Leia nodded quietly. Her best friend Sarah’s face immediately clouded with worry. “C’mon, tell me. Did that jerk hurt you?”

“No!”

“Oh please, look at yourself! You’re dead on your feet, and your eyes are all puffed up like you cried all night.”

“Leia, you’ve always been way too soft for your own good.”

“He brought another woman into this house, and you should’ve called me last night, the second it happened.”

Sarah’s words wrapped around Leia’s heart like a warm blanket, but she had no idea how to break the news that she and Julian were already on the brink of divorce. Sarah had a bad heart, and Leia was terrified this stress would be too much for her. So she just forced a small smile and said, “I’m fine, Sarah. Really.”

“Don’t worry, honey, I got your back.” Before Leia could even move to stop her, Sarah was already marching straight toward the master bedroom.

“Sarah, wait, don’t go…”

But it was already too late. Sarah was already at the end of the hallway. The door wasn’t latched all the way, and through the thin crack, she caught a scene that made her jaw drop.

“Julian… what do you think Leia’ll do when she walks in on us?” The soft, simpering, victimy voice was undeniably Piper’s.

Hearing that sickly sweet tone, Sarah could barely choke back her disgust. She knew this woman—Julian’s first love. Back when Piper got sick and crawled back into his life, Sarah had fought that relationship tooth and nail. When Julian finally let Leia in and married her, Sarah had been over the moon. She never thought this gold-digger would still be hanging around.

“Sarah!” Leia whispered sharply behind her.

“Shh!” Sarah waved a hand to silence her, not taking her eyes off the gap.

Julian sounded tired and dismissive as he answered, “She wouldn’t dare do a thing. If anyone’s leaving this house, it’s her.”

A sharp, stabbing pain shot straight through Leia’s chest, and Sarah’s temper blew right through the roof. She squeezed Leia’s hand so tight her knuckles whitened.

“Julian, you’re so good to me… Maybe we should just move out together!”

“I’m so scared of her, especially after last night. If I hadn’t ducked out of the way fast enough, who knows what she would’ve done to me…”

“Okay, baby, stop crying. Let’s get ready and go downstairs for breakfast.”

Julian tenderly wrapped Piper’s foot before kneeling down to slip her shoes on. That was the last straw for Sarah. This was obscene—Julian doting on another woman, right in Leia’s own home, and this whore had already taken over the master bedroom.

Thinking of Leia’s puffy red eyes and pale, exhausted face, Sarah’s anger boiled over completely.

*Bang!* She kicked the door hard enough to fling it wide open.

Piper jumped, scrambling to cling to Julian’s arm. Julian spun around, stunned—he never expected to see his mother and Leia standing in the doorway.

“Sarah? What are you doing here?” Julian asked, completely thrown off.

Sarah glared at him, ice in every line of her face. “If I hadn’t barged in, I never would’ve seen how low my own son has stooped.”

“Sarah…”

“Don’t you *dare* call me that. Tell me what this intruder is doing here,” she demanded. “Why are you on your knees tying her shoes? Why is she in your marital bed, with Leia still living in this house?”

Sarah’s finger jabbed sharply toward Piper, her gaze icy enough to freeze blood.

Watching her, Leia’s chest swelled with quiet admiration. Sarah was usually soft and kind as could be, but right now? She was an absolute force, protecting Leia like she was her own blood. Leia’s heart ached with gratitude.

Piper’s voice went even sweeter, more demure. “It’s been a long time, Mrs. Shaw.”

“Don’t you *dare* call me that. Pack your garbage and get out. We don’t let intruders or gold-digging frauds leech off my family’s money in this house.”

The words came out so sharp and unforgiving, even Leia was caught off guard.

Julian immediately stepped between them, positioning himself protectively in front of Piper. “Sarah, be reasonable. I brought Piper here. No one has the right to kick her out.”

He flicked a glare toward Leia, disappointment blazing clear in his eyes. He couldn’t believe she’d dragged his mother into this mess.

Sarah was absolutely livid. “You have a wife, and you bring another woman into our home? You’re *despicable*!”

“Sarah, stop calling her an intruder. It’s not as sordid as you’re making it out to be.”

“If it’s not sordid, then send her packing. Right now.”

“Today I’m making this clear: either that woman walks out that door, or Leia and I walk out right behind her. And if that happens, Julian? You are no son of mine. Your father and I will disown you. We’ll pretend we never had a son at all.”

Sarah left zero room for negotiation. Both Piper and Julian went dead silent, stunned into shock.

Tears pricked Leia’s eyes as she stood behind Sarah, completely overcome by this fierce protection. Sarah had always treated her like her own, loved her unconditionally, and now she was fighting for her harder than anyone ever had.

It just hurt that Leia wouldn’t be her daughter-in-law for much longer.

Julian’s handsome face was tight with fatigue, and just as he opened his mouth to speak, Piper cut him off.

“Mrs. Shaw, please don’t blame Julian. He loves you so much—your words are breaking his heart.”

“If you care that much about hurting him, then leave! This whole fake sympathetic act is pathetic.”

Sarah’s tone cut like a knife, and warmth bloomed back in Leia’s chest, the first real warmth she’d felt in days.

Piper couldn’t keep up her sweet act anymore. Tears welled up in her eyes as she leaned into the victim role. “Mrs. Shaw, I know you don’t like me, but I really do love Julian. I beg you to let us be together. If that’s not enough, I’ll kneel right here and beg you.”

Leia wasn’t surprised by the performance. She knew Piper too well by now—meek and heartbroken in front of an audience, cunning and ruthless behind closed doors.

When Piper started to sink to her knees, Sarah just crossed her arms and watched, cold as ice. “Go ahead and kneel. Kneel until I’m satisfied.”

“Sarah, that’s too far!” Julian protested, catching Piper before her knees hit the floor. “Alright, that’s enough. I’ll take you to my other apartment. We’ll sort this out later.”

Piper, still letting tears roll down her cheeks, nodded and let him lead her out.

Sarah smirked after them. “Don’t you forget, Julian—everything you have came from your father and me. Don’t think you can use our money to keep your little mistress.”

“Everything in this house belongs to Leia. Unless she says otherwise, you don’t have a single spot here that’s yours.”

The bold declaration left Leia stunned, her eyes going wide. This went even further than she’d expected.

Furious, Julian glared at Leia as he pulled Piper past her. “Leia, this is what you wanted, isn’t it? You got your way, you drove her out.”

“You really disappoint me. All that kindness and innocence you used to have? It’s gone.”

“Ridiculous.”

When Julian walked off with Piper, Leia couldn’t hold her composure any longer. She staggered so hard she would’ve completely collapsed if Sarah hadn’t caught her. The ache in her chest twisted like a sharp blade, squeezing the air right out of her lungs in this suffocating room. She bolted for the balcony, gasping for fresh cool air, fighting desperately to hold back her tears. I won’t cry, she silently ordered herself. I can’t cry. I can’t let Mom worry. Shoving the tears down her throat, she pulled a wobbly, strained smile onto her face.

One look at Leia’s face and Sarah’s chest ached with sympathy. She hurried over to prop her up. "Honey, are you okay? Don’t scare me like this!"

"I’m fine, Mom," Leia answered. "I just got winded for a second. I’m better now."

Sarah kept rubbing slow, soothing circles on her back, her own heart throbbing. "You know this is their fault, not yours. Why didn’t you tell me how bad it was? Holding all this in just made you hurt more, baby."

"If you’d told me, I never would’ve let them treat you like this."

"You’re too good to me, Mom," Leia said, wrapping her tight in a hug and resting her head on her shoulder.

Sarah stroked her hair, a messy tangle of anger and sorrow churning in her chest. Julian was a total idiot to throw away someone as amazing as Leia for that manipulative little gold-digger.

After about a minute, Leia said something that left Sarah completely stunned. "Mom, Julian and I are getting divorced."

Sarah snapped straight, grabbing Leia by the shoulders, her eyes blowing wide with shock. "You… you really want a divorce?"

"Mom, please stay calm," Leia begged. "Julian doesn’t love me. He never stopped loving Piper. Dragging this out is just pointless. It’s better for both of us to walk away. I just… I just want him to be happy."

Tears burned Sarah’s eyes. She turned away and swiped them fast, too choked up to speak. Divorce? Over her dead body, she’d never accept that.

"Mom, please say you’ll support me," Leia pleaded.

"No way, Leia," Sarah said firmly. "Don’t you worry. I’m gonna get that other woman out of the picture for good, and Julian will come back to you. Trust me, okay?"

Sarah’s eyes blazed with determination. She didn’t have much time left in this world, but she was going to see Leia and Julian happy together with their own little family before she went. That was her dying wish.

"Mom…"

"Alright, let’s drop this for now," Sarah said, changing the subject fast. "I came over to make you something nice to eat. After dinner, we’ll head to the hospital for your check-up, okay?"

"Okay," Leia agreed, a bittersweet small smile tugging at her lips as she led her mom downstairs.

…

In the car, Julian and Piper sat in the back while Thomas, Julian’s assistant, drove. The air was thick enough to cut with a knife, oppressive dead silence hanging over everything. Julian had his eyes closed, trying to force his body to relax, while Piper stared at him, a giddy little triumph fizzing in her chest. He’d finally chosen her over Leia. Even with Sarah’s little interruption, which was totally meaningless anyway, it felt so good.

Every time she thought of Leia’s wet, heartbroken eyes, a jolt of pure joy shot through her. Slowly, she let her hand brush over Julian’s thigh, inching it up toward his arm. She felt his whole body go rigid, caught the tiny flutter of his eyelashes against his cheek.

Suddenly, Julian’s eyes flew open, locking on her wandering hand. He knew exactly what she was doing—blatant, in-your-face seduction. Far from flattered, he just felt annoyed. "Don’t. I’m tired," he said sharply.

His words doused her cold instantly. She pulled her hand back, a flash of anger sparking in her eyes before she hid it fast. She turned to him, her voice soft as silk. "Julian, where are we going now?"

"We’re stopping at Grand Estates. For now you’ll stay at a hotel—we can’t go back to the apartment."

"My mom’s threats are no joke."

"Oh," she answered flatly, sitting up straight, her whole good mood ruined.

Suddenly the car hit a deep pothole hard, jolting Piper right into Julian’s chest with a little shriek of surprise. His heart skipped a beat when he instinctively caught her, and he shot Thomas a deadly glare.

"Watch the damn road," Julian growled, his voice ice cold.

Thomas broke out in a cold sweat, staring at their compromising position through the rearview mirror. "I’m sorry, Mr. Shaw. I didn’t see it. I’ll be more careful, I swear."

Julian’s expression softened just a fraction. And Piper preened, certain that little accident proved he still cared about her.

…

At the dining table, Leia stared at the bowl of herbal stew Sarah had made her, overwhelmed. It was so much—a whole big bowl, just for her. Mrs. Taylor, their housekeeper, hurried over to encourage her. "Mrs. Shaw, your mom went through hell to track this down for you. They say it’s good for helping with pregnancy symptoms."

"Really?" Leia replied, a faint frown pulling at her brow. When Mrs. Taylor headed back to the kitchen for more plates, Leia snuck fast to the bathroom and poured the whole stew down the drain. After all, if there was even a chance she was pregnant, she couldn’t risk taking random herbal garbage blindly.

When she sat back down at the table, she pulled a dramatic teary face right as Sarah joined her. Seeing Leia’s over-the-top expression, Sarah chuckled. "You drank it, didn’t you?"

"Yeah, Mom. It was so bitter it felt like torture."

Sarah laughed. "Don’t worry, I’ve got candy for you."

With that, she went to grab a handful of pieces from the jar. Right there on top, Leia spotted the mint candy Julian had bought her once, and her chest went tight. He’s probably with her right now…

…

After dinner, Leia drove Sarah to the oncology hospital. They checked in and joined the queue, waiting for their turn. The line for the doctor stretched all the way down the hall.

Sarah craned her neck to peek ahead, then turned to Leia all excited. "Dr. Kent is back from overseas this year! He’s one of the top cancer research specialists in the country, and he’s only here for a few months. You can’t get an appointment with him no matter how much money you throw at them."

Leia smiled. "He sounds really impressive."

"Not just impressive—he’s handsome as hell, just as good-looking as that rat Julian, and carries himself like a true gentleman. Even this old lady can’t help but swoon. Shame I don’t have an extra daughter to set him up with!"

Leia laughed. "Now you’ve got me curious just how stunning this doctor must be."

After what felt like forever waiting, it was finally their turn. Leia never expected the doctor seeing her mom would be him—the young, heart-striking Dr. Alex Kent. He was just as cold and meticulous as she remembered, completely focused on nothing but his work.

A few young women hung around nearby, sneaking admiring glances before one worked up the courage to step forward. "Dr. Kent, I like you. Could we…?"

Without looking up, Dr. Kent answered coolly, "If you’re not a patient, please leave. You’re wasting other people’s time."

"Dr. Kent, can I take you out to dinner?"

"Sorry, I don’t eat out. Leave," he answered stiffly.

"Dr. Kent, we just want to be friends."

"I’m not interested in making friends," he stated icily.

His bluntness was enough to send the girls scurrying away in tears, and even Leia had to hand it to him—he didn’t sugarcoat a damn thing. Being that hot really did let you get away with anything, even breaking the most beautiful girls’ hearts without an apology.

After the girls left, it was Sarah’s turn, and Leia followed her in. Even with how strikingly beautiful Leia was, Dr. Kent’s eyes only flickered over her for half a second before snapping right back to Sarah.

"What seems to be the problem?"

Sarah pushed open the door to Dr. Grant's office, a bright smile tugging at her lips. "Dr. Grant, I'm here for my heart check-up."

"Alright. Any trouble or discomfort lately?"

"Nothing at all. I have to say, this clinic has the best care I've ever had. I've felt amazing ever since my surgery—just came in for that follow-up ultrasound today."

"Sounds good, I'll get that sorted for you," Dr. Grant replied evenly, fingers flying across his keyboard to lock in her appointment.

When he handed Sarah her intake form, his eyes flicked up, fast as lightning, to land on Leia. That split-second glance sent a cold shiver racing down Leia's spine. She was terrified he'd blurt out her pregnancy and cancer diagnosis right in front of Sarah. Sure, Sarah's heart condition was stable now, but this kind of news would wreck her. Thank God, he just turned back to his work and said nothing at all.

Relief flooded Leia as she helped Sarah out of the exam room. The second they were gone, Dr. Grant's face smoothed into that unreadable mask again as he looked up. After walking Sarah into the ultrasound room, Leia dragged in a deep breath and sank onto a bench in the hospital corridor, her mind spinning with worry.

She sat there, head bowed, eyes glued to the dark screen of her phone. He had some nerve. Disappearing for three whole hours with that woman, not even a single text or call. Tears stung the backs of her eyes. Did he really hate her that much?

Suddenly her phone buzzed to life. Julian's name blared across the screen, and her heart kicked into overdrive—half anxiety, half stupid, stupid hope. Emotions choking her, she shot to her feet and hurried over to the corridor window to answer.

"Hey, Julian."

"Where are you?"

She forced her voice to stay steady, casual as she lied: "At the hospital with Mom, for her check-up."

"Results back yet?"

"Not yet, but they should be any minute."

Silence stretched for a beat before he added, cold as ice: "Come home early. We need to talk."

"Talk about what?"

That's when she heard it—Piper's voice, clear as day, cutting through the background:

"Julian, I left my clothes in the bedroom. Can you bring them to the bathroom for me?"

Every word hit Leia's chest like a sledgehammer, crushing every last bit of hope she'd been clinging to. Pain exploded through her, fast and burning.

Was he really already running around after her, fetching her goddamn underwear?

Leia's grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles burned white. She fought to keep her voice from shaking. "If that's all, I'm hanging up."

Silence hung on the other end…

She slammed the call button before she could change her mind, and that's when the dam broke. She clapped both hands over her face and let the tears spill, hot and fast down her cheeks.

They were already this close? What hope did she have left for a man who'd already crossed every line with another woman?

"Crying is the most useless thing in the world. Instead of wasting water on tears, why not face reality like an adult?" A cold, low voice came from right beside her, making her jump out of her skin.

Was it him?

She spun around to find Dr. Grant standing there, his white coat crisp over his broad shoulders, that handsome face still unreadable. That tiny spark of surprise and hope fizzled into disappointment fast. She swiped roughly at her wet cheeks and forced out a greeting: "Dr. Grant."

His expression softened, just a little, and a flicker of weariness crossed his features. "Disappointed it's me?"

"No, not at all, I just—"

"That's enough. No need to make excuses. We need to talk," he cut her off.

Leia nodded. Dr. Grant's gaze swept over her, sharp with quiet concern. "Have you thought any more about your condition?"

She went quiet, long enough that the tick of the wall clock echoed between them.

"If you delay any longer, we might not be able to do anything to help you."

A suffocating weight clamped down on her heart. She lifted her head, pain and war tangled in her gaze, but her voice didn't waver: "Thank you for worrying about me, Dr. Grant, but I'm not terminating the pregnancy. As for the cancer… I'm okay with letting it run its course."

"You're not scared of dying?" Dr. Grant's voice was steady, unflinching.

His words drained all the color from her face. They sounded exactly like something Julian had said to her once before.

"Death doesn't scare you, I get that. But what about the baby?" His voice was barely a murmur, but it hit her like an arrow straight through the heart. She bit down on her already bloodless lip.

He was right. If she was gone, what would happen to her child?

Her hand flew instinctively to her stomach, curling tight over it like she was already protecting the tiny life growing inside her.

Seeing her hesitation, Dr. Grant softened his tone. "If you want to carry this baby to term and give him a healthy start, make an appointment to see me as soon as you can."

With that, he turned and walked away, his tall frame fading down the bright hospital corridor.

Leia leaned weakly against the wall, one hand fisting the drywall to hold herself up as she squeezed her eyes shut, swallowing the thick lump of tears in her throat.

Just then, Sarah stepped out, holding her test results in one hand, grinning from ear to ear. She waved at Leia. "Leia! Results are back—everything's perfect!"

Leia shook off the dark cloud hanging over her and walked over, looping her arm through Sarah's, forcing a bright smile. "Told you. Someone as sweet as you is gonna live a long, healthy life."

Sarah laughed. "Oh, you and your flattery!"

"I'm just telling the truth."

Sarah patted her hand, still smiling. "By the way, you okay driving home alone? I'm meeting a friend at the mall in ten minutes."

"I'm fine. Have fun, Mom."

"Will do, honey."

After seeing Sarah off, Leia drove back to the house she shared with Julian. She fully expected it to be empty. But the second she unlocked the front door, she saw them: his sneakers, and a pair of strappy women's high heels right next to them by the entry mat.

Piper was already here.

Emotions roiled in her chest—suffocation, heartbreak, fear all tangled up together. The thought of walking in on the two of them made her stomach twist. She was terrified to see how close they were, terrified to have every ugly truth about Julian's feelings for her laid bare right in front of her.

She sucked in a deep breath, kicked off her boots, and slipped on her slippers, then stepped inside.

Piper was sprawled on the sofa, looking like she owned the place. She wore a sheer white button-down over pink lace lingerie, paired with tight jeans, and the smugness practically rolled off her. That sweet, innocent face of hers held a mean little glint.

"Well, look who's home," she said, smiling sweetly.

Leia's voice was ice. "Why are you in my house?"

Piper stood up, a self-satisfied smirk playing on her lips, voice lazy as sin: "Why shouldn't I be? This is gonna be my home soon. I'm gonna be the lady of this house."

"That's a laugh. You do remember Julian and I are still married, right? This is my home. Get out."

Leia's grip on her purse strap tightened until her fingers ached. She bit down hard on her lip, voice cold as frost as she spoke.

"Get out? Who do you think you are to say that? Julian invited me here. If anyone's leaving, it's not me." Piper stepped closer, her eyes darting quickly to the staircase behind them, then reached for the front door like she was going to open it.

In an instant, her hostile expression melted into a fake, teary apologetic look. She laid a hand lightly on Leia's shoulder, eyes glistening. "Leia, I'm so sorry. I just came over to apologize. Please don't kick me out."

As she spoke, she lifted her foot and brought it down as hard as she could on Leia's instep.

The sudden, searing pain tore a cry out of Leia, and she shoved Piper back on instinct.

A cunning glint lit up Piper's eyes. She mouthed silent: You're done.

"You—!" Panic shot through Leia.

"Aah!"

Piper went flying backward, hitting the hardwood hard, her forehead cracking against the edge of the coffee table.

Leia froze, completely stunned. She hadn't pushed her that hard!

Footsteps thundered down the stairs, and Julian's urgent voice filled the room: "Piper!"