Chapter 2

"Wake up! Come on, wake up!" Someone was shaking her. Clara blinked groggily, her vision clearing to the sight of the same nurse from earlier. A quick glance around confirmed she was still in the operating room, and she tried to sit up. The moment she moved, a sharp pain shot through her, making her gasp and lose all color in her face. "Whoa, easy there. Don't rush it. It's rare for someone to actually pass out from egg retrieval," the nurse teased gently as she helped her up. Clara froze for a second, a bitter, distorted smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Had anyone ever seen a virgin who's been married five years show up for egg retrieval? The young nurse supported her steadily, chatting warmly as they walked out, "Miss Bennett, you can actually go and watch the fertilization process if you'd like. It's such a magical moment—life being created!" Clara's steps faltered. Her empty gaze landed on the lab door. Slowly, she shook her head. "No... I just want to leave." Having a baby used to be Clara's biggest dream. But now... this one that was coming was just a pawn in Eugene's game to pacify his grandfather. A child born with no love waiting for it—what's the point in watching something like that? The hallway ahead looked endless in its emptiness. She stumbled forward, every step unsteady. By the time she reached the exit, her legs gave out and she collapsed onto the ground, pain spreading from her lower body, cold sweat drenching her back. Her vision started to blur, and she fought to keep focused. Suddenly, a pair of polished men's shoes came into view. She weakly looked up—and saw that face she'd know anywhere. Time hadn't changed him. He still looked exactly like the man she had fallen for. Short, tousled hair, those brows sharp and steady below a strong brow, eyes deep and clear as ever, nose straight and lips perfectly shaped—he was stupidly handsome. Clara's pale hands pressed against the cold floor as she looked at him, something desperately hopeful flickering in her eyes. But his gaze was cold, every word laced with venom. "Clara, hear me clearly—if you dare tell Grandpa about this, I swear you'll wish you were never born." She froze. The last bits of hope that had just surfaced? Gone. "Got it," she whispered, voice almost breaking, head dropping in defeat. Without so much as a glance back, Eugene turned and got into the car like she didn't exist. Clara stared at his back for a long moment before slowly picking herself up and following him in. They sat in silence, each on one side of the car like there was an invisible line dividing them. Back at the Collins residence, Clara dragged her aching body into the bedroom and crashed onto the bed, out cold in seconds. Meanwhile, Eugene and Old Mr. Collins were locked in a tense standoff in the living room. "You trying to kill me?!" Old Mr. Collins, though looking frail from illness, was practically shaking with fury. "Grandpa, I did what you asked. I'm having a baby with Clara. What more do you want?" "You think I don't know what you've pulled? Test tube baby—unbelievable!" "Grandpa, as long as it's our child, does it really matter how it comes into the world?" "You- Eugene, listen up. As long as I'm alive, Clara is my granddaughter-in-law. If you ever dare hurt her, I'll deal with you myself!" Old Mr. Collins was trembling with rage, clutching his chest, looking like he might pass out any second. Eugene panicked and rushed to hold him up. Staring at the pale face of the old man, a hint of guilt softened his tone. "Grandpa, your health's already bad. I'll arrange for you to start resting at the wellness center tomorrow. As for the child—I said I'd do it, and I will. You'll have a blood heir. But having a baby with Clara was me meeting you halfway. Once she delivers, I hope you'll stick to your promise—let us get divorced." His words were sharp, final. Old Mr. Collins had nothing to say against them. He just let out a deep, pained sigh. Once Old Mr. Collins was safely back in his room, Eugene turned to head upstairs, face back to cold and hard. Without thinking, he slammed the door to Clara's room open.