avery doesn't stand a chance now!"

"Why is it still a week away? I can't wait to watch the show!"

Avery bit her lip hard and forced back her tears.

She had fallen for Damien at 16 years old, carrying that love for ten long years. She thought he would fall for her one day, but it had all been a lie.

She dug her nails into her palms as hatred surged.

He thought he could destroy her? In his dreams!

If Damien believed he had already won, she would make him pay for his deceit.

The last one standing would be the real winner.

Chapter 2

Back in her room, Avery sent one more text to Julian.

"My baby is yours."

Her phone rang immediately.

"Avery." Julian laughed in exasperation. "Do you even know what you're saying?"

She understood why he was reacting that way.

Five years ago, Julian had fallen for Avery at first sight.

He pulled out every trick he knew, even setting off 99 fireworks shows to make her smile and flooding her doorstep with gifts. Yet, Avery never looked at anyone but Damien.

In the end, Julian had said, "If you ever regret it, just call me."

Then, he disappeared from her life.

"Avery?" Julian called her name.

His cold voice pulled Avery back to reality. She told him what she had overheard in the study.

Julian went quiet for a beat. "Last month, during my body check, the doctor added a fertility panel. It looks like that is when my sperm sample was taken—"

Avery cut him off. "Julian, do you want to work together with me?"

Julian was stunned for a moment. "You want to use me to get back at Damien?"

"Don't you want the same thing?" she asked.

He thought it through, then replied, "Fine. Divorce him first, then marry me."

"Okay. Give me a week."

"Alright."

Just then, Avery heard footsteps in the hallway and quickly ended the call.

Damien pushed the door open, surprise flickering across his face. "When did you get home, Avery?"

"Just now." She kept her voice even.

He narrowed his eyes and looked at her. "I was in the study with Benjamin and the others. We didn't keep you up, did we?"

Avery didn't answer. Instead, she changed the subject. "I want to ask you something. My baby—"

She wanted to get an answer, but before she could finish, Damien's phone rang.

He glanced down and answered it immediately. "Okay. Wait for me. I'm coming to get you."

He ended the call and put on an apologetic smile. "Work emergency. I have to go. We'll talk when I'm back."

With that, he leaned in to kiss her.

Avery turned her face away. "Didn't you say you had to go? Hurry, then."

Damien paused. Something about Avery felt off tonight, but Serena was waiting. So, he nodded and left.

Avery watched him walk out and dug her nails into her palms. She didn't need to guess to know who had phoned.

Sure enough, half an hour later, Serena posted an Instagram story.

"I don't know what I'd do without you. Thanks for always being there."

It was a photo of Damien's profile while he was driving.

Comments from mutual friends popped up quickly.

"Wow! Damien really treats Serena like she's everything!"

"Of course. Remember when Damien almost drowned while diving? Serena risked her life to save him! If not for her, he might've died!"

Avery's eyes widened in disbelief. She was the one who had saved him. Why were they saying it was Serena?

Her thoughts drifted back to Pulgido five years ago. She'd been diving when she spotted Damien underwater.

Even though he was wearing an oxygen mask, she recognized him at once.

He signaled that his oxygen tank was empty.

Without a second thought, she hooked his breathing tube to her oxygen tank and kicked for the surface, sharing the last breaths of air.

By the time they reached the beach, both of them had blacked out.

When she woke up, the doctor told her that her lungs were damaged and she could never dive again. She kept it to herself so he wouldn't feel guilty.

Was that why he defended Serena no matter what? Because he thought Serena had saved him?

While her mind wandered, a noise came from outside. Seconds later, the door swung open to reveal the face Avery despised the most.

Chapter 3

Serena walked in carrying a gift box, her voice sounding sweet. "Avery, Mom and Dad heard you're pregnant, so they sent me to check on you."

Avery's face cooled. "I don't want to see you! Take your stuff and leave right now!"

Serena nodded with a wounded look, looking unusually compliant. "I'm sorry, Avery. Don't be mad. I'll go right away."

The next moment, Damien strode in. "Serena, I'm here. Don't be afraid."

Then, he turned a frosty look on Avery, his brows drawn tight. "Serena just came here to visit you, so why are you snapping at her like that?"

Avery's chest burned with anger until she could hardly breathe. "Fine! Then, I'll leave!"

Damien's frown deepened. Avery had never talked back to him before.

The more he thought about it, the more it irritated him. His voice turned cold as he snapped, "What's wrong with you? Why are you throwing a tantrum here?"

Just as Avery was about to spill it out, Serena cut in with a pointed tone, "Damien, pregnant women run hot. You should cut her some slack. After all, Avery is carrying your baby."

Avery was seething, her blood practically on fire.

So, Serena knew the baby was Julian's, too. Clearly, the two of them had conspired to play her for a fool.

In a snap, Avery changed her mind. If she revealed the truth now, Damien would only twist it and blame her.

When she remained silent, Damien's expression eased a little. "I know pregnancy is rough, but it doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Serena is your sister, so try to be civil."

With that, Damien took Serena by the hand and led her out.

Just before the door closed, Serena threw Avery a sly, mocking smile.

Avery let out a bitter laugh. She wondered if Damien would still dote on Serena once he realized he had been thanking the wrong savior all this time.

When she finally cooled down, Avery printed the divorce papers.

She and Damien had no joint assets, but he had lied to her for five years and tricked her into carrying Julian's child.

For those reasons alone, she intended to claim half of what he owned, because fair was fair.

A moment later, the housekeeper, Nancy Baker, came up to tell Avery that dinner was ready.

When Avery went downstairs, she saw the table packed with Serena's favorite dishes, so she turned to leave.

"Avery," Serena said, catching her sleeve. "Damien asked Nancy to make all this. Even if you don't have much appetite, at least have a little. Don't throw his kindness back in his face."

Avery shook her hand away and smiled coldly. "Serena, you're just showing off that this whole spread was made for you."

Triumph flickered in Serena's eyes, though she replied, "That is not what I meant..."

Avery snorted. "Then what did you mean?"

"Enough!" Damien cut in, his voice edged with impatience. "Serena rarely visits. It is bad enough that you refuse to be gracious, but do you have to be so aggressive as well?"

Avery felt the words like a knife stabbing deep. She was about to fire back when Serena pressed her down into a chair. "Don't fight. Just eat."

Then, Serena ladled soup for Avery as if she owned the place.

Avery despised her phony act more than anything. She shot to her feet, and the bowl tipped just so, splashing hot soup across her forearm.

Fire shot up her nerves, and she inhaled sharply.

Serena gave a sharp cry, as if she had been the one scalded.

Damien rushed over and shoved Avery aside. "Serena, where did it burn you?"

Thrown off balance, Avery struck the edge of the table, pain shooting through her lower back.

Damien didn't even glance at her. His entire focus was on Serena.

The difference between love and indifference was painfully clear.

Serena shook her head. "I'm fine, but I accidentally spilled it on Avery..."

Chapter 4

Damien blinked, as if only then remembering Avery. "Avery, you..."

"Not dead yet," she cut in with a bitter laugh.

Damien's gaze dropped to her reddened, swollen forearm, and his face changed. "Why is the burn so severe?"

Serena rushed to take the blame. "I'm sorry, Avery. It was my fault. I wasn't careful..."

She hadn't even finished before Damien interrupted. "Enough. You didn't do it on purpose. Avery won't hold it against you, so there is no need to apologize."

Avery suddenly raised her hand and slapped Serena across the face. "Sorry. I wasn't careful either."

She hadn't held back, and Serena's cheek puffed up instantly.

Damien's eyes became bloodshot with outrage. "She already said she wasn't careful. Why did you slap her?"

"I just said I wasn't careful, and I apologized," Avery shot back, her tone full of mockery. "Why are you still harping on it?"

"Do you think I'm blind?" Damien gave a cold laugh. "You slapped her on purpose!"

"Then how did you miss that Serena did it on purpose as well?" Avery retorted.

Serena jumped in quickly. "Avery, I really didn't mean it. If you are still angry, you can slap me again."

She looked up at Damien with tearful, helpless eyes.

Avery raised an eyebrow. Before Damien could react, she slapped again—this time even harder.

Serena stumbled and fell to the floor.

Avery ignored Damien's furious roar, grabbed her car keys, and walked out.

She went to the hospital alone to treat the burn, then ate dinner by herself.

When she returned home, neither Serena nor Damien was there. Nancy said they had gone to the hospital.

Avery let out a cold laugh.

Two slaps hardly called for a hospital visit. Whether they were really there or just sneaking around, only the two of them knew.

Damien finally returned at almost midnight.

Half asleep, Avery felt the mattress sink beside her.

Damien curled around her from behind, his teeth grazing her earlobe as his warm hand slid under her nightdress.

Avery caught his wrist and flung it away.

Damien went rigid. It was the first time she had ever refused him.

"What's wrong?" he asked hoarsely.

Avery drew back, putting space between them, and gave a mocking smile.

He had the nerve to ask what was wrong.

A moment later, realization seemed to dawn. "You're still mad?"

"Shouldn't I be?" she retorted.

Damien was quiet for several seconds. "Serena did scald you, but you also slapped her twice. What more do you want?"

Too tired to argue, Avery snapped, "Are you done? If you are, get out and stop disturbing my sleep."

The air grew heavy, and she could hear his teeth grind.

After a moment, he sighed. "Okay, Avery. It's my fault. I shouldn't have gone to Serena first. I was only worried that Thomas would blame you if she was hurt, so—"

"Really? How thoughtful," she said coldly.

She rolled away, unwilling to watch him act any further.

Damien turned her back to face him, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry, Avery. I promise that from now on, no matter what happens, you will be the first one I check on."

Avery stared at the man she had loved for ten years, pain tearing through her whole body.

She had believed him before, and all it had brought her were lies.

A wave of crushing loss and regret surged through her. She dug her nails hard into her palm, reminding herself not to be fooled again.

Damien softened his tone. "As long as you aren't mad at me, you can have whatever you want. A house, a car, or jewelry... Just name it."

She was about to shut him down, but then a thought clicked. "Really?"

"Of course."

"Alright." Avery pulled open the nightstand, slid out the divorce papers, and flipped to the last page.

"Sign it," she said.

Damien didn't even glance at it before scrawling his name on the line.

Avery hadn't expected it to go down this easily, and a smile tugged at her lips before she could stop it.

When Damien saw her smiling, curiosity got the better of him. He tugged the drawer open. "What did you buy that makes you so happy?"

Chapter 5

Avery stopped Damien with a light laugh. "It's a secret. You'll find out soon."

She planned to deliver that surprise herself at their anniversary dinner.

Damien actually smiled. "Fine. Buy whatever you want, as long as you're not angry with me."

A thought seemed to occur to him. "By the way, didn't you say you had a question for me last night?"

Avery kept her expression calm. "Oh. I forgot."

"Then tell me when you remember," he said. "Get some sleep."

…

The next morning, after Damien left, Avery took the signed divorce papers to a law firm and retained an attorney.

The attorney advised her to gather solid proof of Damien's affair as quickly as possible.

Once business was settled, Avery drove to the mall to choose a thoughtful birthday gift for her grandmother, Brianna Pearson.

It was Brianna's birthday, and Avery was expected at the Langford residence for dinner.

In past years, Damien had always gone with her, but this time, she didn't ask him to come.

But when Avery reached the Langford residence, she was stunned to see Damien already there, sitting so close to Serena that it was as if they were joined at the hip.

Thomas was there too, and so was her stepmother, Yvonne Tucker.

Yvonne spoke in a warm tone, like they were one big happy family. "Serena has a temper, but thank you for overlooking it, Damien."

"Of course," Damien answered. "She has taken a lot of heat for me."

Avery's stomach churned. So, everyone already knew Damien and Serena were the real pair, and she was the only one still left in the dark.

Serena noticed her first. "Avery!"

Heads turned toward the doorway.

Damien stood and walked toward her, but Avery gave him a cold glance and headed upstairs to see Brianna.

Yvonne couldn't resist a jab. "No manners at all. You didn't even greet us."

Avery paused on the stairway without looking back. "You're a homewrecker, Yvonne. Why would I ever greet someone like you?"

"You!" Color flared across Yvonne's face.

Since Damien was present, she swallowed her anger and appealed to Thomas instead. "Honey, did you hear that?"

Thomas' face darkened. "Avery, apologize to Yvonne!"

Serena jumped in quickly. "Yeah, Avery, how could you speak to my mom like that?"

She paused and widened her eyes, pretending to remember something. "Oh, I get it. You're mad because Damien came back with me and didn't call you, right? It's not what you think. He only took me to the hospital this afternoon for a follow-up, and then we—"

Avery had had enough. She turned around and snapped, "Serena, if you love acting so much, go be an actress!"

She needed a follow-up for just two slaps? Please!

Damien chimed in, "Avery, you're out of line. Apologize to Yvonne and to Serena, or else—"

"Or what?" Avery looked him straight in the eye. "Are you going to divorce me?"

Damien froze, clearly not expecting that word from her. By the time he found his voice, Avery had already turned away.

Brianna lay in bed half-asleep. At the sound of footsteps, she opened her eyes. "Avery, is that you?" she asked hoarsely.

Avery hurried to her side and set the gift on the nightstand. "Happy birthday, Grandma."

Brianna held her hand, worry lining her face. "I heard you're pregnant. Is it true?"

Avery hesitated, then nodded. "It is."

Brianna sighed, her eyes welling red. "You've suffered enough. IVF is torture, and Damien actually let you go through 99 attempts. If he ever wrongs you, I'll stake my life to fight for you!"

Avery didn't want her to worry, so she kept the truth to herself.

They chatted softly until Brianna drifted back to sleep. Then, Avery slipped out and headed downstairs.

Laughter spilled from the dining room, but the moment Avery appeared, the room fell silent.