I had loved Julian Sterling for a decade, clawing my way to marry him. I even ruthlessly drove away the idealized first love he cherished. Six years into our marriage, women around him changed like a revolving door, yet no matter how he hurt me, I never considered leaving. Until that day, pregnant, I saw him bring another woman home, twisting and turning on our marital bed. I broke down and questioned him, but he sneered, "Aurora Hayes, don't forget what you said when we married—as long as you could marry me, you wouldn't interfere with my private life." "If you feel short-changed, you're free to go find someone else." He glanced at my swollen belly, his voice utterly contemptuous, "Remember to use protection. Don't defile the Sterling bloodline." I lunged forward, losing control, but he coldly pushed me away. I stumbled down the stairs, leading to the tragic loss of both mother and child. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I saw him bring that woman home. This time, I resolved to let go of a decade of obsession, to both fulfill Julian's desires and reclaim my soul. 1 During my anomaly scan, I learned I was having a daughter. Overjoyed, I bought a heap of pink baby items from the store, eager to surprise Julian. The moment I stepped through the door, a faint, lingering scent of perfume tightened my chest—a smell I couldn't bear during my pregnancy. I climbed the stairs, step by step, and saw scattered clothes in the hallway: men's ties and trousers entwined with women's lingerie and slip dresses, trailing all the way to the slightly ajar master bedroom door. Unbearable sounds drifted from within. My palms clenched, nails digging into my flesh. Looking down, the newly bought baby items had somehow slipped from my grasp, mixing with the clothes on the floor, a glaring sight. At this moment, I finally understood: I had been reborn. In my previous life, I had impulsively burst through that door, grappling with the couple inside, only to die consumed by hatred. This time, I merely leaned against the wall, slowly descending the stairs, and quietly sat on the sofa to wait. Time stretched on. Julian finally appeared at the top of the stairs, clad in a bathrobe, the nauseating scent of their recent intimacy clinging to him. He watched my dry retches with an impassive face. I wiped my mouth, my voice eerily calm: "You have a guest?" He nonchalantly nodded, slowly walking towards me. I clutched my belly, stepping back. "And this guest is in our room now?" He paused, likely surprised by my unusual composure. Just then, Chloe Peterson, a woman who could have walked off a movie screen, glided down the stairs, wrapped in my silk nightgown. Her chest was covered in red marks from their pleasure. She deliberately asked in a delicate voice, "Mr. Sterling, who is this…?" Julian squeezed her shoulder, his eyes full of provocative intent: "Her? Oh, she's my wife—no, Mrs. Sterling, I should say." Chloe gasped, her voice trembling artfully: "You're so naughty! Why didn't you tell me your wife would be back…?" Julian kissed her neck, then smiled at me: "Mrs. Sterling, didn't we agree? This marriage is a mutual arrangement, no interference." "You haven't lost out these past six years. The Sterling family has been more than generous to the Hayes family." He was right. Had it not been for the staggering sum from our prenuptial agreement, Hayes Industries would have long gone bankrupt, and my parents and brother wouldn't be living in such luxury today. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "I understand. I apologize for interrupting." I put on my shoes and pulled open the door. From behind me, Julian's voice came, with a barely perceptible tremor: "Wait!" I didn't look back. Julian, this time, I won't wait for you. 2 Dragging my heavy body, I stepped out of the gated community and hailed a cab. Before opening the car door, I took one last look at that mansion—perhaps this was the best ending. At least it wouldn't be like my previous life, where I sacrificed my life for someone who never loved me. Unable to go back to my parents' house, I could only return to my small pre-marital apartment. I threw the sheets and duvet covers into the washing machine, then wiped down tables and mopped the floors, leaving no corner untouched. By the time everything was tidied, it was already late night. A cramping pain subtly radiated from my belly. I curled up in bed, clutching a pillow, suddenly feeling utterly exhausted. A cold, wet sensation on my face surprised me; it was tears. Ten years of bitter, unrequited love ending so abruptly. My heart ached. I wrestled with the decision of whether to keep the baby, tossing and turning through a sleepless night. But Julian, meanwhile, was lost in Chloe Peterson's tender embrace, seemingly forgetting all else. The trending actress had been frequently flaunting her happiness on social media: candlelit dinners, expensive jewelry, designer handbags… The backgrounds of her photos and videos were all too familiar—my marital home. There was even one photo where the reflection of a tall, imposing man preparing a late-night snack in the kitchen was visible on the glass window. That particular photo had delighted her fans for a long time, and it had left me stunned for equally as long. The man who wouldn't even pour me a glass of water when I had a high fever was now willing to cook for another woman. A week later, on a Monday, the day of Sterling Corp.'s board meeting, I took the opportunity to return to the mansion. I quickly packed my bags, grabbed my documents, and headed downstairs, only to run straight into Julian, who had rushed back. Seeing the items in my hand, he let out a cold laugh, snatched my luggage, and flung it aside. I frowned at him. "What are you doing?" "Aurora Hayes, I should be asking you what you're doing!" "Are you so childish that you're still playing the 'running away from home' game?" "What's your next move? Are you going to threaten suicide again, like before?" Julian's brows furrowed, his face filled with disgust as he chastised me. "Why would I kill myself?" I scoffed, gripping the stair railing tightly. The old me truly wasn't clear-headed enough. To win him back, I repeatedly used my life as a threat. But after living through my previous life, I understood that living was the most important thing. I never wanted to experience the despair of hitting rock bottom again. Moreover, a cold-hearted, unfeeling man like Julian was simply not worth my lingering affection. Julian sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. "What new trick are you pulling? I'm busy. I don't have time for your drama." "Those tactics of yours, they might work once or twice, but too many times, it's just crying wolf." I looked directly at Julian, explaining: "You're overthinking it. I'm here to pack my things and move out." "Julian, let's get a divorce." Julian, uncharacteristically, froze for a moment, then looked at me with increased impatience. "Divorce? You're carrying a Sterling heir, and you're bringing up divorce now? Do you think you can use this child to flaunt your status?" I didn't respond to him. I carefully walked downstairs, from my bag, I pulled out the divorce papers I had prepared in advance and handed them to him. "Yes, I want a divorce." "I don't want anything from the Sterling family. I just want to separate from you." Julian and I had been married for six years, but during those years, aside from the routine maintenance of this villa, he hadn't spent any significant money on me. To outsiders, I was the glamorous Mrs. Sterling, but only I knew that every penny I spent came from my freelance online writing. Since I hadn't spent Julian's money during our marriage, I certainly had no desire for financial entanglement with him in a divorce. Julian quickly scanned the document, his expression unreadable, and set it aside. A scoff escaped his throat, its cold echo like an ice pick piercing my heart: "Leave with nothing? Aurora Hayes, are you thirty years old and still so naive?" He casually tossed the divorce papers onto the coffee table, then suddenly rose, looming over me, his shadow completely engulfing me: "Without the mighty Sterling family, do you think your father and brother can stand firm in the business world?" "After the divorce, how will your family sustain your current extravagant lifestyle?" I leaned back, avoiding his approach, the emotions swirling beneath my eyelashes solidifying into frost. I stubbornly pressed my lips together. "Julian, even if you use my family as leverage, you can't trap me anymore." As if stunned by the resolve in my eyes, Julian stepped back, his expression growing colder and harder. "Reason?" He paused, then conceded: "Because I brought someone home and made you uncomfortable? I apologize. This time it was my fault. I promise I won't let them appear in front of you again." My nails dug into my palms. For the first time, I laughed openly and defiantly. "No need, Julian." "For these past six years, I've had enough of your emotional torment and abuse. I've had enough of daily waiting for a man whose heart was never truly with me." I suddenly pulled off the only string of beads he had given me. The round beads clattered onto the carpet. "Even if it means my entire family has to work as dishwashers or sweep streets, I will never be your puppet again." 3 Julian, unable to suppress his rage, slammed the door and left. I thought, given his proud nature, it wouldn't take more than a few days for him to contact me to finalize the divorce papers, eager to sweep me out. To my surprise, the first call I received was from my mother. Her voice on the phone bubbled with delight: "Aurora, your husband just sent me the new season's clothes and bags from the top luxury brands! He got your brother a new supercar, and even let your father develop that piece of land in the Southside!" "Your father, he's so happy he can't stop smiling. He keeps saying how much easier you make things for him, how you know how to keep the Sterling family's golden goose happy." "Aurora, you truly are capable! When I go out with those wealthy ladies now, who doesn't flatter me on my good fortune, having such a wonderful daughter like you marrying into the Sterling family?" A wave of sadness washed over me. It turned out that my value as a "good daughter" was merely to marry into a rich family and appease my unloving husband for my family's benefit. Forcing down my anger, I told my mother, "Don't accept anything from Julian Sterling anymore. We're getting a divorce." I couldn't hide my grievance, telling my mother that Julian didn't love me, that he still resented me for driving away his idealized first love, and that he had been retaliating with a string of affairs all these years. My mother, however, was dismissive. "Don't throw a tantrum. Julian holds a high and powerful position; it's normal for a man like that to have a few women around." "Just be more generous. Holding onto your position as Mrs. Sterling is what matters most!" "Besides, you have a child now. If it's a boy, who can shake your position in the Sterling family? If it's a girl, then you just try harder and get pregnant again soon." My mother's words left me sobbing. I questioned her, heartbroken: "Mom, just for the Hayes family's prosperity, you forced me to marry Julian. Now you want me to use my child as a patch for our marriage?" "But Mom, I loved Julian for ten years. I really can't accept him constantly being with other women!" I hung up the phone and went straight to Julian's company. Seeing me, he showed no surprise, leaning casually back in his leather office chair, twirling a pen between his fingers. His dark tie made his eyes appear even more refined and cold. "Come to admit your mistake?" "This time, considering you're pregnant, I'll forgive you. Don't bring up divorce again. Just go home and be a good Mrs. Sterling." He pulled out a card and pushed it towards me. "There's five million in it. It's your compensation." I didn't take his card. I just looked at him calmly. "Julian, you don't love me, you even detest me. Wouldn't it be better if I willingly vacated the position of Mrs. Sterling now?" Julian's eyebrows furrowed into sharp angles, his jawline tense, signaling suppressed rage. "Aurora Hayes, is this your new tactic to play hard to get?" "You don't need to compete with other women out there. I can tell you clearly: after Ivy and I broke up, I won't fall in love with anyone else, and no one can shake your position." "You should understand that a respectful, non-interfering partnership is the best outcome for you and me. You don't need to hope for love from me." "If you have any other demands, you can make them." His feigned concern sickened me. He played the role of a deeply devoted man who couldn't forget his first love, while simultaneously entangled with various women. Like a clumsy actor, playing a charade of deep affection for so many years. I looked at Julian coldly, stating calmly, "No, thank you, Julian. I only want a divorce." "That is my only request." The air in the entire office solidified into ice. Julian's obsidian eyes swirled with a cold, oppressive intensity. After a long moment, he picked up the divorce papers and quickly signed them. "Fine, as you wish, we're divorced." A wave of relief washed over me. I carefully put away the agreement. I smiled at him genuinely. "Julian, thank you." Thank you for making me understand that a heart full of fervent love will ultimately become a sharp blade piercing one's chest. 4 Leaving Sterling Corp., I headed straight to the prenatal clinic to schedule an abortion. The doctor repeatedly confirmed with me, "The child is already six months old and very healthy. Are you sure you want to proceed with the procedure?" My heart felt as if it were being pricked by countless tiny needles. I clenched my fingers, knuckles white from the effort. How could I bear to part with this child? But I absolutely would not give birth to a child destined to be used as leverage. Better a quick, painful end than prolonged agony. I signed the consent form for the surgery. The next morning. I arrived alone at the private hospital for the procedure. I ran into Julian, carefully escorting Chloe Peterson, whose abdomen was still flat. Seeing me, Julian seemed momentarily awkward, but his expression quickly returned to calm. He casually told me, "Go straight home after your check-up. You're far along; don't run around." With that, he averted his gaze and, shielding Chloe, prepared to leave. But Chloe suddenly spoke in a sweet, cooing voice: "Honey, I left the vitamins I need to take every day in the car. Could you please fetch them for me?" Julian, suspecting nothing, affectionately stroked her hair and turned to leave. Chloe chuckled, walking closer to me: "What a coincidence, you're here for a prenatal check-up too?" The word 'too' was subtly used. No wonder Julian agreed to the divorce so readily; he wanted to legitimize his outside relationship. But now, I no longer cared. I walked past Chloe, not intending to engage with her. She blocked my path, continuing her provocation: "Judging by the baby items you prepared at home, your baby is a girl, right?" "I already got a blood test in Hong Kong; it's a boy." "Oh, and that nursery you decorated, Julian said it's for our son. You don't mind, do you?" "And all those little girl dresses you bought, they take up too much space. They were an eyesore, so I burned them yesterday. You probably won't need them anyway—" Her sweet, cunning smile made my eyes sting. Before she could finish, my palm had already connected sharply with her meticulously made-up face. Chloe stumbled, leaning on the wall to steady herself, her malicious eyes instantly brimming with tears. The next second— "Are you insane?!" Julian yanked my wrist with immense force. I staggered backward, my back slamming against the fire hydrant on the wall. The metal edges dug into my spine, making it numb. Intense pain exploded in a flash of white light before my eyes. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the ground, clutching my belly. Julian, however, didn't spare a glance at my disheveled state. He carefully helped Chloe up, then turned to glare at me: "Aurora Hayes, you were the one who insisted on a divorce! What are you doing here now, competing for attention?" "Chloe is pregnant now. If anything happens to her, I'll make your whole family pay!" "Julian." I tried to stand, leaning on the wall, but the pain made my vision blur. "Control your trophy mistress—" Chloe suddenly began coughing violently, her pale fingertips clutching Julian's sleeve: "Julian, I just wanted to ask about her health…" "You've been through too much," Julian said, picking Chloe up. "Aurora Hayes, you're free. Tomorrow morning at ten, we'll finalize the paperwork at the registrar's office." His voice was cold as ice, not even sparing a glance for me, curled up against the wall. Just then, the piercing sound of the hospital's public address system blared through the hallway: "Patient Aurora Hayes, Operating Room 2 is ready. Please proceed immediately for your procedure!" Julian naturally heard the announcement. He looked up at the name scrolling across the screen, his throat bobbed twice, his gaze instinctively flickered towards me. But in the end, he continued to carry Chloe away, fading into the distance. I got up, stumbling into the operating room, and signed the pre-surgical consent form. Lying on the operating table, the doctor confirmed with me again. "Ms. Hayes, the baby is already twenty-four weeks. It could survive if born now. Are you sure you want to terminate the pregnancy?" The fetus in my womb suddenly moved violently, as if protesting the impending separation. My nose ached, and tears finally fell uncontrollably, dripping onto the cold operating table. "I'm sure." Just as the anesthetic was about to be injected into my veins, hurried footsteps suddenly echoed from the corridor outside…
? Continue the story here ?? ? Download the "MotoNovel" app ? search for "392626", and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel