Upon returning from visiting my family, I found our bedroom a complete mess—clothes strewn everywhere. My husband, Travis Johnston, stood shirtless, playfully nibbling on the earlobe of his sister-in-law, Vivian Tucker. Her hair was tousled, and her fair skin bore suggestive marks. With a coy glance, Vivian leaned into Travis, murmuring, "Travis, you're hurting me."

Travis spotted me at the doorway, his expression hardening. "It's a family tradition, Gabriella. Don't make a big deal of it."

My fingertips felt icy as I cradled my stomach, nausea washing over me. "This tradition involves nibbling your sister-in-law?"

Vivian fluttered her lashes innocently, holding Travis' arm lightly. "Gabby, don't be petty. My name has 'Viv,' which sounds like 'vitality' for the family. Travis biting me is supposed to bring fortune."

"The cosmic energy isn't good for you because of your pregnancy. I told you to come back later. If anything goes wrong, it's on you!"

Ah, so I'm the one to blame.

I turned and walked away, calling my childhood friend. "Can you help me schedule an appointment for a termination?"

Three days later, I sent a package. Travis called me, frantic. "Gabriella, what have you done?"

The room's intimacy still lingered, but the pair on the bed were clearly irked by the disturbance. Travis scowled. "Didn't your mother teach you about this tradition? There's no need for shock."

Vivian, feigning sadness, adjusted her disheveled clothing, her gaze downcast. "Gabby, I understand you're upset, but it's for the family."

"Even though Travis' brother is gone, I'm still the eldest sister-in-law. It's my duty to look after the family's legacy," she sighed, eyes misting.

"Why would I put myself through this humiliation if not for the family fortune?" she murmured, voice quivering.

Her frail act only fueled my anger. "Humiliated? You seem to be enjoying it quite a bit!"

"Stop it!" Travis snapped, frustration evident. "Gabriella, can't you be more understanding? Vivian is making sacrifices for us; can't you be grateful?"

"If it weren't for Vivian, would our wedding have gone smoothly? Would you be pregnant now? I just confirmed our new project will be signed in two days. Shouldn't we be thankful?"

My heart clenched painfully, nails digging into my palms as I fought to stay composed. "So, it's all thanks to her?"

Travis glanced at my growing belly, his tone softening. "Come on, Gabriella, don't overthink it. It's just one night, and things will be fine by tomorrow. Sleep in the guest room; it's better for the baby."

As if offering a consolation, he added, "You're carrying the Johnston child; that’s a big deal. After Thanksgiving, we'll start setting up the nursery. I know you wanted that branded crib. I've already promised it."

I looked at him, disgusted. If it weren't for the half-naked woman in his arms, his words might have painted him as a good father, a caring husband.

Seeing my silence, Travis grew uneasy, preparing to get out of bed. Vivian tugged at his sleeve, her sobs low. "Travis, it's all my fault... After Stephen passed, I should've gone with him..."

Travis quickly embraced her, patting her hand softly. "Don't listen to her nonsense. It's not your fault."

"I remember everything you've done for me."

"I promise, I'll never let you down."

Watching them, I felt coldness seep into my bones. One played the victim while the other comforted her, and somehow, I ended up looking like the outsider.

I recalled the countless nights of painful injections to sustain this pregnancy, sleepless nights, the vomiting that led to stomach bleeding. This was the first time I'd playfully badgered my father into investing, solving our financial troubles.

But in the end, it was all because of her "efforts"?

Seeing Travis care for her so tenderly was agony for me.

Our story began in college.

To shield him from any pressure, I kept my identity as the daughter of New York’s wealthiest man under wraps.

While he was working hard to establish his career, I discreetly supported him, allowing him to believe his achievements were due to his remarkable talent.

Before our wedding, tragedy struck with the sudden death of his twin brother.

Travis insisted his brother's widow was too devastated to manage alone and suggested that she move in with us, so we could look after her.

My parents were adamantly against it, but I thought his intentions were noble and responsible.

Now, reflecting on those days, I fear that their relationship may have already begun.

I closed my eyes, releasing a cold, bitter laugh.

Leaving would be too easy.

I went to the guest room, picked up my phone, and dialed my friend Samara.

“Can you arrange the surgery for the earliest possible date?” I asked.

There was a moment’s pause before she responded, “Gabriella, are you sure? This might be your only…”

“I’m certain,” I replied, my tone icy and resolute.

Why would I want this child? To serve as proof of his 'sister-in-law’s blessing'?

The next day, when Travis noticed I didn’t protest, a small smile crept onto his face.

“That’s more like it, Gabriella. Be sensible and stop throwing fits,” he said.

“We sign the contract tomorrow. Today, we need to keep up the momentum and not lose our streak,” Vivian chimed in, sounding insincere.

“Travis, perhaps we should ease up and not make Gabriella uncomfortable…” she feigned concern.

I watched them coldly, choosing silence.

Travis retreated to his study to work on the contract while I went to the bedroom to pack my things.

Opening the closet, I was stunned.

Inside were several risqué lingerie pieces—lace, sheer materials, straps—none of them mine.

Vivian breezed in, feigning embarrassment as she picked up the clothing, chuckling softly.

“Oops, Gabriella, put these in the wrong place. I asked Travis to buy them. Who would have thought…”

She averted her eyes, sighing, “You know, given your condition, he has needs. Surely you get it, right?”

Get it?

I looked at her and suddenly chuckled, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Vivian, are you suggesting I should thank you for taking care of my man’s needs?”

As my words landed, Vivian’s false sweetness vanished. Her smile faded, revealing eyes filled with contempt.

“Gabriella, do you really think Travis cares about you that much?”

She slowly raised her hand, her fingers gliding over a pendant hanging from her neck.

My eyes narrowed, breath catching.

That pendant…

It was my protective charm, worn since childhood.

After Travis’s brother’s accident, I worried about his safety and took it off, tying it around his neck with care, saying, “This charm has protected me for over ten years, keeping me safe. Wear it, and you’ll be safe too.”

Back then, he had held my hand, eyes brimming with emotion, promising me.

“You are the most important person in the world to me. I promise to cherish it.”

But now—it hung around Vivian’s neck.

Vivian seemed to delight in my changed expression, her eyes gleaming with triumph as she spoke deliberately.

“He never cherished anything you gave him.”

“If it weren’t for this lucky pregnancy, someone else would’ve taken your place as Mrs. Johnston long ago!”