Chapter 1

"Lia, have you thought about what we discussed? Your grandpa isn't doing well. You're our only daughter. Your dad and I don't have anyone else. Are you really not coming home to take over the company?" Julia Summers sat in the empty room, paintbrush in hand, as her mother Elaine Yates' weary voice crackled through the phone. In the dim room, she finished her painting with one last stroke, completing the portrait of a family of three. Just as Elaine braced for another refusal, Julia answered. "Alright." Elaine faltered, sounding almost startled. "Y-You mean yes?" "Yes," Julia replied evenly. "I'll come back. I just need time to wrap things up here. I'll be home within two weeks." A few clipped exchanges later, she ended the call. Julia stepped out of the room, her gaze drifting over the three people in the hall below. Her eyes settled on the man seated on the couch. He was undeniably handsome—his features sharp but not harsh, his presence quiet yet intense. His shirt and dress pants were perfectly pressed, the top button neatly done up, giving him an effortless elegance. This was her husband. The man she'd gone against her family for, rejecting their plans and even cutting them off, all because she'd refused to marry anyone but him. Sebastian Holt from Javerston was known for being cold and unapproachable, so much so that people in their circle called him "The Iceborne Scion". But now, here he was, speaking softly to a woman. A strikingly handsome boy, around five or six, nestled into the woman's arms. His big, pleading eyes blinked up at her. "Aunt Penny, will you make trout almondine for me? Please?" Penelope Dawson tapped the tip of his nose affectionately and smiled. "Of course." Xavier Holt's eyes lit up with delight. "You're the best, Aunt Penny! Mom never gives me seconds." He gave a little pout. Penelope chuckled. "Well then, Xav, eat as much as you like today." Xavier nodded, beaming. "You're so nice, Aunt Penny. I wish you were my mom." Penelope's smile grew wider. Julia stood on the upper floor, a dull ache pressing against her ribs. Kids never knew when to stop eating. She only monitored Xavier's portions because seeing him curled up with a stomachache later would break her heart. She couldn't take it anymore. That was her husband and son, but when the three of them were together, they looked like the perfect family, while she just didn't belong. Julia turned and retreated to her room. Before long, footsteps approached, and Penelope walked in. Her makeup was perfectly done, and her smile was warm and tender. "Jules, come downstairs with me. Let's celebrate Xav's birthday together," she said. Penelope used to be Julia's intern. She didn't come from much and was never more than average at her job. Once, she broke down in tears before Julia and talked about everything she was going through. She told her that if she couldn't find a job soon, she'd have no choice but to go home and settle into marriage. Feeling sorry for her, Julia brought Penelope into the company. No one expected that Penelope would turn around and wreck Julia's family. Penelope had been mimicking Julia, determined to replace her as Falcrest Group's new leading lady. By the time Julia caught on, Penelope had already made herself comfortable, securing Sebastian's and Xavier's favor. Julia had seen past Penelope's act long ago. She even blamed herself for inviting a viper into her nest. "I'm not feeling well, so I won't be going," Julia said flatly. Penelope put on an innocent act and coaxed, "You're Xav's mother, Jules. He needs your blessing." Julia frowned, about to reject her again, but then the thought struck her, and she sighed. This was between her and Penelope. Xavier was just a kid and shouldn't be dragged into it. As his mother, Julia owed him this much. So, she set her paints aside and brushed past Penelope on her way downstairs. Being ignored, Penelope's smile stiffened, and a flicker of malice flashed in her eyes as she followed after Julia. Julia went still as she stared at Sebastian and Xavier. It had been ten years since she joined Falcrest Group to gain experience. That was where she'd met Sebastian, and where their constant teasing had somehow turned into a wedding. She'd defied her family and walked away from their carefully arranged plans all for him. And she'd never regretted it. Sebastian was everything—wealthy, handsome, and utterly devoted. And Xavier? A perfect, bright-eyed boy who made her heart swell. For years, she'd truly believed she had it all. But now Julia watched as Penelope served food onto Sebastian's and Xavier's plates with a flattering smile. Penelope's presence had ruined everything for her. Julia quietly scooped some food onto her plate. She was about to take her first bite when a sickening feeling rose in her throat. She dropped the fork and rushed to the bathroom, gagging as her stomach heaved. Sebastian was instantly on his feet, worry written across his face. However, Penelope stepped in his path, her own expression frantic. She grabbed his arm, asking, "What's happening to Jules, Mr. Holt?" "Don't worry about it. She's been like this for a while," Sebastian said gently. Then he turned to Julia, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So what's the excuse this time? A cold? Or is the food just terrible?" Julia didn't bother answering. She just dabbed her mouth with a tissue. Would they even believe her if she said she was pregnant? Then again, what was the point in telling them? She'd be gone soon anyway. Why rock the boat between Sebastian and Penelope? Penelope was only Sebastian's secretary, but that didn't stop her from calling him out. "Mr. Holt, you shouldn't talk about Jules like that. She could actually be sick. She's lost so much weight lately," she said with a slight frown. She got up, poured a cup of chamomile tea, and handed it to Julia. "Jules, are you okay? Here, have some of this." Still feeling queasy and unable to bear the sight of her, Julia shoved her aside irritably. Julia barely used any strength, but Penelope went with the motion, and the hot tea spilled all over her own hand. She cried out in pain. "Penny!" "Aunt Penny!" Sebastian and Xavier rushed over at the same time, their eyes fixed on her injured hand with concern. Her skin, which had been pale just moments ago, was now bright red. Xavier's eyes glistened with tears, and his voice sounded worried. "Aunt Penny, does it hurt a lot?" Penelope gave him a weak smile and brushed it off. "Don't fuss over me, Xav. I just wasn't paying attention. It's fine." Sebastian shot Julia a furious glare, barely keeping his anger under control. "What the hell are you playing at now?" he demanded, his voice cutting like a blade. Julia's chest tightened painfully when she noticed Penelope's smug expression and Xavier standing guard before her. Overwhelmed, she closed her eyes. "I didn't do anything," she murmured. But Sebastian would never believe her. The family doctor arrived. Sebastian kept Penelope close, letting her lean against his chest. His eyes were filled with disappointment. "You've changed, Julia. The old you would never have done something like this out of jealousy." Had she really changed? Yes. She had. Ten years ago, Julia's skin wouldn't have had stretch marks from childbirth. She wouldn't have lost her glow from all those sleepless nights either. She would never have given up her career just to manage Sebastian's household because of some offhand comment he made, especially not if it meant getting replaced by someone else in the end. Suddenly, Julia felt exhausted. She swallowed the words she wanted to say in her defense, turned, and headed upstairs. Julia paused at her door and looked back one last time, taking in the mess below. Her eyes lingered on Sebastian and Xavier, whom she'd once loved more than anything. They gathered around Penelope like usual, just as close as ever. Julia shook her head with a wry smile and rubbed her stomach. She set the timer on her phone, counting down the days until she'd be gone. Then, without looking back, she turned and walked inside. From now on, she was done with their world.