"Congratulations. You're pregnant."

Rowena Hale was a bit absent-minded.

The doctor's words from earlier that afternoon kept echoing in her mind.

Just then, Leopoldo Mercer pinched her cheek and whispered in her ear, his voice deep, "What's on your mind?"

Before she could speak, he clasped the back of her head and slammed his lips on hers.

After the sex was over, he rose and stepped into the bathroom.

Lying in the spacious bed, Rowena was too exhausted to lift a finger, her hair wet, her eyes glistening with tears.

After quite some time, she dragged herself up, fumbled open the drawer beside her, and took out the pregnancy test report.

That afternoon, she went to the hospital because her stomach ached. After a blood test, the doctor told her she was nearly five weeks pregnant.

She froze, wondering how that happened. She and Leopoldo had used protection every time...

As she racked her brain, a memory surfaced. Last month, Leopoldo had driven her home after a wine party. At her door, he had asked, "Is it your safe period?"

And she said yes. It turned out the safe period wasn't that safe after all.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Inside was Leopoldo—her husband of two years, her superior, and the CEO of the Mercer Group.

It had all started when they had a one-night stand after having too much to drink. Back then, she was just a new recruit.

Later, Leopoldo's grandfather, Randall Mercer, fell seriously ill all of a sudden. So Leopoldo proposed a marriage of convenience just to fulfill Randall's wish to see him start a family.

They signed a prenup, agreeing to keep the marriage a secret and that it could end at any time.

Back then, Rowena had been thrilled, for it seemed too good to be true.

She'd never imagined that she could marry her eight-year secret crush, so she readily agreed.

During their two-year marriage, Leopoldo had always been busy, and he barely came home.

Yet, he never got close to any other woman or was involved in any scandals.

Apart from his emotional indifference, he was the perfect husband.

Clutching the test report, Rowena felt both excited and anxious.

She decided to tell him about the baby and that they had met a long time ago.

She'd been in love with him for a decade!

The sound of running water came to a stop.

The moment Leopoldo stepped out of the bathroom, his phone rang. With only a towel around his waist, he went to the balcony to answer it.

Rowena's gaze fell on the time—it was past midnight.

An inexplicable uneasiness gripped her heart. Who could be calling so late?

Ending the call, Leopoldo walked back into the bedroom and untied his robe right in front of Rowena.

He had a killer body. His toned abs, lean and firm muscles, long legs, and tight buttocks all exuded a raw, masculine sexiness.

Though they had been intimate countless times, Rowena still blushed, her heart skipping a beat.

Leopoldo walked to the bed, picked up his shirt and trousers, and put them on. He fastened his tie with his slender fingers, his handsome, chiseled face the picture of refinement and elegance.

His striking features were effortlessly breathtaking.

"Get some rest now," he said.

Was he leaving?

Disappointment tugged at her heart. Clutching the test report tighter, Rowena subconsciously drew her hand back. After a moment's hesitation, she still couldn't help suggesting, "It's so late."

Leopoldo's hands stilled on his tie. Then, he pinched her plump earlobe, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You don't feel like sleeping tonight?"

Rowena felt her cheek burning, her heart beating like a drum. But just as she was about to speak, he had already pulled away. "Be good," he said. "I've got something to do. Don't wait up."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door.

"Leopoldo..."

She caught up with him.

He turned to look at her, his jawline sharp in the dim light.

"What is it?"

His voice, mingling with the cool night air, sounded icy.

Rowena whispered, her chest tightening, "Do you have time to visit my grandma with me tomorrow?"

Her grandmother, Gertrude Whelan, hadn't been well. She wanted to cheer her up by bringing Leopoldo to see her.

"We'll talk about it tomorrow," he said flatly, fudging the answer. Then he turned and left.

After her shower, Rowena tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.

She got up to warm a glass of milk.

Just then, a celebrity gossip alert popped up on her phone.

Having no interest in such news, she was about to swipe it away when a familiar name caught her eye. She couldn't help but click on it.

"Renowned Designer Bethany Jenner Returns Home, Spotted at the Airport With Mysterious Beau"

An accompanying photo showed Bethany in a fisherman's hat, walking beside a tall man. Though the image was blurry, it couldn't diminish his impeccable physique and commanding presence.

Rowena zoomed in on the photo. The next second, her blood ran cold.

It was Leopoldo!

Was that why he had canceled the meeting at the last minute that afternoon? To pick up his ex-girlfriend?

An invisible hand seemed to clamp around Rowena's heart, squeezing the air from her lungs.

Her hands trembled, and she somehow dialed Leopoldo's number.

Panicked, she scrambled to hang up—but a female voice already came through.

"Hello?"

The woman's voice was sickeningly sweet.

After a stunned pause, Rowena threw her phone aside.

Immediately, a wave of nausea twisted her stomach. She rushed to the bathroom and vomited violently.

***

The next morning, Rowena went to work on time.

After their shotgun marriage, Leopoldo had wanted her to be a full-time housewife, but she had insisted on being self-reliant.

He hadn't pressed the issue. However, he had insisted that she work as his personal assistant, assigned to trivial tasks like serving coffee.

He entrusted all important work to his special assistant, Dylan Ritter.

Dylan was the only person in the company who knew about their relationship.

Leopoldo had never had a female assistant before Rowena. So people were guessing if she was more than his subordinate.

As time passed, they found Leopoldo showed her no special treatment whatsoever. So they despised her even more.

Everyone knew—a relationship based solely on physical desire wouldn't last.

Just then, a colleague handed Rowena a document, wondering if she could deliver it to the CEO's office.

Leopoldo hadn't come home last night, and she hadn't slept a wink.

Her mind was in turmoil, haunted by the woman on the phone and the agonizing question of whether they had spent the night together.

The answer was out there, but she was too afraid to seek it, too reluctant to admit the truth.

Perhaps everyone had a tendency to run away until they were forced to face reality.

In this moment, a strange calm settled over Rowena. No matter what, she needed an answer. She needed closure for her ten-year crush.

She pressed the elevator button calmly, and the elevator ascended. Before stepping out, she smoothed her hair, ensuring she looked impeccable.

As she raised her hand to knock, a male voice seeped through the slightly ajar wooden door, freezing her in place.

"Do you love Rowena or not?"

It was Manfred Jarvis, Leopoldo's childhood friend.

"Why do you ask?" Leopoldo's voice was as icy as ever.

Manfred clicked his tongue. "She seems nice to me. Are you sure she's not your type?"

"You want me to set you up?" Leopoldo replied in a devil-may-care tone.

"I'll pass."

Manfred's laughter, laced with contempt, cut deep.

They were discussing her as if she were a commodity...

Rowena's breath caught in her throat. Her grip on the file tightened, her palms turning to ice.

Soon, Manfred's voice rang out again.

"You're the mysterious man in the photo with Bethany, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, well. You're really willing to sacrifice anything to make her happy," Manfred sighed with feigned emotion.

Then he teased, "You were with her all night. Things must have gotten pretty wild, huh? Did you..."

His words landed like a physical blow, shattering Rowena's heart into a million pieces.

Her face went ghastly pale, and a deathly chill spread through her body.

All night...

Wild...

Each of his words cut her like a knife.

Her head was buzzing, and a wave of dizziness swept over her, blinding and deafening her.

Just as she was about to flee, the door swung open from inside.

"Rowena?"

It was Manfred who opened the door, seemingly on his way out.

Rowena clenched her fingers, schooling her features into a mask of composure. She then nodded and offered a polite, "Good morning, Mr. Jarvis."

Without waiting for a response, she walked past him into the office, the document held tightly in her hand.

By the luxurious desk, Leopoldo was dressed in an expensive suit that looked exceptionally sleek and handsome on him.

Rowena knew at a glance it wasn't the one from last night.

She lowered her gaze. "Mr. Mercer, this is the marketing report that requires your signature."

Leopoldo signed it without saying a word and handed it back to her, his face expressionless.

She took it and walked out, passing a stunned Manfred still lingering at the door.

Only after Rowena's figure vanished into the elevator did he mutter, "Fuck! She didn't hear anything, did she?"

Leopoldo's captivating eyes remained utterly calm. Manfred's words clearly didn't concern him.

Rowena was always meek and gentle, never the jealous type.

As long as she knew her place and behaved, he would see to it that she was provided for.

In the elevator.

Rowena tilted her head back, refusing to let her tears fall. But they escaped nonetheless, tracing a path from the corners of her eyes before disappearing into her hair.

She had thought two years would be long enough for Leopoldo to see her love, her devotion...

But it had all been wishful thinking.

Only now did she realize that her efforts were all futile. They crumbled the moment Bethany returned.

As the elevator doors opened, Rowena had regained her composure, though her face was terrifyingly pale.

Steeling herself, she walked into the break room, hoping a cup of tea would steady her nerves.

The chatter of a few employees reached her ears.

"Have you seen the news? Bethany's back from abroad."

"Who?"

"You've never heard of her? She's the daughter of the Jenner family, a renowned designer. What's more, she's the only one Mr. Mercer ever publicly acknowledged as his girlfriend. Rumor has it she was his first love!"

"But I thought Mr. Mercer and Ms. Hale were..."

"Get real. She's his fuck buddy at most. He's never once claimed her, but she struts around here like she's his official girlfriend or something. How pathetic!"

A sarcastic smile curved Rowena's lips. So, everyone had seen the truth more clearly than she had.

How stupid she had been, clinging stubbornly to her delusion.

"Well, well. Look who's finally heartbroken. Is your little dream of becoming Mrs. Mercer shattered?" A voice dripping with scorn rang out behind her.

The one who had entered the break room was Colleen Schultz, Leopoldo's cousin, who had always been at odds with Rowena.

Colleen must have overheard the employees' chatter, too.

Not wanting to cause a scene at the office, Rowena turned to leave. But Colleen blocked her path.

Holding a freshly made coffee, Colleen let out a cold laugh, her tone vicious. "With Bethany back, do you really think Leopoldo will still bother fucking you, you skank?"

Noting Rowena's silence, Colleen pressed on, her taunts growing crueler.

"Maybe I should introduce you to some old guys. Since you're so good in bed, one man must be the same as any other to you, right?"

Rowena clenched her fists at her sides, her voice flat and cold. "This is a company, not a nightclub. Ms. Schultz, if you're here to do that kind of business, you're in the wrong place."

"You..."

Colleen realized Rowena was implying that she was a pimp.

Her expression changed.

Suddenly, she hurled her scalding coffee straight at Rowena.

Caught off guard by the sheer insanity of the act, Rowena instinctively threw up her arm to block it. The entire cup of boiling liquid splashed across the back of her hand, instantly searing a large patch of fair skin an angry red.

Gasping in sharp pain, she spat out, "Are you crazy?"

It was during a break, and a crowd of employees had gathered, watching the spectacle. Emboldened by their attention, Colleen grew even more complacent.

"You deserve that, you bitch," she scorned. "Who do you think you are, strutting around the office every day with your head held high? Everyone knows you're just an orphan without upbringing..."

She didn't get to finish.

A loud, crisp slap cut through the air, stunning her into silence.

She was completely dumbfounded, unable to process that the typically meek Rowena, who never dared to talk back, had just struck her.

It took her a moment before snarling, "How dare you slap me!"

Rowena fixed her with an icy glare. "Consider this a lesson in manners."

Her parents had passed away when she was young, but she would never allow anyone to disrespect their memory.

Colleen was so furious that her face turned pale. As Leopoldo's cousin, she was accustomed to being fawned over. No one had ever dared to treat her like this.

"You fucking bitch!"

With a shriek of rage, she lunged at Rowena, her hand flying up to deliver a slap.

But this time, Rowena was ready. She gripped Colleen's wrist tightly, immobilizing Colleen completely.

Shorter than Rowena, Colleen struggled violently, flailing like an octopus, looking rather ridiculous.

Fury twisted her features as she snarled, "Get real, Rowena! You're just a plaything to Leopoldo. Even hookers are better than you! At least they get paid!"

Her words were unbearably harsh, drawing a growing crowd of onlookers.

"Enough!" A deep male voice boomed.

The moment Leopoldo stepped out of his office, he saw the farce.

The break room immediately fell deadly silent.

"Leopoldo..." Colleen had always been somewhat afraid of him. He was a stern man, and her mother had warned her to be on her best behavior around him.

But then, she remembered that she was the one who had been slapped. Her courage returned, and she pointed at her red and swollen cheek. "Look, Leopoldo! Look what Rowena did to me!" she said, her voice choked with sobs. "Is she out of her mind?"

The bright sunlight streamed through the window, casting shadows on his handsome features.

Overwhelmed by a mix of searing pain in her hand and sheer aggrievance, Rowena felt her nose twitch.

Their eyes met, and Leopoldo frowned. "Ms. Hale, have you forgotten company policy?"

His utter heartlessness formed an impenetrable wall, cutting off her air, leaving her suffocated.

The surroundings were utterly quiet.

She stood entirely alone—slender yet unyielding, as if nothing could break her.

When she first joined the company, Leopoldo had warned her that this was not a place for her to throw tantrums, and he wouldn't tolerate her repeated outbursts.

She remembered and understood his position.

But now, in this moment, she really wanted to ask him—did he not hear what Colleen said?

Or did he actually agree that she was nothing but a plaything?

Most onlookers scattered at the sight of Leopoldo, but a few bold ones lingered nearby, eager to drink in the drama.

Leopoldo's icy gaze left Rowena utterly despairing.

Clutching her palm to stifle the overwhelming bitterness, she lowered her head toward Colleen.

"I'm sorry. As an employee of the Mercer Group, I shouldn't have slapped you."

Colleen raised her chin in complacent victory. "You think an apology is enough? You..."

Rowena cut her off, "The slap was from me. As Rowena Hale, I refuse to apologize to you."

Without a backward glance at Leopoldo, Rowena walked away.

"You bitch!"

Colleen's face twisted in anger.

Having always gotten her way, Colleen had never suffered a humiliation so great, especially from a woman she despised.

She was consumed with the urge to tear Rowena apart.

"Leopoldo!" she shrieked, exasperated. "Did you hear that? How dare she be so arrogant after slapping me! Drag her back here! I'll slap her a hundred times myself!"

Leopoldo stood motionless, his deepening gaze fixed on Rowena's retreating figure.

"This ends here," he stated, his voice icy.

Colleen was always ruthless and cunning. She took his inaction as a sign that Rowena meant nothing to him.

Gritting her teeth, her eyes blazing with malice, she hissed, "I swear, I will have someone ruin that pretty face of hers."

"Colleen!"

Leopoldo narrowed his eyes.

His gaze was sharp enough to send an invisible chill down Colleen's spine.

His voice was low, each word deliberately measured and cold. "I will say this only once. She is off limits. Don't even think about touching her."

The oppressive weight of his presence stole the air from her lungs, and every vicious scheme that had begun to form in her mind dissolved into nothing.

She stammered, "O-OK..."

After shooting her one last icy glance, Leopoldo turned to leave, throwing an order over his shoulder to Dylan. "From now on, irrelevant personnel are not permitted in the office."

Unaware that she was the one being referred to, Colleen forced a fawning smile. "Yes, it's such a large company... It's only right to enforce strict rules, Leopoldo."

But in the next second, Dylan stepped forward and gestured. "This way, Ms. Schultz."

It was only then that she realized—she was the "irrelevant personnel". She made a move to rush after Leopoldo, but the security guards Dylan had summoned earlier stepped in and firmly escorted her out.

No matter how violently she struggled or how loudly she shrieked, they showed no mercy, dragging her away with great force.

***

Back in the office, Rowena changed into a fresh set of clothes.

The image of Leopoldo's hardened face flashed behind her eyes, and another wave of despair gripped her heart.

At the end of the day.

Dylan stopped her at the entrance.

He said, "Ms. Hale, Mr. Mercer has something urgent to do. He has instructed me to drive you."

She shook her head.

She used to be so stupid.

But now, the truth was painfully clear. She meant nothing to Leopoldo.

Why would he bother to see Gertrude with her?

By the time Rowena arrived at the hospital, the caregiver, Tamara Wells, was preparing to help Gertrude with her dinner. Rowena took the bowl and began to feed Gertrude herself.

Gertrude had been living in the countryside until a recent check-up diagnosed her with pancreatitis last month. Ignoring Gertrude's protests, Rowena had insisted on bringing her into the city for proper treatment.

Gertrude knew nothing about her secret marriage to Leopoldo.

Rowena had planned to surprise Gertrude by bringing Leopoldo tonight, but now it seemed unnecessary.

After Gertrude fell asleep, Rowena stepped out of the hospital to wait for a cab.

Just then, a sleek black limousine glided to a stop nearby.

Rowena's eyes lit up at once. It was Leopoldo's car.

Had he come for her after all?

All of a sudden, all of her grievances and frustrations melted away.

Since he was here, didn't that mean he still cared?

The car door opened, and Leopoldo stepped out.

She walked over, beaming.

But in the next second, she froze on the spot.

Leopoldo walked to the other side of the car, bent down, and carefully lifted a young woman out.

The tension and distress on his handsome face were palpable.

In that instant, Rowena's face turned ghastly pale, her heart shattering completely.

Leopoldo approached from a distance and walked right past Rowena without a moment's hesitation.

Maybe he didn't see her, or maybe he just pretended not to.

Either way, Rowena saw clearly. The woman in his arms had the very same face as the one from the news.

It was her—Bethany.

Overwhelmed, Rowena left the hospital, her footsteps heavy.

She was so heartbroken that she moved as if in a trance, completely numb.

In the taxi, the driver asked her where she was going.

The simple question left her stunned.

She didn't want to go back to Shephview Estates. Perhaps it'd soon no longer be her home.

After a moment's hesitation, she said, "To Dockland Heights, thank you."

She had bought the apartment in Dockland Heights after getting married.

Back then, she had thought about bringing Gertrude over to take better care of her, so she took out a mortgage on a 69-square-meter apartment. Though small, it was enough for two people.

Leopoldo didn't understand her decision and wanted to gift her a house, but she refused.

Thinking back now, it was probably the only right decision she had ever made.

Downstairs from her apartment, she sat alone in the garden, hoping the cold wind would clear her mind.

The memories that came to her were both sweet and bitter.

They had been married for two years.

That amounted to over seven hundred days and nights.

She had thought that even the most heartless person in the world would be moved.

But now, she seemed to be surrounded by countless mocking voices, telling her all of this was nothing but her wishful thinking...

She didn't go upstairs until almost midnight.

Stepping out of the elevator, she saw Leopoldo standing at her door.

His sleeves were casually rolled up, and the first two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing his slender neck and the striking line of his collarbones. Simply by standing there, he was captivating.

She froze for a moment, stunned.

Wasn't he supposed to be with Bethany at the hospital?

How come he was here?

Their gazes locked. He squinted, one hand in his pocket, his jacket draped over his forearm.

"Why didn't you answer my calls?"

His face was expressionless, etched with a faint fatigue. Perhaps he hadn't rested well.

Rowena took out her phone and saw that she had accidentally put it on mute.

There were five missed calls, all from Leopoldo.

He had called her so many times because he couldn't find her.

This had never happened over the past two years.

If it were before, she would have been over the moon, happier than if she'd won the jackpot.

But now, all she did was toss her phone back into her bag, lean against the wall, and say in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear them."

Leopoldo raised his hand to check his wristwatch, his voice tinged with impatience. "I've been looking for you for two hours."

After he'd settled Bethany in the hospital, he had gone home, but Rowena wasn't there. He had searched for a long time but couldn't find her. He'd even asked Dylan to pull the surveillance footage from along her route after she left the company.

To his surprise, she had come back to Dockland Heights without even telling him.

"Just tell me where you're going in the future. Let's go." He turned and headed for the elevator without even looking back at her.

He meant for them to return to Shephview Estates.

Looking at his broad back, she was gripped by a sudden reluctance and a painful sense of attachment.

In the future...

Did they even have a future?

Leopoldo turned around, frowning when he saw she hadn't moved. "What are you waiting for? Are you expecting me to carry you?"

The motion-activated light above his head shone down, illuminating his strikingly handsome face and sharpening his flawless features.

Rowena took a deep breath, meeting his gaze directly. "Leopoldo, let's get a divorce."

"What do you mean?"

His voice turned cold and deep, his handsome face darkening for a second.

She said, "I'm moving back home. Our relationship will end soon anyway..."

Though she forced a smile, her heartache was so immense she felt as if an invisible hand were tearing it apart.

"Relationship?"

Leopoldo's lips tugged into a cold smile. "Rowena, what exactly is our relationship to you?"

His question stole her breath.

He had been clear from the start—theirs was a marriage of contract, and their connection was purely physical. In the eyes of others, she was his assistant, and he was her boss. That was all.

He remained Northburg's most eligible bachelor, the Prince Charming for whom numerous socialites fiercely competed.

Why was he reminding her of that now? Was he worried she might cling to him?

Rowena bit her lip, fighting back the bitterness, and nodded. "I'm sorry, Mr. Mercer. I was being self-indulgent. You should go back now. You don't need to come to Dockland Heights anymore."

Despite her efforts, her eyes reddened uncontrollably.

How could she not be sad, after saying that to the man she had loved for ten years?

But no matter how painful it was, she had to learn to let go.

She refused to live like a joke.

Above them, the motion-activated light flickered off, then on again.

Leopoldo narrowed his eyes, his lips pursed into a thin line, exuding a dangerous aura.

He could tolerate her occasional tantrums, but today, she had gone too far.

A second before he snapped, he saw her eyes glistening with tears. Abruptly, his fury subsided. He lowered his voice and said, "If this is because of Colleen..."

"No, it isn't. Mr. Mercer, please go back."

What stood between them was far more than just Colleen.

Exhausted, Rowena walked past him, opened the door, and was about to step inside her apartment.

Leopoldo was very displeased with her stubbornness.

Irritated, he tugged at his tie and stepped forward, gripping her wrist so firmly that it rendered her immobilized.

"Cut it out already."

Then, his brows furrowed even deeper as he pressed on her shoulders to turn her around and pull her into his arms.

Her body heat was so intense that it almost burned his skin even through the fabric.

"Do you have a fever?"

Feeling dizzy and feverish, Rowena leaned weakly against Leopoldo, her legs on the verge of giving way.

The air between them grew thick with a faint, unspoken intimacy.

As he lowered his head to check on her, his face drew so near that it almost felt as though he might kiss her at any moment.

Rowena was too slow to react. By the time she realized how intimate their position appeared, she instinctively pressed her hands against his chest to push him away.

But before she could create any distance, his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her firmly back against him. "Don't move," he commanded, his voice deep and icy.

As the light flickered on again, Rowena suddenly found herself swept off her feet.

Leopoldo scooped her into his arms and strode toward the elevator without hesitation.

Her mind, fogged by fever, could no longer form a coherent thought. "What are you doing?" she whispered.

He frowned slightly. "I'm taking you to the hospital."

"No!" she exclaimed, instantly awake.

If she were put on a drip, she could lose her baby!

Though Leopoldo might not want the baby, as long as it was inside her, she'd be its Mommy. She must protect her baby!

She began to struggle in earnest, twisting against his iron grip. But his strength was overwhelming, and her efforts to break free were utterly futile.

"You're sick. You need a doctor," Leopoldo stated firmly, ignoring her thrashing.

With that, he continued to walk to the elevator with her in his arms.

Utterly desperate, Rowena grabbed his arm and blurted out, "I can't go to the hospital!"

Leopoldo stopped in his tracks, his gaze deepening as it fell upon Rowena's slender, fair fingers gripping his shirt.

"Why?" he asked.

Rowena lowered her head and murmured, "I... I'm afraid."

It was such a lame excuse. She didn't dare look up, nor did she know if he would believe her.

"I already took some medicine," she added, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll be fine after some sleep."

Leopoldo looked down. From his angle, he could see the profile of her face buried against his chest.

She had a small face and captivating eyes. Her long, curved lashes cast faint shadows beneath them, and the fever had flushed her fair skin a delicate pink, making her appear especially fragile.

An unexpected wave of tenderness washed over him.

Turning, he carried her back into her apartment. Shouldering the door open deftly, he gently laid her on the bed.

Only then did Rowena finally relax. She had been so nervous that she'd broken out in a cold sweat, which now left her skin feeling unpleasantly sticky. Even her hair was damp. All she wanted now was a shower and some sleep.

"I'm fine," she said, hoping he would take the hint and leave.

After all, he was accustomed to his spacious villa and had never once spent the night in her modest apartment.

"Alright." He nodded.

However, instead of leaving, he loosened his tie and then began to undo the buttons of his shirt...

Rowena was utterly stunned. Her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widened in disbelief. "Why are you undressing?"

He still wanted to sleep with her in her current state? What kind of monster would do that?

Leopoldo looked up and stared at her intently.

His gaze carried an intensity that made her heart pound.

Being scrutinized by him at such close range was overwhelming.

Unlike anyone else, his eyes held a raw, undisguised desire whenever they fixed on her.

Under that look, she felt exposed, as if she were already naked.

Biting her lip, she said, "I'm not feeling well."

She hoped he'd get the message that she wasn't up to pleasing him in bed.

Besides, sleeping together was the last thing they should be doing, considering they were about to get a divorce.

Leopoldo said nothing, his expression inscrutable, his eyes faintly lit with a dangerous intensity.

In the next second, he leaned over, bracing his hands on the bed, and brought his lips to her ear. "Rowie," he whispered, "I'm not a monster."

When he said the word "Rowie", his voice was so husky and suggestive, making her blush instantly.

Satisfied with her reaction, he finally pushed himself up and headed for the bathroom.

Rowena's cheeks burned. It was his fault—all those ambiguous gestures designed to unravel her.

A moment later, Leopoldo stepped out of the bathroom. He tilted his head toward Rowena, informing her that he had drawn a bath for her.

This unexpected gentleness took her by surprise.

Always valuing cleanliness above all else, she could no longer stand the feeling of her sticky skin. Eager to sink into the water, she rose from the bed.

But the movement was too abrupt. A sudden wave of dizziness washed over her, and she stumbled, nearly losing her balance.

Fortunately, Leopoldo was there to catch her, his arm firm around her waist. Without a word, he then scooped her into his arms and carried her toward the tub.

His familiar, cool scent made her heart pound violently. Utterly flustered, she stammered, "P-Put me down..."

And he did. After he placed her on the edge of the tub, his hands moved to the buttons of her skirt.

His movements were deft, his expression one of detached meticulousness, and it almost seemed he was reviewing a document, a task so routine it felt entirely natural.

A jolt of electricity followed the cool touch of his fingertips, making her shiver involuntarily.

She immediately clutched her collar, her cheeks heating. Driven by both shyness and fury, she said, "I can do it myself. Step out!"

Leopoldo took in her flustered state, a lazy smile tugging at his lips. "What's the big deal? It's not like I haven't bathed you before."

Now, even the tips of her ears flushed a deep red.

Several times, after their passion, he had carried her exhausted form to the bath, claiming to help her wash. But he always...

The memories were so vivid that the mere combination of a man and a bathtub could make her blush now.

Fighting to suppress those titillating images, she drew a sharp breath and began to shove him toward the door. "Get out, Leopoldo!"

This time, he didn't tease her. He simply stepped out.

In the next second, the door was slammed shut.

After her bath, Rowena felt significantly refreshed. Wrapped in her robe, she opened the door and was startled to find Leopoldo still there.

Bracing herself, she deliberately ignored him, focusing instead on twisting her hair into a towel. However, she had just lain down to sleep when his arm hooked around her waist, pulling her effortlessly out of bed and steering her back into the bathroom.

"You're going to sleep while your hair is still wet?"

After saying this, Leopoldo unwound the towel, picked up the hairdryer, and began to blow-dry her hair himself.

Staring into the mirror, Rowena was in a trance, her heart in turmoil. His hair was still damp, giving him a different kind of raw, desirable allure.

His familiar scent wafted over her, making her heart flutter.

Yet his closeness was also a form of torture, filling her with a nagging fear—what if she couldn't bring herself to let go?

After her hair was dry, she looked at his reflection in the mirror and breathed her thanks.

Leopoldo was standing right behind her, mere centimeters away.

He braced his hand against the counter, looked at her reflection, and arched a single eyebrow in a teasing arc. "Thank me? How?"

His words made her choke slightly. She widened her eyes at him, a wave of speechlessness washing over her.

She had always shown her gratitude physically—but not today.

Not when they were about to get a divorce!

In the mirror, the corners of her eyes were tinged with a slight pink, as was the tip of her nose. It was a look that would undo any man.

Suddenly, Leopoldo felt utterly irritated. He reached out, gripped her chin, turned her face forcibly toward his, and commanded in a low, stern voice, "Don't ever look at anyone else that way."

Rowena was taken aback, uncertain what had provoked him.

His gaze darkened, his voice turning husky. "Not every man is a gentleman like me."

She had no idea—her appearance right now could easily make any man lose control.

As his face leaned closer to hers, she tilted her face away, a bit at a loss.

But his hands pressed down on her shoulders, his voice hoarse. "Don't move."

They were so close that their warm breaths mingled at each other's lips, their gazes locked. Certain he was about to kiss her lips, Rowena was utterly nervous, her heart pounding wildly, her eyelids fluttering.

But he didn't. Instead, he pecked her forehead gently, as if branding her.

Then he pinched her burning cheek, his voice still husky. "Consider that your punishment."

He sounded so serious.

For a moment, Rowena was utterly speechless.

Punishment? What punishment? What had she even done to deserve it?

A wave of fury washed over her—directed both at him and at herself.

How could she have surrendered to his fleeting gentleness so easily?

Just then, his phone rang, breaking the spell.

She sensibly moved aside.

Meanwhile, Leopoldo picked up his phone and went to the balcony.

About several minutes later, he hung up and walked back.

Rowena had lain in bed, wrapping herself tightly with a blanket.

She knew he was leaving, but she remained motionless.

Without waiting for him to speak, she said, her voice muffled by the blanket, "Close the door on your way out."

"Get some proper rest," Leopoldo said.

After that, he gathered his jacket. Pausing at the door, he glanced back at the huddled figure in the bed before finally leaving.

Hearing the sound of the door closing, Rowena finally lifted the blanket a little, revealing eyes glistening with unshed tears.

It felt as if an invisible hand had torn her heart in two, and a bitter ache spread through her entire being.

Everyone knew Bethany was the only one Leopoldo had ever loved.

What did she have to be compared to Bethany?

Her baby, who was destined not to be welcomed?

She sat up, pulled open the drawer, and tore the pregnancy test report into pieces.

Now, she actually felt glad that she hadn't told Leopoldo. She had been humiliated enough, and of course, she had no intention of inviting more.

***

At the private hospital.

Leopoldo stood by the window. Moonlight washed over his flawlessly sculpted face, accentuating his striking features and singular aura.

"Leo..."

Bethany lay in bed, her voice weak as she called out to him.

Beneath the loose hospital gown, she wore a soft lilac dress with a deep V-neck. It perfectly outlined her slender waist and enhanced her gentle demeanor.

Snapping back to reality, Leopoldo walked over to her bedside. "You're awake," he said gently.

"Yes. I'm so sorry to trouble you again," she said, her voice filled with guilt. "It was such a minor issue, but Wanda was overly worried and insisted on calling you. I'll speak to her."

Wanda Harding, her maid, was the one who had called Leopoldo. As she spoke, Bethany looked genuinely moved. By saying this, she was subtly reminding Leopoldo how special she was to him.

"Don't worry about it." Leopoldo's face remained impassive. "Would you like to eat anything? I'll ask Dylan to buy it for you."

"I'm alright." Her voice became softer as she probed, "Where were you earlier tonight? I didn't interrupt anything important, did I?"

"No," he said calmly and concisely. After checking the time on his wristwatch, he said, "It's late. You should get some rest."

"Leo, I'm so scared."

Just then, she suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, her voice trembling with a sob, sounding utterly pitiful.

"Don't leave tonight, alright?"

The moment Bethany's soft hands touched Leopoldo's waist, he instinctively took a step back.

Her hands froze in mid-air, and she stared at him, too stunned even to blink.

An awkward silence descended upon the ward.

Slowly, Bethany withdrew her hands, clenching them into tight fists at her sides. "Leo," she whispered, her eyes already red-rimmed, "do you hate me now?"

"No. Don't overthink it," Leopoldo comforted her while handing her a tissue.

"I know. I'm just a burden to you now..."

She began to sob uncontrollably. "I shouldn't have come back."

"Don't call yourself that." Leopoldo stepped forward and gripped her shoulders. "I'll always take care of you."

"I knew it, Leo... I knew you'd never abandon me." She clutched his hands tightly, her eyes shining with unwavering infatuation.

After tucking Bethany in, Leopoldo finally left.

After the ward door was closed, Bethany, who had been feigning sleep, suddenly opened her eyes.

Earlier, she had caught a scent that didn't belong to Leopoldo. Though it was faint, she was sure it was a woman's fragrance.

Rowena had taken the chance to get close to him while she was away. Aside from Rowena, there was no one else by Leopoldo's side.

Bethany gritted her teeth, her face twisting in fury.

How dare Rowena try to snatch Leopoldo away from her! She was determined to make Rowena pay.

***

After Leopoldo sat in the car, his assistant asked him in a hushed tone, "Mr. Mercer, where to?"

Leopoldo loosened his tie, massaging his temples as he replied a bit wearily, "Dockland Heights."

Upon arrival, Leopoldo made his way upstairs and deftly entered the code.

He found the door to the master bedroom slightly ajar. Inside, Rowena was asleep, her body tilted to one side.

Her long, straight hair cascaded over her shoulders, and one strap of her nightgown had slipped down, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her figure.

He felt her forehead with the back of his hand and realized her fever had broken.

As he reached to pull the thin blanket over her, she suddenly turned over. Her cheeks still flushed, she murmured unconsciously, "Water..."

He fetched a glass and, bending close, called her name softly. But there was no response.

Arching an eyebrow, he sat on the edge of the bed, gripped her shoulders, drew her into his arms, and placed the glass next to her lips to feed her water.

Rowena must have been parched, for she gulped down most of the water in just a few swallows.

In the dim light, her glistening lips looked like a rosy, silent invitation, her delicate demeanor utterly captivating.

Leopoldo's gaze darkened with desire as he traced the curve of her mouth with his index finger.

As if sensing the tension, Rowena mumbled something, though still barely conscious.

Only then did he pull his hand away. The warmth of her skin still lingered on his finger, reminding him of the fire raging elsewhere within him.

He got up and left the room.

By the time Rowena woke up, it was almost noon.

It was the weekend. Since she hadn't received any overtime instructions, there was no need for her to go to the office.

Besides, aside from her and Dylan, there were four other assistants in the Secretariat. They worked a rotating shift, ensuring someone was always on duty to handle Leopoldo's affairs.

She was stunned for a few seconds when she got up and saw the glass on the nightstand.

Did she drink water before going to bed?

But she didn't dwell on it. She took her temperature—the fever had subsided.

Not feeling up for any movement, she grabbed a few bites at noon before sinking back into sleep. When it was dusk, her phone buzzed, which jolted her awake.

It was her bestie, Chelsea Foley, who had just returned from abroad and wanted to meet for dinner.

When Rowena stepped into the kebab joint, Chelsea spotted her immediately. She rushed over and pulled Rowena into a big hug, shouting, "I missed you so much, Rowie!"

Rowena had met Chelsea in high school. Back then, she had just arrived in Northburg. It so happened that Grapevine Academy, an elite institution, was actively recruiting top academic performers, offering full scholarships to attract them.

Rowena had always been a stellar student, and she was admitted straight in with top scores.

However, Grapevine Academy was predominantly filled with trust fund kids. Some of them looked down on scholarship students like Rowena, who came from a humble background. They isolated her and targeted her with cruel pranks.

She helped Chelsea once by chance. The simple gesture sparked a friendship, and as time went by, they became inseparable.

Only then did she know the Foley family was a famous energy tycoon in Northburg. Unlike her, Chelsea was a rich heiress.

Yet, this never affected their friendship.

From high school through university, they remained inseparable, their bond growing only stronger.

After they had caught up for a while, Chelsea linked arms with the tall, rakish man beside her and introduced him sweetly to Rowena, "Rowie, this is my boyfriend, Leland Gordon."

While Leland wasn't looking, she secretly used her fingers to signal the number seventeen.

Rowena felt a headache coming on. She knew it meant he was the seventeenth guy on Chelsea's list.

"Chel talks about you all the time, Ms. Hale. I had no idea you were so beautiful. It's a pleasure to meet you," Leland said, extending his hand.

His eyes darted around as he spoke, making Rowena deeply uncomfortable. But out of courtesy, she shook his hand briefly.

As he withdrew, his fingertip lightly—seemingly unintentionally—scratched her palm.

A wave of revulsion instantly washed over her, goosebumps rising on her skin.

But when she looked up, Leland was already affectionately pulling Chelsea into a hug, leaving her to wonder if she had imagined the whole thing.

Halfway through the meal, Leland went to the restroom.

As soon as the door to the private room clicked shut, Chelsea asked, "Rowie, how are you holding up?"

Rowena knew exactly what she meant. Clearly, Chelsea knew about her and Leopoldo. Given that the Foley family was among Northburg's elite, Chelsea probably knew more about Bethany than she did herself.

Just as Rowena was about to answer, a wave of nausea hit her. She quickly stood up, heading for the restroom.

Worried that Chelsea might read too much into it, she avoided the ensuite bathroom and made an excuse to leave the room.

She had just stepped out of the restroom when a familiar male voice from around the corner caught her attention.

"Tonight's the night... Yeah, if it comes down to it, I'll make sure she drinks a few more glasses. Fuck, I'm done waiting. If that bitch still won't sleep with me, I'm gonna have to step up my game... And, damn, her friend is a stunner. I wonder if she can join us... Yeah, I'll get photos and videos of everything. Perhaps we can all have fun with them together... They'll be too scared to refuse us after that..."

What followed were even more vulgar words. Utterly pissed off, Rowena clenched her fists.

After hanging up, Leland stepped out and was momentarily surprised to see Rowena.

But he wasn't panicked at all. He tugged at his lips into a lewd, self-satisfied smile.

"What a coincidence, Rowie." After saying this, he feigned a look of exaggerated shock and added, "Oh, my apologies. It just slipped out. You don't mind, do you?"

He was so disgusting.

Rowena didn't bother to hide her contempt. "Mr. Gordon," she said coldly, "please behave yourself."

But he acted as if he hadn't heard her at all and even took a step closer, invading her personal space. "Rowie, I think I've fallen for you at first sight."

With that, he made a grab for her hand.

She shifted back almost imperceptibly, avoiding his touch.

Though Leland missed her hand, he didn't mind at all.

He had been with countless women, and his jaded appetite was no longer tempted by easy targets. Unlike them, Rowena instantly captivated him. She wasn't wearing any makeup, and her skin was tender and fair. Though her beauty seemed innocent, the slight lift at the corners of her eyes gave her a uniquely alluring charm that he found utterly mesmerizing.

To him, when women said "No", they meant "Yes".

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice to what he imagined was a seductive rumble. "Shall we chat somewhere else?"

A wave of nausea washed over Rowena.

Interpreting her disgusted silence as shy attraction, he leaned even closer and said, "If you're shy, let's exchange numbers first. I'll make up an excuse to send Chel away, and then we can..."

Rowena nodded with a smile.

His face instantly lit up in triumph as he eagerly took out his phone. Then he leaned in once more and said, "Babe, you're so pretty. The moment when I saw you, I just wanted to..."

Before he could finish, Rowena threw the full glass of juice square in his face.

Then she smiled innocently, "I'm sorry. My hand slipped."

It was the mulberry juice she had specifically requested from the waiter. The deep reddish-purple liquid drenched his hair and seeped into his shirt, leaving him a mess.

He was seething with rage, but Rowena's apology made exploding seem ungentlemanly. Lust overriding his fury, he forced a gentle tone. "It's alright, Babe. But you've ruined my shirt. How about you come to a hotel with me and compensate me with a new set?"

Fighting back the urge to retch, Rowena replied coldly, "Nothing gets to you, does it, Mr. Gordon? You are utterly devoid of decency."

Only then did Leland realize he had been played. Immediately, he flew into a rage. "You fucking bitch! You've got some nerve!"

With that, he raised his arm to slap Rowena, his feigned gentlemanly manners completely vanishing.

Utterly unfazed, Rowena sidestepped calmly, and Leland's swing sliced through empty air. To make matters worse, he lost balance on the slick, juice-covered floor and fell face-first with a heavy thud.

White-hot rage coursed through his veins at once. He clambered up, one hand clutching his throbbing hip, and spat through clenched teeth, "You bitch... You're going to regret this. I'll make sure you suffer!"

"What are you doing?"

They had been gone for so long that Chelsea grew worried and went to look for them. She arrived just in time to see the chaotic scene.

Just as Rowena was about to speak, Leland beat her to it. "Chel..."

He limped toward Chelsea, his face a perfect mask of grievance. "Ms. Hale wanted my number. I didn't give it to her, and she got so embarrassed that she did this to me..."

Rowena was stunned for a second before feeling the urge to laugh.

Could she call him an angelic bitch?

Leland lowered his head and said to Chelsea, seeming affectionate, "Chel, I'd never do anything to let you down. So, I turned down Ms. Hale firmly..."

Just then, the sound of retching rang out, abruptly cutting him off.

"I didn't mean to. Carry on."

Rowena covered her mouth, explaining innocently. She wasn't lying—she genuinely felt nauseous and wanted to puke.

Leland was furious at the interruption. The momentum of his performance had been shattered, and he could only lamely reiterate, "Chel, you have to believe me."

"Lenny," Chelsea said, her voice dripping with the affectionate, exclusive nickname she used for him. She offered a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "You're such a fool."

The smugness on Leland's face was almost palpable. He had played this act countless times already, and it always worked. In his experience, female friendship, no matter how deep, was always brittle when tested by a man.

To him, Chelsea was just another stupid woman.

He extended his hands, wanting to pull her into his embrace. But before he could do so, a searing pain exploded in his groin.

Chelsea had driven her knee upward with ruthless accuracy, landing a crippling blow.

He immediately curled up like a shrimp, his face twisted in so much pain he couldn't even utter a sound.

"Do you know why I call you a fool?"

Chelsea looked down at him with undisguised contempt. "You actually said Rowie wanted your number? Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe that!"

"Chel, didn't you say we're a good match? How could you not believe me? This is heartbreaking..."

Enduring the lancing pain, Leland tried to win Chelsea back. He didn't want to give up just yet. After all, she was the best catch he'd ever had.

She was young, pretty, and rich.

Most importantly, he hadn't gotten to sleep with her yet.

Chelsea squinted and suddenly stepped on his leather shoe hard.

"I've only known you for a month. And you actually believed that could trump a seven-year friendship with Rowie?

"Dream on!"

After dealing with him, Chelsea was no longer in the mood to eat there. Wrapping an arm around Rowena's shoulders, she said, "Let's go somewhere else to eat, Babe. That jerk has totally tainted this place."

Behind them, Leland remained motionless, his face twisted with fury and malice. "This isn't over," he thought. "Bitches, sooner or later, I'll make you pay for what you did today."

Chelsea and Rowena went to a famous upscale restaurant in Northburg.

After ordering, Rowena said, "Chel, I overheard Leland on the phone. He was planning to drug..."

Chelsea cut her off before she could finish.

"Rowie, you don't have to explain. I know he must have done something awful, or you never would have done what you did. You're the gentlest person I know. I'm just glad you found out in time. If he had really gotten his way, I would have been disgusted for the rest of my life."

After they had eaten for a while, Chelsea glanced at Rowena. Hesitating, she finally ventured, "Rowie ... what are your plans?"

Of course, Rowena knew what Chelsea meant. Slowly stirring her soup, she offered a faint smile. "I'm going to leave the Mercer Group."

"Are you sure?" Chelsea's voice was full of concern as she studied Rowena's pale face. "What will you do next?"

"Yes, I've thought it through. I want to try my hand at design," Rowena said flatly.

She tilted her head slightly, her profile appearing exquisitely beautiful yet fragile against the light.

With Leopoldo's true love's return, she had served her purpose.

It was time to make way instead of being a nuisance.

Chelsea felt a wave of relief wash over her upon hearing Rowena's decision. Leopoldo's world was far too complicated, and the last thing she wanted was to see her friend get hurt.

"It's about time you saw things clearly! Pining after Leopoldo is beneath you. Rowie, you're the whole package—you're so pretty, capable, and your design work at college even won an award. Your future is going to be amazing after you leave the Mercer Group."

In the past, when Rowena was deeply in love with Leopoldo, Chelsea had often bitten her tongue, refraining from saying what she truly felt for fear of hurting Rowena. Now, seeing Rowena finally come to her senses, Chelsea couldn't have been happier for her.

"Hey, have you heard? Xavier is back in town. It reminded me of college—everyone always said you two were meant to be together."

Rowena was a bit stunned. "Xavier's back?"

"Yes. Didn't you follow him on Twitter? He's a rising star in investment banking now. Literally everyone knows him."

Rowena shook her head. After graduation, she had been completely devoted to Leopoldo. Chelsea was probably the only college friend she had even kept in touch with.

Chelsea sighed, "Honestly, I really thought you and Xavier would be a thing. He was two years ahead of us, but he was so good to you. I was quite jealous."

"Don't say that. That's just how Xavier is. He's nice to everyone."

Rowena wasn't lying. To her, Xavier was merely watching out for her—as was expected of the student council president towards a freshman.

Knowing how oblivious Rowena was to matters of romance, Chelsea didn't press the issue. She simply smiled, "You little fool."

"Hey, is it true that Johnny's back?" Rowena couldn't help but ask.

Johnny Sarratt was once engaged to Chelsea. However, after his family encountered some troubles, her father, Linden Foley, compelled them to break up.

Leopoldo and Johnny were friends, so upon Johnny's return, they became close business partners.

Chelsea's smile stiffened. "Yes," she replied.

"Chel, you need to let him go. Johnny is getting married, after all," Rowena advised gently.

She knew Chelsea had cycled through so many relationships just to forget Johnny.

She hated to see Chelsea still torturing herself.

Not willing to continue the subject, Chelsea smiled while raising her glass, "Hey, let's not ruin tonight. Cheers!"

After the meal, Chelsea went to get the car from the underground parking lot while Rowena waited at the entrance.

Just then, someone snarled through clenched teeth, "Rowena?"

Rowena turned around, only to see Colleen, who was glaring at her fiercely.

After Leopoldo had kicked her out of the Mercer Group, the last of the investors in her fashion company had fled.

She hated Rowena's guts.

Fortunately, Bethany was back.

Everyone knew Bethany was Leopoldo's one true love, so Colleen decided to switch tactics and fawn over Bethany. If she could get on Bethany's good side, Leopoldo's attitude toward her would surely change.

Lifting her chin, Colleen mocked, "No entourage today, Ms. Hale? There are plenty of men on the street. Why don't you go and work your magic? You're so good at that, after all."

Rowena smiled calmly, "Ms. Schultz, how's your face?"

Colleen almost lost it on the spot.

How dare Rowena strike a nerve! She still hadn't settled the score with Rowena about what had happened at the Mercer Group!

Seething with rage, Colleen raised her hand, ready to give Rowena a piece of her mind.

"You bitch!"

"Collie."

A second before Colleen's hand could fall, a gentle voice rang out, stopping her.

Rowena instinctively looked over, and her gaze fell upon the woman in the wheelchair behind Colleen. It was Bethany.

Her graceful smile and poised demeanor made it obvious to everyone that she was a highly educated, rich heiress, one who had grown up with everything handed to her.

Her only apparent flaw was her weak constitution, which left her unable to live without a wheelchair.

Rowena had read reports before. Bethany had hemophilia and had been receiving treatment abroad.

At the sight of Bethany, Colleen suppressed her fury and said with a mocking tone, "Bethany, meet Rowena, Leopoldo's secretary. While you were away, she took such good care of him—not just during the day, but so diligently at night too!"

Her words were so explicit that everyone could catch her drift.

Bethany's face went pale at once.

But soon, Bethany regained her composure. She looked at Colleen and smiled, "Collie, I'm afraid I left my bag inside. Could you please go and fetch it for me?"

Colleen had wanted to throw more shade at Rowena, but now she had no choice but to give up. She shot Rowena a few fierce glares before leaving reluctantly.

Bethany then looked at Rowena, her smile as gentle as always. "Rowena, thank you for taking care of Leo for me."

With that single sentence, she had proclaimed her ownership.

How ironic—Rowena was Leopoldo's actual wife.

Bethany continued, "I was so stubborn. I ran off to another country over a silly argument. But luckily, Leo is so persistent... He never gave up on me. You have no idea how touched I am. I've decided to marry him."

Rowena didn't say anything.

In an instant, Bethany's voice became faint and far away.

She felt as if an invisible hand were crushing her heart, making it impossible to breathe.

They weren't even divorced yet, and already Leopoldo was so eager to marry another woman?

"Rowena... Rowena?"

Rowena only snapped out of it after Bethany called her name twice.

"What is it, Ms. Jenner?"

Seeing Rowena's ghastly pale face, Bethany smirked inwardly.

She pulled out her phone and said, "Rowena, why don't we exchange numbers? Leo's so nice to me, and I'm thinking about getting him some surprises. It'll be greatly appreciated if you can help."

Although reluctant, Rowena was finally worn down by the eagerness on Bethany's face.

Probably because of the heat, Bethany's forehead was drenched in sweat. She looked at Rowena, a bit embarrassed, and said, "Rowena, could you wheel me over there?"

Rowena nodded and tried to push the wheelchair, but it didn't move.

She pressed on the armrests and bent over to see what was wrong.

As she lowered her head, Bethany suddenly pinched her arm hard and asked with a cold sneer, "Rowena, have you been enjoying yourself sleeping with my man for the last two years?"

Rowena instantly had a bad feeling.

Suddenly, the stuck wheelchair jerked forward.

"Rowena!" Bethany exclaimed in terror as she fell backward.

Rowena's pupils shrank. She immediately reached out to grab Bethany, but it was too late.

With a sickening thud, Bethany hit the ground heavily.

"Bethany!"

A familiar male voice came from behind Rowena.

Then a forceful shove sent her stumbling before she could even react.

Caught completely off guard, she slammed into the nearby railing. Instantly, a sharp pain shot through her body. She couldn't even tell whether it came from her knees or her lower abdomen.

"Leo... It hurts so much..."

Leaning against Leopoldo's arms, Bethany sobbed weakly, her forehead smeared with blood, her face a mask of agony.

Frowning, Leopoldo checked her wound extremely carefully and nervously.

The entire time, not once did he shoot Rowena—the woman he had just shoved away—a single glance.

The sight was like a knife, twisting deep in Rowena's heart.

"I saw it, Leopoldo. This crazy bitch pushed Bethany!"

Colleen had just stepped out of the restaurant. She pointed a firm finger at Rowena.

In truth, she had seen nothing—she lied without hesitation purely to get back at Rowena.

Upon hearing this, Leopoldo whirled to face Rowena, a murderous glint flashing in his deep-set eyes.

His gaze stunned her for a second. Clutching at her last shred of hope, she muttered, "I didn't..."

"Enough," he cut her off mercilessly.

He glared at her, his eyes bloodshot. "If anything happens to Bethany, I will make you pay."

His utter disbelief was the final blow.

The hope in Rowena's eyes faded, leaving nothing but emptiness.

The blade of his harsh words plunged deep into her heart.

How ridiculous.

Only now did she realize how vile she was in Leopoldo's eyes.

A cold tremor shook her to the core, and she could no longer distinguish the agony of her wounds from the utter devastation deep down.

After saying that, Leopoldo scooped Bethany up and walked toward his car, not sparing a glance at Rowena.

As she followed them, Colleen looked down at Rowena on the ground with a mocking sneer, as if Rowena were a stray dog.

"Stop your pathetic fantasizing. You're nothing compared to Bethany. Even if you were the last woman on Earth, Leopoldo would never have chosen you."

Her words were dripping with venom, but they seemed to fall on Rowena's deaf ears.

She just stared at Leopoldo's retreating figure blankly, like a lifeless doll.

That nervous look on his face was a privilege she had never been granted.

The cruel reality finally dawned on her. Leopoldo had never given a damn about her.

The black Bentley pulled away, raising a cloud of dust from the ground.

A sharp, sudden pain shot through her lower abdomen.

It jolted her back to her senses. Her hand flew to her stomach. "My baby..."

Just then, her phone rang—it was Chelsea, saying she was stuck in the parking lot and needed a while.

A wave of panic seized Rowena as the pain intensified. Seeing no taxis outside the upscale restaurant, she scrambled to her feet, throwing caution to the wind. She had to stop Leopoldo's car. She had to beg him to take her to the hospital.

There—just meters away—Leopoldo's Bentley was gliding past her. She dragged her feet, waving frantically with all her remaining strength.

But the car sped onto the main road without slowing down, as ruthless as its owner.

She could only watch helplessly as it vanished into the distance.

The cramps in her abdomen twisted viciously. Just before darkness claimed her, she stroked her belly, tears streaming down her face.

"Baby, don't blame me..."

***

In the ward.

A doctor was conducting a thorough examination of Bethany.

Meanwhile, Leopoldo was standing in the hallway on the phone. The overhead light shone on his face, accentuating his handsome, chiseled profile.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Mercer. I didn't find Mrs. Mercer. Maybe she had left," Dylan reported truthfully on the phone.

"I see."

Leopoldo hung up, the haunting image of Rowena crumpled on the ground occupying his mind.

It occurred to him that he had accidentally shoved her aside in his rush to get to Bethany.

He hadn't used much force, and he was sure he hadn't seen any blood. But now, as he recalled, her face had been a mask of agony.

Well, if Dylan couldn't find her, she must be fine.

Still, a wave of frustrated irritation seized him, leaving him unsettled.

For some inexplicable reason, his mind was filled with Rowena's red-rimmed, pleading eyes and tear-streaked face, and he couldn't get rid of them whatsoever.

Rowena had hurt Bethany. He knew he shouldn't be lenient.

But for so long, Rowena had always behaved, never crossing the line. Though they were married, she never took advantage of her status.

Maybe what happened today was just a terrible accident.

But if it was, what role had Bethany played in it?

His unreadable gaze fell upon the ward door, and unknowingly, something in his heart began to shift.

He went back to the ward.

The tear tracks were still visible on Bethany's cheeks. The moment she saw him approaching, she extended her arms and immediately clung to his waist.

A slight frown creased his brow. Apparently, he didn't welcome the intimacy. But thinking of her injured arm, he didn't push her away.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

Despite the concerned words, Bethany keenly noticed the distant tone in his voice.

"It doesn't hurt so much now," she whispered pitifully, looking up at him with glistening eyes.

"What happened, Bethany?"

Though his tone was light, it somehow sent a chill down Bethany's spine.

"Rowena was just trying to be nice, so she offered to push the wheelchair," she explained hastily. "It must have been because of the wheelchair that I fell. Leo, please don't blame her, alright?"

She sounded so guilty.

Leopoldo looked at her, his gaze no longer that icy.

Maybe he had overthought it. Bethany would never do anything vile, and he shouldn't have doubted her.

Placing his hands on her shoulders, he subtly freed himself from her embrace and said gently, "Get some rest."

The overhead light shone down, illuminating his stunning, flawless features.

Bethany was utterly captivated, her heart fluttering.

The moment the ward door clicked shut behind him, the innocent smile on her face was wiped away, instantly replaced by a look of pure malice.

Leopoldo had actually doubted her for that bitch Rowena!

A faint, smug smile touched Bethany's lips as she breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, she had already concocted a perfectly plausible explanation.

After she blamed it all on the wheelchair, if Rowena dared accuse her, Leopoldo would only see a cunning woman trying to shift the blame.

It'd be killing two birds with one stone.

But beneath the smugness, a deep, seething resentment burned. In the past, Leopoldo would never have questioned her because of another woman. Now, he had doubted her over some cheap slut!

The stunt at the restaurant had merely been a probe. She wasn't stupid and wouldn't use such a lame move for a real setup. If she wanted someone gone, she'd never dirty her own hands.

The vivid image of Leopoldo and Rowena sleeping together—for almost three years—flashed in her mind, sending a wave of rage through her. Her nails dug deep into her palms, and her pretty face twisted with fury and malice.

Leopoldo was hers. That bitch Rowena must pay for what she had done!

***

The air stung with the pungent smell of disinfectant.

Leopoldo's gaze was razor-sharp, his tone laced with cold interrogation. "You're pregnant?"

Without a hint of warmth, he spat out two icy words, "Abort it."

"No!"

Rowena exclaimed, her eyes snapping open in terror. Her whole body was drenched in a cold sweat.

Everything that came into her view was pristine white.

Only then did she realize she was in a hospital room, and it had been just a dream.

She slowly relaxed.

Just then, the door was open, and someone stepped in.

He had a tall, slender frame and a stunningly good-looking face, and the narrow gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose bridge added an air of refinement and sharp intelligence to his demeanor.

The sight of Xavier showing up here stunned Rowena.

She couldn't help but blurt out, "Xavier? What are you doing here?"

"I ran into Chelsea in the parking lot," Xavier explained patiently, his voice gentle.

"She was in a bit of an argument, and her car was blocked in. She asked me to come to you instead."

Absentmindedly, Rowena stroked her lower abdomen. Her baby's well-being was her only thought.

She wanted to ask but didn't know how to bring it up, faltering, "My..."

"Don't worry. The doctor examined you. Your baby is perfectly fine," Xavier comforted her softly.

A wave of immense relief washed over her, and she quickly said, "Thank you, Xavier."

"I didn't expect you to marry so early." Xavier's eyes dimmed for a second. Then he asked, "Do you want to call your husband?"

"No." She shook her head, her face betraying no emotion.

"Why not?" he asked, puzzled.

"I..." She trailed off, utterly at a loss.

What could she possibly say? That her husband was at this very moment holding another woman in his arms?

Noticing her silence, Xavier didn't press further. He asked, his tone filled with concern, "How are you feeling right now?"

He could tell her spirits were low, and it worried him.

"I'm fine." Suppressing her frustration, Rowena looked up at him. "Xavier, can we exchange numbers?"

Xavier's expression froze for a second.

"I just want to transfer the money for the medical bill to you," she hastily explained, not wanting him to misunderstand. "But if you're not comfortable—"

"I have your number," he interrupted her.

"What?"

He pulled out his phone and showed it to her, a faint, amused smile playing on his lips. "You blocked me."

She went completely stiff.

Seeing the name "X.M." on his WhatsApp screen, she finally remembered that he had once sent her a "Happy New Year" message.

She had asked him who he was, and he replied, "Xavier Moyer".

She was stunned when she saw his reply. At that time, online scams were rampant, and Xavier was abroad. She found it hard to believe that the famous Xavier Moyer would reach out to her on his own.

Certain that it was a fraud, she blocked his number decisively.

But as it turned out...

How embarrassing.

"I'm so sorry, Xavier," she apologized, guilt-ridden. "I didn't realize it was actually you. I thought you were a scammer... I'll unblock you right away!"

But the very next second, her phone died.

Instantly, her embarrassment deepened.

"Don't worry about it," Xavier said, seeming to be in a remarkably good mood, his smile widening. "You can do it once you're home. Get some rest now—Chelsea will be here any minute."

His warm smile sent her back to their college days, and her spirits lightened.

"Xavier," she called out just as he was about to leave.

After a hesitant pause, she added, "Could you keep the baby a secret for me?"

If Chelsea found out, she'd probably march over to Leopoldo's place with a knife.

She didn't want to see that happen. After all, she had humiliated herself enough already.

Without asking anything, Xavier nodded. "Alright."

The moment the door clicked shut behind him, he turned and cast a glance back at Rowena in bed, a complex, unreadable emotion flickering in his usually clear and gentle eyes.

He lingered for a moment before finally turning to leave.

The recently taken ultrasound report lay on the bedside table. A peculiar feeling stirred within Rowena as her gaze fell upon the blurred dot in the middle.

Truthfully, she had considered an abortion. She wasn't confident she could raise an unwanted child.

But when she was in immense pain, on the verge of losing the baby, she realized just how terrified and reluctant she truly was to let go.

The baby was innocent.

A fierce desire to protect it surged within her.

Besides, her precious little one had proven to be so tough—a fighter. She had no right to deprive it of its chance to live.

She made up her mind. She would give birth to and properly raise her child.

Soon, Chelsea arrived at the hospital. According to the examination results, Rowena had only sustained minor injuries, and all her vital signs were normal. All she needed was to go home and rest.

In the car, Chelsea—still unaware of the real story—cursed loudly at Leopoldo, "That bastard couldn't even be bothered to show up at a time like this?"

After arriving home, Rowena ordered some soup from downstairs and brought it back in a takeout container.

As she opened the door, she was met by total darkness. Yet, she keenly sensed the presence of someone else inside.

The neighbors had recently complained about home invasions. Her blood ran cold at once, and she immediately turned to run.

But before she could even move, a figure closed in on her.

Without time to think, she clutched the bag in her hand and hurled it at the intruder.

In the next second, a hand gripped her wrist, immobilizing her effortlessly.

Then, a crisp click rang out.

He turned on the light.

A familiar, handsome face came into Rowena's view.

It was the very man Chelsea had just been cursing as a bastard.

Leopoldo looked down at her, his lips curving into a careless smile, his eyes cold yet captivating. "What is it? You wanna murder your husband?"

He made a joke lazily.

But to Rowena, the joke was grating and bitterly ironic.

He let go, took the bag from her hand, and tossed it into the trash.

"Forget the takeout. I ordered something for you. It should be here any minute."

As Rowena's gaze fell upon the takeout in the trash, she felt exhausted and hungry, not having the energy to say another word.

For a fleeting second, she felt no different from that discarded takeout. To Leopoldo, she was just useless garbage.

"That won't be necessary. I'm tired. Mr. Mercer, you should leave," she said indifferently, heading to the bedroom without even glancing at him.

But as she walked past him, Leopoldo suddenly gripped her arm. With a firm tug, he pulled her into his embrace.

"It all happened too fast. I didn't mean to push you." He looked at her, his voice gentler.

Her lashes fluttered, her heart skipping a beat at his gentleness.

But she knew it was an illusion.

Leopoldo's voice had always been cold yet gentle.

It'd captivate her and then stab her in the heart before she could react.

They were so close. His pleasant, familiar scent wafted over, but this time, it was mixed with a faint woman's fragrance that didn't belong to her.

It was identical to the scent she had smelled on Bethany earlier.

The image of Leopoldo and Bethany in bed together suddenly flashed in her mind, and a wave of nausea overwhelmed her. She immediately shoved him away and rushed to the bathroom to vomit.

Only when her stomach was completely empty did she finally feel better.

She splashed cold water on her face and was about to step out when Leopoldo blocked the doorway. He grabbed her wrist, squinted slightly, and asked, his voice icy, "What's going on with you?"