The female lead came to confront me: "Using a baby to trap Carter is truly shameless!" The next second, catching a glimpse of Carter appearing in the doorway, I rolled my eyes and fainted on the spot. 01 I transmigrated into a book. The female lead of this romance novel is Serena Brooks, and the male lead is Ethan Vance. The main antagonist, the second male lead, is Carter Hayes, Serena's childhood friend. Serena and Carter both grew up in difficult circumstances and supported each other through their tough childhoods. Carter always kept that warmth close to his heart. Later, Carter went out of state to make his fortune and achieved great success. When he returned, Serena had already been swept off her feet by a domineering billionaire CEO. Consumed by jealousy, Carter began stirring up trouble for the constantly tearful female lead. Simply put, it's a classic "childhood friend loses to the newly arrived billionaire" trope. I was pretty annoyed when I read it. I mean, you're the female lead, you've already chosen the billionaire, so why do you keep crying to the second male lead? Even if you don't have other friends to confide in, you know he's in love with you, right? How do you think the male lead feels seeing you resting your head on Carter's shoulder? And Carter, that idiot, actually strokes her hair affectionately! It's like they're trying to give the male lead an aneurysm. Alright, somehow, inexplicably, I've transmigrated into this mess. And of all people, I'm the plot device wedged between Carter and Serena. Well, since I'm here and have no intention of going back, I might as well cause some chaos. I checked myself out in the mirror. I have to admit, it's pretty impressive. My character, Chloe Sterling, is hot. Like, seriously gorgeous! "Carter, this is my boyfriend, Ethan." The delicate and charming Serena hooked her arm through the male lead's, smiling sweetly like a summer peach. Seeing Carter's face turn as dark as the bottom of a scorched pan, I smoothly sidled up next to him. According to the plot, this is where he's supposed to pull me close. And declare that I'm his girlfriend. Sure enough, a strong arm wrapped around my waist. I looked up shyly. Holy crap! He's so handsome. "Yes, I'm his girlfriend." Whoops, spoke too soon... 02 Thankfully, Carter was a bit tipsy and just spaced out for a second without minding my eagerness. Serena's expression instantly fell. Look at her, this is exactly what she does! If you don't want to be with someone else, then you should be smiling! Wearing that disappointed look right in front of Carter makes him think you still have feelings for him! I quickly blocked Carter's view and grabbed his hand. "Honey, look at them holding hands so tightly. They're so in love." Carter's gaze drifted down, and his face grew even darker. Darker than a stormy night. "You've had too much to drink. Let me help you back so we can get to bed early... er, get some rest." I half-dragged, half-pulled Carter away, completely ignoring Serena's scrutinizing stare. A big bed, a handsome guy, and a drunk handsome guy at that. Just as the mood was getting perfect, Carter's phone rang. Knowing the plot, I knew exactly who it was: Serena calling to ruin my night. He groggily reached for his phone. Yoink. I grabbed it, turned it off, and tossed it on the floor. What a wonderful night~ 03 The moment I opened my eyes the next morning, I saw Carter looking like he had been severely wronged. "You..." "Waaaahhh." I beat him to the punch and started fake-crying. Because I knew he couldn't stand seeing a woman cry. He looked intimidating on the outside, but was a total softie on the inside. Otherwise, how could he keep falling for Serena's tears over and over again? A tissue was thrust in front of my face. "I can take responsibility for what happened, but I need to be clear with you." "I already have someone I love in my heart." Duh, tell me something I don't know. And just like that, I officially became Carter's shadow. At first, he was very annoyed and always told me to go do my own thing. Nonsense. I transmigrated here for entertainment. I had zero interest in that iceberg male lead who blew hot and cold. "I'm already yours." "I'll miss you today, miss you tomorrow, and miss you the day after tomorrow." "I don't care what you do, as long as I can be with you, that's enough." "I'm willing to wait for you forever, even if you're waiting for someone else." "Also, my family is super rich, so I don't even need to go to work." After that barrage of sweet talk, Carter went silent. Silence = consent. Yep, I deliberately ignored the way he looked at me like I was an alien. Slowly, Carter got used to having me around. Even though he rarely spoke to me. Even though he often stared blankly at pictures of Serena on his phone. Even though he often got furious looking at pictures of Ethan. But the end result was always the same: getting drunk and getting pushed down by me. "Serena, what's wrong?!" A ringing phone in the middle of the night woke me up. My bad, I forgot to turn his phone off this time. 04 "Stay put at Mirror Lake, I'm coming right now." Carter swiftly rolled out of bed and vanished out the door. Even Usain Bolt would applaud that speed. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed. I dialed Ethan's number. "Who is this?" "Ethan Vance, are you even a man?" "Why are you bullying my bestie, Serena?" "The first person Serena looks for when she's heartbroken is Carter." "Do you know how dangerous it is for a girl to be alone at Mirror Lake in the middle of the night?" "In her heart, the way you treat her doesn't even compare to Carter." "Reflect on your actions!" I let out a long breath. A while later, I heard arguing at the front door. I threw on Carter's jacket and walked out barefoot. "Serena! Didn't I tell you I don't want you seeing Carter alone?" "What gives you the right to yell at Serena! You only ever hurt her!" "Do you know how hard Serena was crying?" Serena stood between them, her eyes red. "Ethan, hearts aren't made of stone." "You keep hurting Serena, are you sure she'll keep loving you?" I stood up for her with a serious face of righteous indignation. Serena's expression changed instantly. Furious, Ethan grabbed Serena and planted a passionate kiss on her. Serena went weak in the knees. She obediently let him lead her to his car by the hand. "Serena, Serena..." "Didn't you say he treats you badly?" "Didn't you say... I'm the only one who makes you feel safe?" Ethan's footsteps paused for a second. He threw her hand off and got into the car. Serena threw back one last sentence: "I was just too heartbroken. I... I love Ethan." "I'm sorry." And hurriedly got into the car. Wow~ Crash~ Whose heart just shattered? 05 Carter locked himself in his room for two days without coming out. I get it, heartbreak doesn't heal overnight. I lay on the couch, hugging a bag of potato chips, with a boba tea in my other hand. Gotta be full and energized to heal his wounds, right? On the third day, I made my move. If he starved himself any longer, his nice body would waste away. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work in the kitchen. A huge plate of fragrant sweet and sour ribs, glossy and aromatic. I also scooped a bowl of white rice. I knew sweet and sour ribs were the second male lead's favorite. It was the only dish the female lead ever made for him when they were kids. I pushed open the door and saw someone who wasn't wearing any clothes. "Blegh—" 06 The sadness that had been plastered on Carter's face for days finally cracked. "Chloe Sterling, what is your problem! You—" His yelling stopped abruptly when he saw the food in my hands. I blinked my innocent, big eyes. "Carter, take me to the hospital, please." Once I saw the positive pregnancy test, my heart settled. Man, I'm good. I'm very pragmatic; no time to lose, things change too fast. Having a baby makes everything much more secure. I knew Carter loved kids. In the original plot, his biggest wish was to build a warm family with Serena. To have children that belonged to both of them. After confirming my pregnancy, Carter changed. He changed in a way that scared me a little. Sometimes I'd wake up in the middle of the night to find him sitting in the living room, wide awake. Looking weighed down by heavy thoughts. Sometimes I'd catch him staring at my belly, careful but lost. I don't know if it was the pregnancy hormones, but I suddenly started feeling a little insecure. Well, just a little bit. A few days later, Carter brought a strange older woman home. 07 The woman's name was Mary, and she seemed very warm and friendly. Carter just briefly explained that she was his godmother, here to take care of me. He told me to call her godmother too, saying we were all family now. When Carter said we were all family, my heart suddenly fluttered. Family. When Carter went to work, Godmother managed all the cooking and cleaning around the house. Well, mostly she supervised the hired help to make sure they did a good job. She also often chatted with me about everyday things. To be honest, I was very curious about her. Because I didn't remember this character existing in the original novel. Or maybe her appearances were too brief for me to remember. It seems my meddling since arriving here has caused a butterfly effect. Could I change the ending? "Chloe, I just love girls who are as decisive and straightforward as you." Godmother looked at me, smiling like a sunflower. "When Carter came to see me, I guessed right away there was good news." "He hasn't smiled like that in ten years." Uhh— Isn't that a line usually reserved for the female lead? 08 Lately, because of morning sickness, my temper has been a bit volatile. My cravings got weird, and my mood swung wildly. Godmother kept treating me like a spoiled child, indulging me in everything. Whenever I nagged Carter, she always took my side. Seeing his helpless expression, too afraid to provoke me, I felt an inexplicable sense of joy. What if it's not that he didn't dare, but that he couldn't bear to? Just as I was throwing another tantrum at Carter, he finally lost his patience. "Chloe, don't push it!" I felt a wave of grievance and burst into loud sobs. Godmother rushed over in a panic. "Oh my, Carter, why are you upsetting our Chloe again?" "Our Chloe is beautiful, obedient, and devoted to you." "You couldn't find someone like her if you searched the whole world with a lantern." "Look how haggard Chloe has gotten lately, all for your baby." "Whatever she wants, just give it to her. If she scolds you, just take it—" I curled up in Godmother's arms, making a lot of noise but shedding very few tears. Carter frustratingly punched a throw pillow. He interrupted Godmother's scolding. "Godmother!" "She insists on eating an airplane meal in the middle of the night! Where am I supposed to find that for her?!" His voice trembled with a hint of grievance. 09 The room went silent for a moment. I also sniffled, feeling a little embarrassed. Godmother looked at me. "Chloe, do you really want to eat it? Think carefully, think very carefully." I thought seriously for a whole minute. "Godmother, I really want it. I crave it so much." Godmother and I locked eyes on Carter. An hour later, a still-warm airline meal was placed in front of me. Carter stood before me, his awkward expression resembling a child craving praise. So cute. "Carter, you're amazing, love you!" I didn't hold back on the praise. I've got a basket full of free sweet talk. A blush crept onto his cheeks, and he gave a feigned impatient "Mhm." I scooped a spoonful and put it in my mouth. Carter watched my reaction with hopeful eyes. "Blegh—" "It's gross. Take it away, I want to sleep." The air fell silent once again. "Chloe Sterling!" I thought life would just continue peacefully like this. Until the frantic ringing of the doorbell shattered the quiet. 10 The ghost that wouldn't leave, Serena, had arrived. With tears brimming in her eyes. "Carter, I—" Mid-sentence, Serena looked at me awkwardly. Oh, so there are secrets I'm not allowed to hear. Well, I'm not leaving. Carry me out if you can. I pretended not to see Carter signaling me to leave, stuffing my mouth with the healthy snacks Godmother made. "Cough, Serena, it's fine, go ahead. Are you in some kind of trouble?" Duh, obviously. What other use is the second male lead for? "Carter, I'm doomed this time..." It turned out she volunteered to take charge of a very important project at Ethan's company. Lacking professional competence, she even publicly insulted the clients for being arrogant and overly demanding. As a result, she blew it. Serena didn't want Ethan to find out, so she hinted that Carter should hand over a major project from his own company to her to cover her mistake. Wow, so shameless. Is this the independent, strong female lead? "This—" Even Carter hesitated. Thank goodness he still had a brain; this wasn't a small favor. Such a major project, and with a long-term, important client. If he transferred it to a rival company like it was child's play, not only would his company suffer a massive financial blow, but he would also lose all respect in the business world and among his partners. In the original plot, Carter agreed to this favor, which later led him to walk down a dark path out of desperation to rebuild his empire. "Carter, it's okay. It's my fault anyway." "But in my heart, you're the only person in this world I can truly rely on." "It was true when we were kids, and it's true now." After that, Serena's tears began to fall. It was truly a pitiful sight. Sure enough, someone couldn't hold back. "Serena, don't cry, I'll just—" "Hold on!" This idiot! They both looked at me simultaneously. Serena's eyes were full of resentment. "Carter, even if you don't think about yourself, shouldn't you consider our baby?" 11 "What?" Serena looked at my belly in shock. Then frantically turned to Carter. "Carter, you, you two already have a child?" Carter's expression softened. "Yeah, Godmother said it's better to wait until the pregnancy is more stable before telling others, so..." "Others... Carter, have I become 'others' to you?" "Serena, that's not what I meant. I was just worried—" "Exactly, he was just too worried about me. Please don't blame him, Serena." I smiled radiantly. "Uh, congratulations, Carter. So, when are you transferring that project to me?" She's still not giving up! I stared at Carter, feeling a sense of defeat. If he insisted on agreeing, there wasn't really much I could do. "You were so good to me in the past, actually, I don't really care about this company." A smile appeared in Serena's eyes. "But now that I have my own child, I think I need to be responsible for them." "I don't want them to have an irresponsible father like mine was." Carter's voice grew dim. A slight pang hit my heart. "So, I might need to think about it." "I'm sorry, Serena. Let me try to find another way to help you, okay?" 12 Serena's face looked terrible. This was probably the first time Carter had ever refused to help her. I could even sense panic in her. Panic that she was no longer this man's sole emotional anchor. He had a child, a blood connection, a family now. "Serena, how about I have my driver take you home first?" "Carter has to take me to my prenatal checkup soon, we're almost late." Perhaps my overly joyful smile stung her, but Serena ignored my enthusiasm, grabbed her bag, and walked out. Oh, she's mad. Giving the silent treatment. "Hey, Serena—" I blocked Carter, who was about to chase after her, feeling frustrated by his weakness. "Are you stupid? What good does chasing after her do now?" "Do you want to ruin the company? Do you want our child to suffer in poverty?" "If you're not ready to be a father, I'll go right now and... get an abortion!" "Chloe Sterling, don't you dare! Do you believe I'll—" Carter raised his arm in exasperation. I stuck my belly out, looking utterly defiant. He eventually gave up and rolled his eyes at me. "If I still had my old temper, I would have—" Carter muttered as he got into the car. "What did you say, you jerk?" "Get in the car!" Hmph, thought I couldn't handle you. Seeing Carter's company project finally secured, my heart felt a bit more at ease. Hopefully, nothing else will... "Chloe, let's go out for afternoon tea." The woman's voice on the other end of the phone sounded very gentle.
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