“What?”

Eliana Harvey felt like she’d just been struck by lightning. For a moment, she couldn’t speak. Couldn’t even breathe.

She snatched the bottle of vitamins from Zora Morales’ hand, twisted off the cap, and emptied the multicolored pills into her palm.

These were the same multivitamins she’d been taking for three years. How the hell could they be birth control?

“This... this can’t be right. There has to be a mistake.”

“Eliana, I didn’t want to believe it either,” Zora said, her voice calm but firm. “But these results came from multiple independent lab tests. I’m certain. Those vitamins you’ve been taking? They’re contraceptives.”

Zora knew Eliana needed to hear it plainly—needed to feel the weight of it.

The revelation hit Eliana like a punch to the chest. She clung to the vitamin bottle, dazed. So much had happened since last night. Her mind was still reeling.

“Eliana, how did you get these vitamins each time? Or rather—who recommended them to you?”

Zora’s question snapped her back into focus. Eliana tried to remember.

“A few years ago, I was shopping with Iris at the department store, and she introduced me to them. She was trying to conceive back then, too. She said lots of women abroad took them—claimed they were good for reproductive health and boosted immunity.”

“She also recommended a foreign pharmacy service. I’ve been buying them from there ever since.”

Eliana opened the app on her phone and showed Zora. Zora downloaded the same app immediately.

“Eliana, I’m going to order a bottle in my name. I’ll run more tests on them. If my results match yours, we’ll know the supplier is guilty of selling counterfeit medication.”

“But if the bottle I receive contains only vitamins—not contraceptives like yours—then we may have a tampering issue that isn’t linked to the supplier or manufacturer.”

“So... Zora, are you saying someone may have secretly swapped my vitamins with birth control pills?”

Zora’s hypothesis sent a shiver down Eliana’s spine. Just suspecting it made her break out in a cold sweat.

Pharmaceutical sales were tightly regulated. It bewildered her to think anyone would go to such lengths to keep her from conceiving.

Filled with doubt, Eliana checked the surveillance footage from the estate, hoping to catch anyone who might have tampered with her bedside vitamins. Yet, apart from herself, only Elisa Smith, the housekeeper, occasionally tidied the drawer while cleaning.

Elisa had been appointed by Christopher’s grandmother specifically to help Eliana conceive, preparing special soups and nutritious meals every day. It couldn’t have been Elisa. As for Christopher? He never even touched the drawer.

With no leads from the footage, Eliana waited for Zora’s conclusive results, deciding to keep the incident to herself for now.

Later that evening, after learning that Mrs. Mason had woken, Eliana returned to the hospital. Despite everything between her and Christopher, Mrs. Mason had always treated her kindly over the past three years.

As she approached the hospital room, Eliana overheard snippets of conversation between her mother-in-law and Mrs. Mason:

“Mom, I have great news—Christopher has a child now. I’m a grandmother, and you’re a great-grandmother!”

“Really? When did Eliana get pregnant?”

“Oh, not Eliana—Octavia and Christopher’s child.”

“Octavia?”

“Yes. The child is four now. A boy!”

“What? Four years old... So he was born before Christopher married Eliana. That’s outrageous! Keeping such a secret is deceitful!”

“Mom, why are you angry with Christopher? Eliana has been married into the Harvey family for years and hasn’t shown any sign of pregnancy. Thank goodness for Octavia, or our family name would be in jeopardy.”

“But he’s married to Eliana now, and parading another woman’s child around—what will Eliana do?”

“Hmph. If she knows, that’s all the better for us. Mom, I know you don’t like Octavia, but he's part of our family. I've already decided to bring my grandson home from Birmingham soon.”

The words made Eliana freeze at the door. Christopher and this other woman’s child had been a secret from her all this time.

Knowing her mother-in-law was planning to bring Christopher’s illegitimate child into the Harvey household, Eliana chose not to enter and face the humiliation.

She turned to leave—but ran into Christopher in front of the elevator.

“Where have you been today?”

She had vanished early in the morning, and he had called her several times with no response. She usually never missed his calls. And if she did, she would quickly return them.

Noticing her silence and the tears welling in her eyes, he sensed something was wrong.

“Are you not feeling well?”

Thinking she might be unwell, he reached out to check if she had a fever. But Eliana stepped back, evading his touch.

“Christopher, let’s get a divorce!”

Eliana’s voice quivered as she spoke, then she quickly ducked into the elevator.

“What?”

Christopher was still processing her words when his phone rang abruptly. The screen showed only one name: “Octavia.”

“Octavia, what’s going on? Don’t worry. Even if the paparazzi caught you, it’s fine. I’m here...”

As Christopher comforted Octavia over the phone, Eliana, tears streaming down her face, made a call of her own.

“Brad, you mentioned your company urgently needs a few screenwriters. If I come over, would that work?”

“Absolutely. That would be wonderful!”

The man on the line was Bradley Peterson, the son of Eliana’s adoptive parents.

Shortly after Eliana’s marriage, Bradley had pursued a career in film and media abroad, leaving behind the Peterson family real estate company. Recently, Bradley had mentioned he needed experienced screenwriters.

Eliana had graduated with a degree in film studies, hoping to become a successful screenwriter. But her marriage to Christopher right after college had led her to follow his wishes and focus on starting a family.

Now, realizing her three years of devotion had been for nothing, she saw no point in waiting for her mother-in-law to bring Christopher’s child and Octavia into their lives before being pushed aside. She intended to leave willingly—stepping away from the betrayal before it destroyed her.

“Great. Then, Brad, I’ll arrange my travel documents soon and aim to be there next month!”

“That’s fantastic, Eliana—I can’t wait. See you soon!”

Bradley’s voice was warm with anticipation.

When Eliana hung up, she’d already left the hospital. Snow had begun to fall outside. The cold wind bit through her as she bundled her wool coat tighter around herself. She lifted her head and closed her aching eyes. The cool touch on her face—it was hard to tell if it was the snow or her tears...

That night, Eliana didn’t return home. She stayed at Zora Morales’ apartment.

Upon hearing of Eliana’s decision to leave, Zora supported her wholeheartedly. No wife would tolerate a husband’s cheating and a secret child.

The next morning, Eliana returned to the estate to pack her belongings.

Christopher arrived just as she was descending the stairs with her suitcase.

With a few quick strides, he reached out and grabbed her suitcase.

“Eliana, let’s talk!”

Christopher Harvey stopped Eliana just as she was about to walk out. His cold, strikingly handsome face betrayed a flicker of solemnity. His grandmother had suffered another medical crisis the night before, and he'd spent every minute until dawn at the hospital. Only when she woke up and questioned him did Christopher realize that Eliana’s strange behavior the day before might have come from some painful news she’d stumbled onto.

Now that Christopher had started the conversation, Eliana couldn’t ignore it. She turned and sat across from him on the sofa. He tugged his tie loose, irritation sharp in the movement. He pulled out a cigarette, then hesitated and set it back down.

When he finally looked up, their eyes met. Eliana’s were striking—and utterly empty. Her eyelids were red and puffy.

She waited impatiently for him to speak. It was strange, really—a man known for his decisiveness, suddenly unable to decide anything. Was guilt keeping him tongue-tied?

Seeing him struggle, Eliana decided to prompt him.

“I know about your child in Birmingham—the one Octavia had. Don’t worry, I won’t make a scene. I’ll leave today so you can bring them home.”

She set the signed divorce papers down in front of him.

Thinking back on how she’d foolishly stayed home every day this past year, eagerly waiting for their once-a-week meetings, she felt utterly ridiculous.

Christopher glanced at the divorce papers, a muscle in his furrowed brow twitching. When his gaze returned to Eliana, he caught the sarcasm threaded through her expression—and it nudged him to speak.

“Eliana, I know this situation is unfair to you, but Gage was born before we even met.”

To him, the fact that the child existed before their marriage somehow canceled out any notion of infidelity or betrayal.

Eliana stared at him. She wanted to laugh. She couldn’t.

“My grandmother isn’t well, and I don’t want her worrying over us. If you’re upset and want to go back to your family for a bit, I’ll come to get you.”

“Elisa, please take Eliana’s suitcase back upstairs.”

Christopher didn’t sign the divorce papers Eliana had presented. He instructed the housekeeper to return her luggage upstairs, then left.

Eliana sat frozen on the sofa, watching him walk away, her heart heavy. It felt like throwing a punch that never landed—no impact, just a suffocating ache that left her bewildered.

She wasn’t sure if his actions were for his grandmother’s sake or if he was genuinely reluctant to end their marriage. Whatever his reasons, Eliana couldn’t ignore the reality of their situation.

Her phone rang suddenly—it was Tessa Mason. Reluctantly, Eliana answered.

“Hi, Grandma…”

“Eliana, I need you to come to the hospital immediately. There’s something very important we need to talk about face-to-face.”

“Grandma, focus on getting better. Whatever it is can wait.”

Eliana suspected Mrs. Mason wanted to discuss Christopher’s child with Octavia—a topic she had no desire to revisit. But Mrs. Mason was insistent, leaving Eliana no choice but to go to the hospital.

When she reached Mrs. Mason’s room, she found herself face-to-face with someone she hadn’t seen in a long time.

Tall and slender, her hair falling in cascading waves down to her waist, she wore an outrageously expensive designer outfit. Her makeup was flawless, and she was undeniably stunning.

It was Octavia Jensen—Christopher’s first love.

“Eliana, you’re here!”

Mrs. Mason’s voice broke the silence.

“Octavia, explain everything clearly to Eliana!”

Mrs. Mason spoke in a tone that was almost commanding. She had little fondness for this woman known for her glamorous lifestyle. But given that Octavia had secretly raised Christopher’s child, Mrs. Mason felt Eliana deserved a full explanation—both emotionally and morally.

“I’m sorry, Eliana. You might already know, but I have a child, and the father is… Christopher.”

Octavia lowered her head, shedding her glamorous facade as she approached Eliana with a contrite demeanor.

“I know this isn’t fair to you. If my presence and that of my child have caused you discomfort, I’m truly sorry.”

“What are you implying? I asked you to explain when this child was conceived and whether you and Christopher have been involved since his marriage to Eliana. I need clarity!”

Mrs. Mason, unhappy with Octavia’s vague explanation, strained herself with anger, clutching her chest as she gasped.

“Grandma, please don’t stress. Take care of yourself.”

Eliana rushed to calm Mrs. Mason, who was still dissatisfied with Octavia’s hazy account yet aware that the child’s timing wouldn’t alter their predicament. She wanted Octavia to stop, but Octavia burst into tears.

“Eliana, I know I’m at fault, and I truly apologize. I didn’t foresee any of this, and I’m terribly sorry.”

Actors can summon tears instantly, and Octavia’s tear-streaked face stirred no sympathy in Eliana. She certainly wasn’t Mother Teresa and couldn’t bring herself to forgive the damage done to her marriage.

Unexpectedly, Octavia grasped Eliana’s hand.

“If hitting me will ease your anger, I’m at your mercy. I won’t resist.”

“What are you doing? Let go!”

Unwilling to make contact with Octavia, Eliana tried to free her hand, but Octavia fell to the ground before she could pull away forcefully.

“Octavia!”

Christopher suddenly entered the room, arriving just in time to witness what seemed like Eliana pushing Octavia. He immediately rushed to help her up.

Seeing Octavia’s tearful, helpless face, Christopher’s cold eyes shifted to Eliana, silently questioning her actions toward someone he cared about.

Yet he remained silent. Instead, he grabbed Octavia’s wrist and led her out of the room.

“Chris…”

Eliana instinctively wanted to follow and explain but hesitated, wondering if it was necessary.

Behind her, Mrs. Mason shouted insistently.

“Christopher, where do you think you’re going? Come back and explain, come back!”

“Grandma!”

Eliana understood Mrs. Mason wanted a proper explanation to clear things up, but she shook her head.

“There’s no need, Grandma, I’m okay…”

“Ah!”

Mrs. Mason sighed helplessly, knowing that Eliana was hiding her pain despite her brave demeanor. What woman could easily tolerate the thought of her husband fathering another woman’s child? But given the circumstances, Mrs. Mason offered consolation.

“Eliana, don’t be upset. I’ve clarified everything. Although the child is Christopher’s, he was unaware when Octavia secretly had him after their breakup. Christopher assured me there’s been nothing between them since your marriage—no betrayal.”

Mrs. Mason aimed to comfort Eliana while confirming her grandson’s innocence.

Eliana stayed silent. If Christopher had nothing to hide, he would have mentioned Octavia and the child the moment he found out. Yet he kept it secret, even setting up an office in Birmingham to spend time with them.

Feeling suffocated, Eliana couldn’t stay at the hospital any longer.

She’d driven herself to the hospital. As the elevator descended to the parking level, the doors opened to reveal a scene that froze her—Christopher and Octavia, standing in a dim corner, deep in conversation…

“I'm so sorry, Chris. I never should've told you about Gage. It's caused nothing but trouble, and that's on me. But don't worry—I'm going to take Gage and leave. I wouldn't want to mess up what you have with Eliana.”

“Let's not do this now, Octavia. Gage is my son. You're not taking him anywhere. I'll handle everything. Just focus on taking care of him.”

Eliana stood by the elevator, too far away to hear what Christopher and Octavia were saying. All she could see was Christopher gripping Octavia's trembling shoulders, his face tight with worry and tenderness.

Eliana forced herself to act like she hadn't seen a thing and headed for her car. But at the door, she realized her keys were gone.

Her purse was a mess, so she knelt and dumped everything onto the ground, searching carefully. Suddenly, a pair of polished black dress shoes stopped in front of her.

“Looking for this?”

Eliana looked up. Christopher was holding her keys. She'd forgotten she'd taken them out in the elevator and dropped them by the doorway—right where he could find them.

“Thanks.”

She stood and reached for the keys, but her fingers only caught the keychain. Christopher didn't let go.

Eliana met his cold, piercing gaze again.

“Eliana, I get that this thing with Gage is hard for you to accept. But if you're going to be angry, be angry at me.”

His tone was calm, but his words were a warning, plain and simple.

Ha.

A mocking smile flickered across Eliana's lips. How ironic. She was the one who'd been lied to and hurt, and yet she was being cast as the villain.

“Christopher, you've got it wrong. There's nothing I can't accept.”

“Oh, and don't forget to sign the divorce papers. I'll see you at the solicitor's office next Monday.”

Steeling herself, Eliana finally pried the keys from Christopher's hand. Christopher watched her drive off without looking back, his expression hardening to ice.

Three years of marriage, and Eliana had always been gentle, kind, considerate. She'd stayed composed in front of him, never once storming off the way she had today.

Instead of going home, Eliana went to her friend Zora's apartment. Zora was working the night shift and had left warm dinner rolls out for her, but Eliana couldn't eat.

Exhausted, she curled up on the sofa and didn't move. The ache in her chest dulled into numbness—she felt nothing. All she wanted was to get out of the city as soon as possible.

She'd already made plans with her adoptive brother, Bradley, to work at his media company overseas as a screenwriter, helping him out wherever she could.

In college, a script she'd written had been picked up by a famous director and turned into a hit drama series. After graduation, several top production companies offered her jobs. But the Harvey family accepted the Petersons' proposal for an arranged marriage, and she married Christopher right after graduation.

Now, as she planned her exit from the Harvey family, she could finally chase the career she'd always wanted.

But before she could move on, she had loose ends to tie. One of them: finding the person who'd been swapping her vitamins for birth control pills over the past three years.

Two days later, the results came back:

“Eliana, we found him. Just like you thought. The guy who swapped out your imported vitamins was a courier named Liam Stone. He's already left the delivery company.”

“But I did some digging. Liam's ex-girlfriend used to work as Octavia Jensen's assistant.”

“Octavia!”

Zora's words hit Eliana like a jolt. She hadn't expected any of this to trace back to that woman.

“So it's possible Octavia secretly paid her assistant—and her assistant's ex—to make sure I couldn't get pregnant. That way, she'd have a better shot at bringing her child into the Harvey family.”

Eliana's grip tightened around her coffee mug.

Christopher had hidden that woman and child from her. She could accept that. She wouldn't fight or argue. She was even willing to step aside. But if Octavia was behind the vitamin switch, Eliana couldn't swallow her rage.

Around noon, Eliana went to a luxury hotel. When she knocked on the presidential suite, Octavia opened the door, looking surprised:

“Eliana?”

“I have something to ask you.”

Eliana skipped the pleasantries and walked right in. With no one else around, she cut straight to the point:

“Do you know Liam Stone?”

A flicker crossed Octavia's perfectly made-up face before she shook her head, playing dumb:

“No, I don't know him. Who is he?”

“You really don't know?”

“I don't think I've ever heard that name.”

“Well, he was your former assistant's boyfriend. From what I hear, your former assistant, Tammy Chen, tried to kill herself over Liam while she was working for you.”

“So, Ms. Jensen, you're sure you don't know him?”

Eliana's piercing gaze locked onto Octavia's innocent act. Life wasn't some story full of dramatic coincidences.

Octavia's fingers curled tighter instinctively, but her face stayed locked in that mask of innocence:

“Eliana, I really didn't know Tammy's ex-boyfriend was named Liam Stone. My relationship with Tammy was strictly professional. I don't pry into people's private lives.”

“And what about Iris Rhodes?”

Eliana pressed on. Iris Rhodes was the one who'd first recommended the imported vitamins to her. She, Octavia, and Iris had all been classmates at the same university. Iris and Octavia had been close friends in the theater program.

“Octavia, surely you remember Iris Rhodes?”

Eliana stepped closer, her sharp gaze fixed on the subtle shifts in Octavia's expression. She'd already caught a flicker of guilt in Octavia's shrewd eyes when Liam's name first came up. Now, as she asked about Iris, Octavia's gaze wavered.

“Mama!”

Before Octavia could answer, a child's voice rang out from the doorway. Eliana looked over and saw Christopher walk in with a small child in his arms—presumably his and Octavia's child.

“Eliana, what are you doing here?”

Christopher's face darkened the second he saw Eliana with Octavia.

“Chris, it's fine. Eliana just came by for a casual chat.”

Octavia rushed to explain before Eliana could get a word out. But as she tried to reassure him, Christopher noticed Octavia's eyes welling up. His expression turned even colder as he strode over and grabbed Eliana:

“Come with me.”

“Let go!”

Eliana shook him off hard and pulled the vitamin bottle from her bag:

“Christopher, I came here because of this…”