Chapter 8

Rebecca looked at James indifferently before a mocking smile stretched across her face. "Aren't you afraid that I'll tear the Heaton residence apart, James?" He had just fabricated a story about her infidelity, and yet he wanted to show her off at the family banquet now. If she showed up, it was highly likely that the Heaton family would reach the end of their patience. "You worked together with Justin to use my mother to blackmail me. I have to say, you're quite the shameless and despicable man!" Rebecca grabbed the red dress and hurled it at James' head. "Fine. If you're so set on marrying Penelope, I'll make your wish come true." Ignoring the way her body was covered in bandages, Rebecca put on the red dress and accompanied James back to the Heaton residence. Her four-inch heels clicked noisily against the floor. The way she swayed her figure as she cut through the crowd caught everyone's attention. "Mr. Heaton must have lost his mind. This is Mrs. Heaton's birthday banquet. Is he really going to humiliate his family like this?" "I'm shocked too. I can't believe he didn't break up with her after she cheated on him. Is he really going to marry her?" "If I was in Mrs. Heaton's shoes, I would never let him marry her no matter what happened." James was summoned to the backyard. A smile curled at Rebecca's lips. She threw her head back and swallowed a mouthful of vodka. It didn't take long before the Heaton family's bodyguards rushed into the hall and surrounded her. "Ms. Sawyer, Mrs. Heaton has informed us that you're not welcome here. Please leave the premises immediately." Rebecca scoffed upon hearing their words. "What? Am I not allowed to drink even a glass of alcohol? James was the one who brought me here to celebrate my future mother-in-law's birthday. How dare you try to kick me out?" Alicia appeared at that moment. She was wearing an elegant dress and seemed to be suppressing her anger as she stormed toward Rebecca. "Who are you calling your future mother-in-law? Do you think you can go wild in a place like the Heaton residence, Rebecca? Get on your knees right now. Since you are bold enough to show your face here today, I'm going to personally discipline you for ruining the reputation of the Heaton family." To think that Rebecca had been worrying about how to find an opportunity to set her plan into motion. A frosty smile stretched across her lips. "The Heaton family's reputation is none of my concern. You should be berating your son instead. What gives you the right to discipline me?" she retorted as she smashed her glass on the floor. Just as the bodyguards lunged at Rebecca, she overturned the mahogany tables and chairs that were next to her. She then rushed at the floral arrangements and began destroying them. She pulled at the celebratory bouquets and curtains, making everything fall to the floor in a ruined heap. Screams erupted all over the hall amidst the sounds of breaking china. Alicia was so furious that she nearly lost her balance. "Stop that bitch right now!" The bodyguards finally managed to apprehend Rebecca, but only after she turned the entire hall upside down. Alicia pressed a hand to her heaving chest. She struggled to maintain her composure as she addressed the guests, saying, "Sorry for the commotion, everyone. The daughter-in-law of the Heaton family must be approved by everyone in the family. Unfortunately, Ms. Sawyer is a bad match for our family. "Thus, I'll be making the decision on James' behalf today. Ms. Penelope Chambers from Besavia is kind, eloquent, and elegant. She befriended James when they were studying in Switzon. Although she's Ms. Rebecca Sawyer's step-sister, the difference in their personalities are like heaven and earth. "The Heaton family has decided to propose a formal engagement to her. We'll be arranging a marriage between James and Ms. Chambers as soon as possible!" Thunderous applause erupted all around the room the moment the words left Alicia's lips. "Mrs. Heaton is so sensible. They should have done this ages ago!" Meanwhile, James, who had been summoned to the backyard earlier, had finally rushed onto the scene. His Adam's apple bobbed even as he carried himself with his usual aloof demeanor. "Mom… I know that I brought shame upon the Heaton family's name, but if I go along with your arrangement—" Rebecca felt nothing but disgust as she watched the scene unfold before her. The bodyguards kept her immobilized by grabbing her arms. She didn't have any strength left as she bent over and threw up. "Oh my God. Don't tell me she's pregnant?" someone in the crowd exclaimed. James' face twisted before he rushed over to Rebecca and picked her up. He then bolted out of the Heaton residence. Rebecca had no idea that God would play such a tasteless joke on her. She was pregnant with James' child when she was on the brink of leaving. Her face was swollen as she lay on the bed in the ward, staring up at the ceiling with hollow eyes. James was next to her. He hadn't stopped smoking ever since the medical report was delivered to him. No one knew who leaked the news, but someone claimed that they saw Rebecca in the gynecology department. As a result, the internet became abuzz with the news of how James was going to marry Penelope, along with the revelation that Rebecca was pregnant. "This child came at the wrong time, Becca. Mom just approved of me marrying Penny. I can't acknowledge the child as mine during this critical moment." For the first time in her life, Rebecca finally understood what it felt like to be completely numb. She grabbed whatever she could reach and hurled it at James, shouting, "Get lost!" James' forehead started bleeding when the cup grazed him. A wobbly smile stretched across Rebecca's lips. It was obvious that she was incredibly weak, but she still carried herself with an air of arrogance. "What? Did you really think that I would want to give birth to your child, Mr. Heaton?" James felt as if his heart was being stabbed as he stared at Rebecca's smiling face. An indescribable emotion flashed through him, making him surge forward to draw her into his arms, unconcerned about the consequences. His voice rumbled from deep within his chest when he spoke. "Don't say such a thing, okay? I know that you love children, Becca. Promise me that you'll keep it. The two of you can stay in my villa in Switzon once you give birth. Although you'll be living abroad, I promise that you and the baby will enjoy the riches that you deserve. I won't skimp on even a single cent. "But now, I need you to endure a bit of hardship one last time." That afternoon, a fake paternity test result was circulated online. The person who leaked the result claimed that they had insider information. The result stated that the child growing within Rebecca didn't belong to James. Rumors began circulating immediately. "Thank goodness Mrs. Heaton managed to stop this trainwreck in time. Apparently, the Heaton family was worried that James would become enamored with the idea of becoming a father after the paternity test results were released, so they swiftly confirmed his engagement to Ms. Chambers. "In fact, they're going to have their ceremony next week!" Rebecca remained emotionless as she scrolled through the news. She silently sought out a doctor and made an appointment for an abortion. On the day of the surgery, she felt as if she had just gone to sleep. When she woke up again, she could almost pretend that everything that had transpired was just one long dream, as long as she ignored the empty feeling within her. Rebecca was discharged from the hospital on the same day of James' and Penelope's wedding ceremony. She returned to the Sawyer residence, carrying a bag with her. The familiar house was covered in colorful decorations, adding to the lively and joyous atmosphere. Penelope had changed into her wedding dress. She, Justin, and Wanda were giddy with joy as they got into the wedding car. Rebecca was completely alone as she stepped into the empty villa. Two days ago, Justin promised her that once Penelope married into the Heaton family, he would return Carrie's ashes and belongings to Rebecca. She would then leave Nurano forever. As expected, the items she wanted were placed on the table in the living room. She stored them in her bag. Rebecca took one last look at the familiar house before flicking the lighter open and tossing it on the couch. When she hurried out of the house, she saw someone waiting outside and looking around. "I'm with the express delivery company, miss. Are you the one who placed the order?" Rebecca handed a gift box that she had prepared beforehand to the deliveryman. "Yes, I was the one who placed the order. Please deliver this to Cloud Garden Hotel. Make sure that the groom personally signs for it." Nestled within the gift box was the fetus. She had personally wrapped it before placing it inside. James had planned this day for many years. It was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Rebecca was determined to give him an unforgettable wedding gift. After all was said and done, she quickly slipped into her car and sped toward the airport. Behind her, the small fire slowly spread throughout the house until it transformed into a massive blaze that engulfed the entire house, the flames surging toward the sky.