I had been in love with Bennett since our college days—a total of eight years—and we had been married for two. When I decided to marry him, despite his modest means, I severed ties with my parents. I even declared to them, "I’ll prove you wrong about Bennett." But in just two short years, I faced a harsh reality.

The storm outside raged with thunder and lightning as I spent the night crying on the floor. I couldn’t wrap my head around how Bennett had become this way, or if perhaps he had always been like this and I was just too blind to see it. When did he start his affair with Liv? Had they been sneaking around right under my nose, laughing at how naive I was? God, I was so stupid, never doubting Bennett for a second.

I cried all night, and Bennett didn’t come home. He must have been with Liv, probably celebrating in bed. I gently caressed my restless baby bump, feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. I’m sorry, baby!

By the time I dragged my exhausted body out of the bedroom the next day, it was nearly noon. Bennett walked in as I opened the door, carrying a bag from Jean’s Café, a place known for its lavish brunches. Our eyes met, and he, likely out of guilt, avoided my gaze. He casually placed the pricey pastries on the dining table.

“You’ve always wanted to have brunch from Jean’s, right? I brought some for you today.” Yes, I had always wanted to go, but he always said, “Next time. I’ve been so busy lately.” “Besides, it’s so expensive. What’s the big deal?”

And yet he finally found the time to go, suddenly not concerned about the cost? And he brought me leftovers. Did he think so little of me now?

I sat across from him, glanced at the pastries, and gave him a sarcastic smile. “Congrats! You’ve landed the heiress. You can visit Jean’s whenever you want now.”

Bennett let out a deep sigh. “Stop being so sarcastic. I thought you’d understand after mulling it over all night. Kylie, marrying Liv is strictly for the business. She can help my career! I made it very clear over the phone that you’re still the woman I love most. Even without the marriage certificate, I’ll take care of you and the baby.”

He took out the divorce papers and even had a pen ready for me. “Sign it. You don’t have another choice.”

“I don’t have another choice? How do you know I don’t?” Bennett frowned. “The baby is already over four months along. Are you really going to be so heartless as to not bring him into the world?”

“If you keep the baby, it’s been over two years since you worked. The outside world isn’t easy, and you have no family support. How will you raise the child alone? Kylie, don’t be stubborn. I’ve already planned for you and the baby’s future. I promise I won’t let you down.”

His words cut through me like cold, sharp knives. From Liv’s ultrasound report, it was clear her pregnancy was at least three months along. Bennett had waited until now to confront me so that my pregnancy would be too far along, forcing me to rely on him. Looking at the man I once thought I’d love forever, he seemed like a complete stranger.

If I were truly a helpless girl with no support, I’d indeed have no other choice. But unfortunately for him, he was wrong.

I forced a grim smile as I picked up the divorce agreement and scanned its contents carefully. As expected, he wanted me to walk away with virtually nothing, leaving me with only this three-bedroom apartment.

"The divorce can go ahead, but I'm not signing this agreement," I said through clenched teeth. "You're the one who cheated, not me, so why should I be the one left with nothing? You should be leaving empty-handed, not me!"

Bennett seemed nonchalant, almost as if he had anticipated my reaction. "I have nothing but debt anyway," he said coolly. "Even this apartment is already mortgaged to the bank."

What was he implying?

How could he possibly have only debts and no assets?

I was still reeling from the shock when Bennett's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and answered it in a gentle tone. "I'll be there soon, just hang tight."

It was clear that Liv was on the other end, impatiently waiting for him.

Bennett hung up and looked at me with irritation. "Just sign it, don't drag this out any longer."

I seethed with anger. "Did you stash our marital assets away?"

He avoided the question, only saying, "Assets aren't important. I'll make sure you and the baby are taken care of."

I gritted my teeth. "The divorce will happen, but I'm not letting this shady asset transfer during our marriage go unchecked."

My family has influence, but this injustice is unbearable.

How could he treat me like this?

"What are you going to do? Lawyer up and come after me?" Bennett sneered. "Do you even have the funds to hire a lawyer?"

"What good will it do to fight me tooth and nail for you or the baby?"

Our standoff continued, interrupted by the sharp sound of his phone ringing again.

Bennett clenched his fists. "Kylie, don't hold it against me!"

He then stood up, grabbed me roughly, and forced my fingerprint onto the divorce papers. During our struggle, my swollen belly slammed painfully into the corner of the table, but Bennett didn't let up. He shoved the pen into my hand, holding my wrist and forcing me to sign despite my agony.

With the agreement in his grip, Bennett immediately picked up Liv's call and walked out.

"Bennett, you bastard!!"

"I hate you!!"

He glanced back at me from the hallway, his expression full of guilt and helplessness. "Kylie, I don't want it to be like this either!"

"You know the sacrifices I've made to climb up. The company is heading into its next round of financing, and without Liv's backing, all my efforts will crumble!"

"I love you, Kylie!! Trust me, this is the only path for you, me, and our baby to have a better life."

With that, he slammed the door shut.

The pain in my abdomen was relentless. I looked down to see a streak of blood trailing down my leg.

As anger boiled within me, a torrent of fear crashed over me.

I couldn't stand anymore. I collapsed onto the floor, summoning all my remaining strength to reach for the phone on the coffee table to dial an ambulance.

An hour later, as I was wheeled down the hospital corridor to the operating room, I suddenly heard someone call my name. "Kylie?"

Through the blur, I saw Liv.

Not far away, Bennett was approaching her with a stack of paperwork.

Liv turned back to Bennett quickly, exclaiming, "Sweetheart, I suddenly feel so unwell!"

"Are you alright?" Bennett looked visibly worried, lifting her up without hesitation, ignoring the stares from onlookers, and rushed her toward the emergency room.

I watched in despair the man who once promised to love me forever.

Now, he was carrying his pregnant mistress, while I, covered in blood, was being taken alone into the cold operating room.

The nurse urgently asked me, "Have you contacted anyone from your family?"

I refused to contact Bennett! I couldn't stand to see him!

In the end, I gave them my dad's number.

After the anesthesia kicked in, I drifted into unconsciousness. When I awoke, I found myself in a private clinic.

My parents were at my side.

"Kylie, you're awake!"

Mom's eyes were swollen from crying, tears streaming down, while Dad clutched my hand, his face filled with concern.

"How are you feeling now?"

"What happened? Where's Bennett?"

I couldn't even answer their questions, my focus drawn to my now-flat abdomen. "Where's the baby? Mom, Dad, where is the baby?"

Dad's voice cracked, "The baby didn't survive."

A gut-wrenching pain swept through me, and tears flowed freely, soaking the pillow beneath me.

My child was gone, and it was Bennett who was responsible!

Mom and Dad held my hands tightly, sharing my grief, trying to offer some comfort.

"You can still have children in the future; we're just relieved you've pulled through."

Apparently, I had suffered severe bleeding during the procedure and had been unconscious for three days and nights before waking.

When my parents learned of what had happened, they wanted to confront Bennett, but I stopped them.

That would be too easy for him.

I swore to seek justice for my child. I wanted Bennett and Liv to end up with nothing.