Chapter 2

Just then, noise erupted from outside the door. "Get a doctor now! If something happens, none of us can answer for it!" Shortly, a rapid pounding shook the bedroom door. "Mr. Graham, someone from Susan's villa said she doubled over with stomach pain and was bleeding. You need to come right away!" At those words, Luke roughly shoved me aside, causing my lower back to slam against the edge of the vanity, sending a sharp pain shooting up my spine. Without even glancing at me, Luke sprang to his feet, yanked the door open, and barked, "What happened? Tell the driver to get the car ready, bring in the best obstetrician in the city, and move fast!" His voice was still ringing in the room as he stormed out, already running toward Susan's villa. The housekeeper, Amy White, hurried to my side, rubbing the sore spot on my back with a gentle hand. "Mrs. Graham, don't take it to heart." Had I? I froze, touching my face only to realize it was already streaked with tears. Forcing a smile, I whispered, "Help me change. I'll go see Susan too." When I arrived at Susan's villa, she was curled softly in Luke's arms, her face tilted up toward him, eyes glistening. "I didn't mean to say I wasn't feeling well… I just panicked. I thought once I had the baby, maybe you wouldn't want to see me anymore. "Whenever I think of you being with someone else, my heart aches like it's being crushed. Luke, I don't know why I feel this way. Please don't blame me… I just want to steal a few more glances at you. I don't want you to leave." Luke held her close, his palm pressed gently over her stomach. "Silly girl. You're carrying my child. How could I ever ignore you? You and the baby are the most important people in my life now. Our child will inherit the company one day. Do you think I could ever push you aside? "Scarlett is too stubborn, never as gentle and thoughtful as you. I've been tired of it for a long time. Don't worry. There's no one like you." Susan clutched the collar of her shirt. "Then, promise me you'll come every day and won't have any children with her, alright? I'll give you as many as you want. Boys, girls, as many as you want." Luke laughed quietly, kissing her forehead. "Fine, you spoiled thing. I'll be with you every day." Susan giggled, snuggling deeper into his chest. "Touch it. The baby knows Daddy's here with us." Clutching my bag, I slipped away unnoticed. Looking at the brightly lit villa, my eyes burned with tears. I remembered my wedding day, when my dad had clapped Luke on the shoulder. "We only have one daughter. If you ever make her cry, I won't forgive you." Luke's eyes were red when he promised him, "Adam, if I ever betray Scarlett, I'll spend the rest of my life abandoned by everyone." It had been less than three years, and he already had another woman pregnant. Amy noticed the pallor in my face and whispered, "Mrs. Graham, don't worry. Even if Susan gives birth first, when you have a child later, they'll still be the rightful heir." I shook my head. "No, Amy. There won't be any children." Amy froze, confused, but I turned my face away. Now that Luke was tainted, I didn't want him anymore. Some things, once stained, could never be clean again. Back in my room, I sat at my desk until dawn broke, then typed a message in an encrypted email to my dad: "Dad, I've divorced Luke. I'll come to you in seven days." After sending it, I retrieved the contract from my safe and went to the nearest law office to file for divorce. Luke, since you had already betrayed what we had, I would leave completely and give you what you want. … The next morning, before I had even eaten, a maid came knocking. In the living room, Susan was leaning against the sofa while Luke fed her fruit. The moment he saw me, his hand froze midair. He set the plate aside and walked over. "Scarlett, you look pale. Did you not sleep well?" Jenny's voice cut in from the side, sharp and mocking. "Why would she lose sleep when she's not pregnant? She's not like Susan, who hasn't slept a wink all night carrying that child. That's even more worrying."