Stella’s husband, Haynes, had a first love named Rachel who was terminally ill. He’d always say to Stella, “Rachel doesn’t have much time left. Just let it go, okay?” To make up for lost years, Haynes took Rachel everywhere—chasing sunsets, stargazing, you name it. He even went as far as giving Rachel the wedding *they* were supposed to have, right in front of Stella. And their five-year-old son, Keen? He’d cling to Rachel’s leg and say, “Mom’s not even half as good as Rachel. Why can’t Rachel be my mom?” Stella had had enough. She decided to let them have their perfect little fantasy. She slapped a divorce agreement on the table and walked out without a second glance. But then, things flipped. Haynes and Keen ended up on their knees in front of her, Haynes full of regret and Keen crying his eyes out. “Darling (Mom), do you really not want us anymore?” Just as the tension peaked, a ridiculously handsome guy showed up, wrapping an arm around Stella’s waist. “Babe, what’s taking so long? Our son’s at home, waiting to hang out with you.”

Chapter 1It was one in the morning.Stella Cameron suddenly stumbled upon Rachel Pearce's Facebook post."Thanks to Mr. O'Brien and little Keen for the gifts. Keen even handmade this mug himself!"Stella clicked on the photo. A necklace and a DIY mug appeared on her screen. She could faintly see the words on the mug, "Happy Birthday, Mom."Stella glanced at the dining table, the untouched dinner that had gone cold, and the birthday cake with candles still unlit. A wry smile crept onto her lips.She recalled a news alert she received earlier that day: "Confirmed! The usually reserved Haynes O'Brien from elite circles is secretly married and has a five-year-old son!"In the photo, a tall, handsome man and a slender, beautiful woman were walking hand in hand with a five-year-old boy at a theme park.Rachel gently patted Keen O'Brien's head while Haynes gazed at her with an intensity and tenderness Stella had never seen.That was a picture-perfect family of three, with the little boy looking so much like Haynes.Today was supposed to be Stella's day. It was her birthday and her fifth wedding anniversary with Haynes. Yet, it seemed like Rachel was the one having the celebration.Stella's husband and son had spent the day with Rachel, even giving her gifts meant for Stella.Stella wasn't surprised. She was used to it by then.Rachel was Haynes' first love, diagnosed with a terminal illness and only a year left to live. Her dying wish was to see him one last time.Haynes wanted to do something meaningful for Rachel in her final days, hoping that Stella would come to terms with it. Although Stella was reluctant to accept it, she realized she couldn't stop him, as it was the first time Haynes had ever spoken to her with such seriousness.She felt her heart dug out, leaving an empty, aching void. She sat in the dark for what seemed like an age when the front door opening broke the silence.Haynes walked in with Keen.Seeing Stella in the dining room, Haynes paused, surprised. He seemed to have forgotten the day, looking at Stella with bewilderment. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"Stella replied coldly, "I have something to discuss with you."Haynes furrowed his brow and glanced down at Keen. "Keen, head upstairs and sleep."Keen rubbed his eyes, yawning as he passed by Stella. Then, as if remembering something, he stopped. "Happy Birthday, Mom."Keen looked up at her, his eyes remarkably similar to Haynes'."Dad and I didn't mean to forget your birthday. We have plenty of time together as a family, but Rachel only has six months left.""You're not mad at us over something so small, right?"Stella couldn't tell which hurt more—being forgotten or being remembered but still ignored. After Keen left, silence filled the room.Haynes spoke first, breaking the quiet. "What do you want to talk about?"He stood in a white shirt and black trousers, features as sharp as a portrait, his presence as cold and distant as the moon on a winter night.Stella took a deep breath. "Haynes, I want a divorce."His gaze wavered like ripples across a lake stirred by the wind, but soon, it was calm and still again."Stella, I didn't forget your birthday. I've had your gift ready for a while.""My gift?" Stella chuckled softly. "Didn't you give my mother's necklace to Ms. Pearce?"That necklace was the last thing Stella's mother left her before she passed away. But on the day Stella gave birth to Keen, it went missing. Haynes had promised to find it for her. He did find it, but he gave it to Rachel.Haynes' expression remained calm, showing not a hint of embarrassment at being caught. His deep eyes seemed even darker than usual. "I only lent the necklace to Rachel. I'll get it back for you soon.""How soon?" Stella asked, her voice steady. "When she dies?""Stella!" His voice was cold and piercing, slicing through the silence. For once, the anger in his deep-set eyes revealed a depth of feeling beneath his usual indifference. "That's enough."Enough was right. Stella had had enough of living with a husband whose heart was elsewhere, raising a child who felt distant, and enduring the disdain of her in-laws.Haynes sighed, "Rachel only has six months left. Even Keen understands compassion. Why can't you?"At that moment, Stella realized she couldn't hold back any longer.Her voice was icy as she replied, "What does the time she has left have to do with me? She's not my family. Why should I put up with her?"Haynes seemed stunned, unprepared for such harsh words from Stella, who was usually so mild-mannered.His eyes hardened like frost on the glass. "Stella, I thought we had an understanding."Stella let out a bitter laugh. "She wants to relive her first love, and I'm supposed to watch you rekindle a romance with her. She wanted to experience a wedding, so my carefully planned ceremony went to Rachel. I'm supposed to stand by as you and she, with Keen, walk down the aisle. She wants to see the world, and you take her on a grand tour. If she wanted the moon, you'd find a way to bring it to her, wouldn't you?"They had been married for five years without a wedding ceremony. Once, Keen asked what a wedding dress looked like, and Haynes decided it was time to have a wedding. Stella had spent six months planning it, only for Rachel to take it away with a single request.Haynes' gaze turned icy cold. "Stella, you're out of line."Out of line? Stella felt a pang in her chest and closed her eyes, overwhelmed with disappointment.For years, she had tried to be the perfect wife and mother. No matter how much she tried, Haynes always kept his distance, and she had assumed it was just part of his nature. But when his first love came back, she witnessed a side of him she never knew was there.She picked up the divorce papers she had prepared and signed. "I've signed them. Please sign quickly. If Rachel can become Mrs. O'Brien before she dies, I'm sure it would make her happy."Haynes' lips tightened, and his face seemed to freeze over with a chilling intensity. It was a sign of his deep displeasure. "And what about Keen?"Stella's voice was barely a whisper. "He'll stay with the O'Brien family."He was about to respond when his phone rang."Haynes, something's happened! Rachel collapsed and has been rushed to the ER!"Haynes furrowed his brow and quickly muttered, "I'll be right there," before striding out the door, not even sparing Stella a second glance.Stella watched his retreating figure with a blank expression. She'd lost count of how many times Haynes had rushed out late at night because of one of Rachel's "emergency" calls....The following morning, Stella was all packed up and ready to leave. As she passed by Keen's room, she hesitated for a moment. After a brief pause, she checked in on Keen before leaving.Keen had been born prematurely, and as a result, he'd always been a bit frail. Stella had always looked after him personally, not trusting anyone else with the task. He took after Haynes in looks and, to some extent, in temperament—cool and distant.It was the weekend, so Keen wasn't at school. He was in his room working on his homework.When Stella walked in, he greeted her, "Morning, Mom," before focusing on his books again.Stella looked at Keen, whose profile closely resembled Haynes, and spoke softly, "Keen, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."Without raising his gaze, Keen replied casually, "Okay."Since Rachel had come into their lives, Keen had grown more distant from her.Rachel had once posted a video on social media. In it, Keen was munching on an ice cream, his words muffled and indistinct."I love hanging out with Rachel. I get to eat all sorts of yummy stuff," he said.Rachel asked, "Is your mom not nice to you?""Mom's always telling me what to do, what not to do, what I can't eat," he replied."So, who do you think is better, me or your mom?" Rachel pressed."Sure, you! If my mom were half as nice as you, I'd be happy," Keen answered.Stella knew that compared to a strict mother, the indulgent and easygoing Rachel was much more appealing to him.She ensured he went to bed on time and avoided junk food to help him regain his health. Thanks to her care, Keen was healthier than he'd ever been. But their relationship had grown colder.As Stella was about to leave the room, Keen suddenly called out. "Mom."She turned to look at him."You always said you would like anyone I like. I like Rachel. Does that mean you'll like her too?" he asked.Stella paused, feeling the last thread of her resolve snap. She closed her eyes briefly, a silent smile on her lips."You've always wanted to protect Rachel, haven't you? Well, now you and your dad can look after her together," she said.Keen looked puzzled, not grasping her meaning.Stella didn't elaborate. She turned and walked out of the house....Her friend, Abby Murphy, was waiting by the car outside the house. After helping load the luggage into the car, Abby looked at Stella.Chapter 2It was one in the morning.Stella Cameron suddenly stumbled upon Rachel Pearce's Facebook post."Thanks to Mr. O'Brien and little Keen for the gifts. Keen even handmade this mug himself!"Stella clicked on the photo. A necklace and a DIY mug appeared on her screen. She could faintly see the words on the mug, "Happy Birthday, Mom."Stella glanced at the dining table, the untouched dinner that had gone cold, and the birthday cake with candles still unlit. A wry smile crept onto her lips.She recalled a news alert she received earlier that day: "Confirmed! The usually reserved Haynes O'Brien from elite circles is secretly married and has a five-year-old son!"In the photo, a tall, handsome man and a slender, beautiful woman were walking hand in hand with a five-year-old boy at a theme park.Rachel gently patted Keen O'Brien's head while Haynes gazed at her with an intensity and tenderness Stella had never seen.That was a picture-perfect family of three, with the little boy looking so much like Haynes.Today was supposed to be Stella's day. It was her birthday and her fifth wedding anniversary with Haynes. Yet, it seemed like Rachel was the one having the celebration.Stella's husband and son had spent the day with Rachel, even giving her gifts meant for Stella.Stella wasn't surprised. She was used to it by then.Rachel was Haynes' first love, diagnosed with a terminal illness and only a year left to live. Her dying wish was to see him one last time.Haynes wanted to do something meaningful for Rachel in her final days, hoping that Stella would come to terms with it. Although Stella was reluctant to accept it, she realized she couldn't stop him, as it was the first time Haynes had ever spoken to her with such seriousness.She felt her heart dug out, leaving an empty, aching void. She sat in the dark for what seemed like an age when the front door opening broke the silence.Haynes walked in with Keen.Seeing Stella in the dining room, Haynes paused, surprised. He seemed to have forgotten the day, looking at Stella with bewilderment. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"Stella replied coldly, "I have something to discuss with you."Haynes furrowed his brow and glanced down at Keen. "Keen, head upstairs and sleep."Keen rubbed his eyes, yawning as he passed by Stella. Then, as if remembering something, he stopped. "Happy Birthday, Mom."Keen looked up at her, his eyes remarkably similar to Haynes'."Dad and I didn't mean to forget your birthday. We have plenty of time together as a family, but Rachel only has six months left.""You're not mad at us over something so small, right?"Stella couldn't tell which hurt more—being forgotten or being remembered but still ignored. After Keen left, silence filled the room.Haynes spoke first, breaking the quiet. "What do you want to talk about?"He stood in a white shirt and black trousers, features as sharp as a portrait, his presence as cold and distant as the moon on a winter night.Stella took a deep breath. "Haynes, I want a divorce."His gaze wavered like ripples across a lake stirred by the wind, but soon, it was calm and still again."Stella, I didn't forget your birthday. I've had your gift ready for a while.""My gift?" Stella chuckled softly. "Didn't you give my mother's necklace to Ms. Pearce?"That necklace was the last thing Stella's mother left her before she passed away. But on the day Stella gave birth to Keen, it went missing. Haynes had promised to find it for her. He did find it, but he gave it to Rachel.Haynes' expression remained calm, showing not a hint of embarrassment at being caught. His deep eyes seemed even darker than usual. "I only lent the necklace to Rachel. I'll get it back for you soon.""How soon?" Stella asked, her voice steady. "When she dies?""Stella!" His voice was cold and piercing, slicing through the silence. For once, the anger in his deep-set eyes revealed a depth of feeling beneath his usual indifference. "That's enough."Enough was right. Stella had had enough of living with a husband whose heart was elsewhere, raising a child who felt distant, and enduring the disdain of her in-laws.Haynes sighed, "Rachel only has six months left. Even Keen understands compassion. Why can't you?"At that moment, Stella realized she couldn't hold back any longer.Her voice was icy as she replied, "What does the time she has left have to do with me? She's not my family. Why should I put up with her?"Haynes seemed stunned, unprepared for such harsh words from Stella, who was usually so mild-mannered.His eyes hardened like frost on the glass. "Stella, I thought we had an understanding."Stella let out a bitter laugh. "She wants to relive her first love, and I'm supposed to watch you rekindle a romance with her. She wanted to experience a wedding, so my carefully planned ceremony went to Rachel. I'm supposed to stand by as you and she, with Keen, walk down the aisle. She wants to see the world, and you take her on a grand tour. If she wanted the moon, you'd find a way to bring it to her, wouldn't you?"They had been married for five years without a wedding ceremony. Once, Keen asked what a wedding dress looked like, and Haynes decided it was time to have a wedding. Stella had spent six months planning it, only for Rachel to take it away with a single request.Haynes' gaze turned icy cold. "Stella, you're out of line."Out of line? Stella felt a pang in her chest and closed her eyes, overwhelmed with disappointment.For years, she had tried to be the perfect wife and mother. No matter how much she tried, Haynes always kept his distance, and she had assumed it was just part of his nature. But when his first love came back, she witnessed a side of him she never knew was there.She picked up the divorce papers she had prepared and signed. "I've signed them. Please sign quickly. If Rachel can become Mrs. O'Brien before she dies, I'm sure it would make her happy."Haynes' lips tightened, and his face seemed to freeze over with a chilling intensity. It was a sign of his deep displeasure. "And what about Keen?"Stella's voice was barely a whisper. "He'll stay with the O'Brien family."He was about to respond when his phone rang."Haynes, something's happened! Rachel collapsed and has been rushed to the ER!"Haynes furrowed his brow and quickly muttered, "I'll be right there," before striding out the door, not even sparing Stella a second glance.Stella watched his retreating figure with a blank expression. She'd lost count of how many times Haynes had rushed out late at night because of one of Rachel's "emergency" calls....The following morning, Stella was all packed up and ready to leave. As she passed by Keen's room, she hesitated for a moment. After a brief pause, she checked in on Keen before leaving.Keen had been born prematurely, and as a result, he'd always been a bit frail. Stella had always looked after him personally, not trusting anyone else with the task. He took after Haynes in looks and, to some extent, in temperament—cool and distant.It was the weekend, so Keen wasn't at school. He was in his room working on his homework.When Stella walked in, he greeted her, "Morning, Mom," before focusing on his books again.Stella looked at Keen, whose profile closely resembled Haynes, and spoke softly, "Keen, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."Without raising his gaze, Keen replied casually, "Okay."Since Rachel had come into their lives, Keen had grown more distant from her.Rachel had once posted a video on social media. In it, Keen was munching on an ice cream, his words muffled and indistinct."I love hanging out with Rachel. I get to eat all sorts of yummy stuff," he said.Rachel asked, "Is your mom not nice to you?""Mom's always telling me what to do, what not to do, what I can't eat," he replied."So, who do you think is better, me or your mom?" Rachel pressed."Sure, you! If my mom were half as nice as you, I'd be happy," Keen answered.Stella knew that compared to a strict mother, the indulgent and easygoing Rachel was much more appealing to him.She ensured he went to bed on time and avoided junk food to help him regain his health. Thanks to her care, Keen was healthier than he'd ever been. But their relationship had grown colder.As Stella was about to leave the room, Keen suddenly called out. "Mom."She turned to look at him."You always said you would like anyone I like. I like Rachel. Does that mean you'll like her too?" he asked.Stella paused, feeling the last thread of her resolve snap. She closed her eyes briefly, a silent smile on her lips."You've always wanted to protect Rachel, haven't you? Well, now you and your dad can look after her together," she said.Keen looked puzzled, not grasping her meaning.Stella didn't elaborate. She turned and walked out of the house....Her friend, Abby Murphy, was waiting by the car outside the house. After helping load the luggage into the car, Abby looked at Stella.Chapter 3It was one in the morning.Stella Cameron suddenly stumbled upon Rachel Pearce's Facebook post."Thanks to Mr. O'Brien and little Keen for the gifts. Keen even handmade this mug himself!"Stella clicked on the photo. A necklace and a DIY mug appeared on her screen. She could faintly see the words on the mug, "Happy Birthday, Mom."Stella glanced at the dining table, the untouched dinner that had gone cold, and the birthday cake with candles still unlit. A wry smile crept onto her lips.She recalled a news alert she received earlier that day: "Confirmed! The usually reserved Haynes O'Brien from elite circles is secretly married and has a five-year-old son!"In the photo, a tall, handsome man and a slender, beautiful woman were walking hand in hand with a five-year-old boy at a theme park.Rachel gently patted Keen O'Brien's head while Haynes gazed at her with an intensity and tenderness Stella had never seen.That was a picture-perfect family of three, with the little boy looking so much like Haynes.Today was supposed to be Stella's day. It was her birthday and her fifth wedding anniversary with Haynes. Yet, it seemed like Rachel was the one having the celebration.Stella's husband and son had spent the day with Rachel, even giving her gifts meant for Stella.Stella wasn't surprised. She was used to it by then.Rachel was Haynes' first love, diagnosed with a terminal illness and only a year left to live. Her dying wish was to see him one last time.Haynes wanted to do something meaningful for Rachel in her final days, hoping that Stella would come to terms with it. Although Stella was reluctant to accept it, she realized she couldn't stop him, as it was the first time Haynes had ever spoken to her with such seriousness.She felt her heart dug out, leaving an empty, aching void. She sat in the dark for what seemed like an age when the front door opening broke the silence.Haynes walked in with Keen.Seeing Stella in the dining room, Haynes paused, surprised. He seemed to have forgotten the day, looking at Stella with bewilderment. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"Stella replied coldly, "I have something to discuss with you."Haynes furrowed his brow and glanced down at Keen. "Keen, head upstairs and sleep."Keen rubbed his eyes, yawning as he passed by Stella. Then, as if remembering something, he stopped. "Happy Birthday, Mom."Keen looked up at her, his eyes remarkably similar to Haynes'."Dad and I didn't mean to forget your birthday. We have plenty of time together as a family, but Rachel only has six months left.""You're not mad at us over something so small, right?"Stella couldn't tell which hurt more—being forgotten or being remembered but still ignored. After Keen left, silence filled the room.Haynes spoke first, breaking the quiet. "What do you want to talk about?"He stood in a white shirt and black trousers, features as sharp as a portrait, his presence as cold and distant as the moon on a winter night.Stella took a deep breath. "Haynes, I want a divorce."His gaze wavered like ripples across a lake stirred by the wind, but soon, it was calm and still again."Stella, I didn't forget your birthday. I've had your gift ready for a while.""My gift?" Stella chuckled softly. "Didn't you give my mother's necklace to Ms. Pearce?"That necklace was the last thing Stella's mother left her before she passed away. But on the day Stella gave birth to Keen, it went missing. Haynes had promised to find it for her. He did find it, but he gave it to Rachel.Haynes' expression remained calm, showing not a hint of embarrassment at being caught. His deep eyes seemed even darker than usual. "I only lent the necklace to Rachel. I'll get it back for you soon.""How soon?" Stella asked, her voice steady. "When she dies?""Stella!" His voice was cold and piercing, slicing through the silence. For once, the anger in his deep-set eyes revealed a depth of feeling beneath his usual indifference. "That's enough."Enough was right. Stella had had enough of living with a husband whose heart was elsewhere, raising a child who felt distant, and enduring the disdain of her in-laws.Haynes sighed, "Rachel only has six months left. Even Keen understands compassion. Why can't you?"At that moment, Stella realized she couldn't hold back any longer.Her voice was icy as she replied, "What does the time she has left have to do with me? She's not my family. Why should I put up with her?"Haynes seemed stunned, unprepared for such harsh words from Stella, who was usually so mild-mannered.His eyes hardened like frost on the glass. "Stella, I thought we had an understanding."Stella let out a bitter laugh. "She wants to relive her first love, and I'm supposed to watch you rekindle a romance with her. She wanted to experience a wedding, so my carefully planned ceremony went to Rachel. I'm supposed to stand by as you and she, with Keen, walk down the aisle. She wants to see the world, and you take her on a grand tour. If she wanted the moon, you'd find a way to bring it to her, wouldn't you?"They had been married for five years without a wedding ceremony. Once, Keen asked what a wedding dress looked like, and Haynes decided it was time to have a wedding. Stella had spent six months planning it, only for Rachel to take it away with a single request.Haynes' gaze turned icy cold. "Stella, you're out of line."Out of line? Stella felt a pang in her chest and closed her eyes, overwhelmed with disappointment.For years, she had tried to be the perfect wife and mother. No matter how much she tried, Haynes always kept his distance, and she had assumed it was just part of his nature. But when his first love came back, she witnessed a side of him she never knew was there.She picked up the divorce papers she had prepared and signed. "I've signed them. Please sign quickly. If Rachel can become Mrs. O'Brien before she dies, I'm sure it would make her happy."Haynes' lips tightened, and his face seemed to freeze over with a chilling intensity. It was a sign of his deep displeasure. "And what about Keen?"Stella's voice was barely a whisper. "He'll stay with the O'Brien family."He was about to respond when his phone rang."Haynes, something's happened! Rachel collapsed and has been rushed to the ER!"Haynes furrowed his brow and quickly muttered, "I'll be right there," before striding out the door, not even sparing Stella a second glance.Stella watched his retreating figure with a blank expression. She'd lost count of how many times Haynes had rushed out late at night because of one of Rachel's "emergency" calls....The following morning, Stella was all packed up and ready to leave. As she passed by Keen's room, she hesitated for a moment. After a brief pause, she checked in on Keen before leaving.Keen had been born prematurely, and as a result, he'd always been a bit frail. Stella had always looked after him personally, not trusting anyone else with the task. He took after Haynes in looks and, to some extent, in temperament—cool and distant.It was the weekend, so Keen wasn't at school. He was in his room working on his homework.When Stella walked in, he greeted her, "Morning, Mom," before focusing on his books again.Stella looked at Keen, whose profile closely resembled Haynes, and spoke softly, "Keen, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."Without raising his gaze, Keen replied casually, "Okay."Since Rachel had come into their lives, Keen had grown more distant from her.Rachel had once posted a video on social media. In it, Keen was munching on an ice cream, his words muffled and indistinct."I love hanging out with Rachel. I get to eat all sorts of yummy stuff," he said.Rachel asked, "Is your mom not nice to you?""Mom's always telling me what to do, what not to do, what I can't eat," he replied."So, who do you think is better, me or your mom?" Rachel pressed."Sure, you! If my mom were half as nice as you, I'd be happy," Keen answered.Stella knew that compared to a strict mother, the indulgent and easygoing Rachel was much more appealing to him.She ensured he went to bed on time and avoided junk food to help him regain his health. Thanks to her care, Keen was healthier than he'd ever been. But their relationship had grown colder.As Stella was about to leave the room, Keen suddenly called out. "Mom."She turned to look at him."You always said you would like anyone I like. I like Rachel. Does that mean you'll like her too?" he asked.Stella paused, feeling the last thread of her resolve snap. She closed her eyes briefly, a silent smile on her lips."You've always wanted to protect Rachel, haven't you? Well, now you and your dad can look after her together," she said.Keen looked puzzled, not grasping her meaning.Stella didn't elaborate. She turned and walked out of the house....Her friend, Abby Murphy, was waiting by the car outside the house. After helping load the luggage into the car, Abby looked at Stella.