Ivy Robertson never expected that the man she had loved for three years wasn't even real — right down to his name. He wasn't an ordinary employee at a gaming company, but the first son of a wealthy dynasty and the heir to the Donovan Group. Growing up in an orphanage, Ivy had always longed for a small, warm family of her own — and she had pinned all her hopes on him. But he never intended to marry her, start a family with her, or build a life together. Instead, he wanted to break up with her. His words were cold and final. His family had her threatened and kidnapped. Heartbroken and desperate, Ivy fled the north — alone, carrying their unborn child. Four years later, she has finally built a quiet, peaceful life — a sweet daughter, a loving family. But then he appears again, shattering everything. She hides. She runs. But no matter where she goes, he always finds her. "Stop running, love. I found our child."

Chapter 1Newport City Hospital wasn't particularly crowded.Probably because it was a weekday.It was almost eerily quiet.Ivy sat on a bench in the corridor, waiting for her test results.Growing up, she never had proper meals, which ruined her stomach. Things only started to improve after she went to college and adopted a regular eating schedule, keeping flare-ups at bay for a long time.But lately, something was off.She was constantly feeling unwell.Her boyfriend urged her to go to the hospital and get it checked out.He was on his annual leave and had originally promised to come with her.But a last-minute emergency at his company called him back, leaving Ivy to come alone.Her phone buzzed with a notification.It broke her train of thought.It was a text from her boyfriend, Cole Donovan.[How did it go?]Seeing his message, the corners of Ivy's lips curled up, a soft smile warming her features.Having grown up an orphan, she had always yearned for a happy family.Fate had dealt her a terrible hand in childhood, but compensated her with a perfect romance.Thinking of the man she had been with for three years filled her with warmth.A subconscious smile always graced her lips at the thought of him.[Still waiting] She replied.[I can't pick you up. It's freezing out there, so grab a cab home.][It's fine. The bus is convenient enough.][Be good and take a cab. I got paid today, so I transferred half my paycheck to your account.]Her screen lit up again.A bank notification popped up on her phone.A deposit of fifty hundred dollars had just cleared.She was a senior in college, only half a semester away from graduation.Cole was four years older than her, working at a gaming company with a pretty decent salary.After getting together, they rented an apartment. Cole paid for all their dates, meals, and entertainment, never letting her spend a single dime.Three months into their relationship, things had shifted.He started transferring half his monthly salary to her.He told her it was her own spending money.Ivy felt too guilty to accept and initially refused.Cole merely insisted it was his duty as her man.He told her not to overthink it and just keep it.Her best friend used to tell her that a man who was generous, gentle, fiercely loyal, tall, and incredibly handsome simply didn't exist.If he did, he was either a serial cheater or a con artist.Yet Ivy had somehow managed to find him.She considered herself incredibly lucky.She was head over heels in love with Cole and cherished their relationship deeply."Number 37, Ivy Robertson. Please proceed to Examination Room 3."The automated voice echoed through the hallway.It pulled her out of her sweet reverie.Entering the room, the doctor handed her the test results."Your stomach is perfectly fine. However, you're pregnant—about four weeks along. If you plan to keep the baby, I suggest you schedule a comprehensive check-up with obstetrics."The doctor stated the facts calmly.But Ivy was completely stunned.Pregnant...Her mind went blank.She couldn't believe her ears.The doctor studied the beautiful young woman in front of him. Seeing her dazed expression, he figured it was just another case of an unplanned college pregnancy.He casually added, "If you don't want it, you can head over to gynecology to discuss termination options."Ivy frowned, her protective instincts instantly flaring up. "I never said I didn't want it."As she walked out of the room with her chart in hand, her thoughts spun.Her head was buzzing.She still couldn't wrap her mind around it.Was she really going to be a mother?Sunlight poured beautifully through the hospital windows.She wondered how Cole would react to the news.Having grown up at St. Jude's Orphanage, her desire for a real family was far more intense than an average person's.Ever since she started dating Cole, she couldn't help but dream of their future family of three.Sharing every meal, building a cozy home, and watching the seasons change together.It was everything she had wished for as a little girl.Staring at the paper in her hands, Ivy felt like her lifelong dream was finally within reach.She couldn't wait to share the incredible news with Cole.A text felt too impersonal, so she decided to call him, wanting to tell him herself and hear his reaction.She dialed his number. Her heart hammered wildly in her chest.But after ringing for a long time, the call simply went straight to voicemail.A wave of disappointment washed over her.She didn't dwell on it.On second thought, telling him face-to-face when he got home would be much more special.So, she hailed a cab back to their apartment.Her stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation as she waited for Cole....Meanwhile, in a neighboring metropolis.At The Donovan Estate in Capital City, fish swam lazily in the pond next to a beautifully landscaped pavilion.This sprawling, elegant sanctuary sat squarely in the most expensive zip code of Capital City.An elegant middle-aged woman sat on a stone bench in the pavilion, leisurely tossing food to the fish.Her voice was calm and measured."Eliam, I never opposed you dating for fun. I looked into that girl. For an ordinary civilian, she's impressive enough. She has a clean record and a sweet disposition. She's a good girl.""Your grandfather made it clear that those in power must always be vigilant and adaptable. The Donovan Group is currently a massive target, so he isn't forcing you or your brother into a political marriage just for the sake of power.""But you are the eldest son. The empire will ultimately fall into your hands. Your future wife doesn't need to come from royalty, but she absolutely cannot be a nobody.""Besides, an innocent girl like her would be eaten alive by the social politics of our world.""Do you understand what I'm saying?"Mrs. Donovan dusted the last of the fish food from her hands.She turned to look at her son sitting across from her.The crisp autumn sunlight filtered through the changing leaves, casting dappled shadows over the man.He possessed a strikingly aristocratic profile, his sharp jawline and straight nose sculpted to perfection beneath the shifting light.His gaze was lowered, fixated on the missed call on his phone. He let out a low, indifferent sound of agreement. "Yeah.""Give her a generous financial settlement. Cut ties now before she enters the real world and discovers your true identity. It's best for both of you.""Got it.""She's been with you for three years without asking for a dime. She loved you genuinely. Don't make it ugly, and try not to break her heart completely.""Understood.""As for your impending marriage, will you pick someone yourself, or should I find a suitable candidate?""Whatever works."Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Mrs. Donovan couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. "Are you absolutely sure you can handle this cleanly?"Eliam, who had called himself Cole, lifted his predatory gaze and gave a curt nod. "Don't worry about it.""Let me remind you one last time—I'm giving you the space to handle this yourself, so you better do it flawlessly. If your father or the Patriarch has to step in, you know what will happen."Eliam's expression darkened. He murmured his assent and turned to walk away....The landscaping in her older apartment complex was decent enough, but the November chill was already biting. Ivy pulled her coat tighter as she stepped out of her Uber and headed toward the nearby grocery store.She picked up some steak that her boyfriend loved, grabbed a few vegetables, and walked home with her grocery bags.Their apartment was on the third floor.As she climbed the stairs, Ivy pondered how exactly she was going to break the news when Cole got back.Should she bring up marriage first?They had discussed their future countless times, but marriage involved two families. The topic of parents was inevitable.But she had never spoken to Cole about her past.She had grown up in St. Jude's Orphanage.She had no family.She was used to hiding the darker parts of her childhood trauma. Since Cole never pressed, she never volunteered the information.And just like that, three years had flown by.Because she was terrified to mention her own background, she felt she had no right to pry into his.As a result, she knew absolutely nothing about his family dynamic.What were his parents like?Would they look down on her because of where she came from?And if they knew about the things she had endured...The mere thought filled her with insecurity, dimming the bright excitement in her eyes.Whatever.She would just focus on the pregnancy for now.They could tackle the family baggage later.As evening fell, the delicious aroma of a home-cooked dinner drifted through their cozy, spotless two-bedroom apartment.Ivy plated the mouthwatering food, wiped down the kitchen counters, and finally pulled out her phone to text her boyfriend.[Cole, are you almost home? Dinner's ready. I'm waiting for you so we can eat together.]The moment she hit send.She heard the familiar click of a key turning in the front door.Ivy practically jumped out of her chair. Seeing the man step inside, her eyes lit up with joy. "You're back."He dressed in a sharply tailored suit. He exuded an aura of mature, refined elegance. His features were flawlessly handsome, though he looked somewhat aloof and unapproachable when he wasn't smiling.He had always been a man of few words.But Ivy had experienced his deep tenderness and fierce care firsthand.So his stoic demeanor never bothered her in the slightest.Seeing her, the corners of Cole's mouth twitched upward into a faint smile."Is everything okay at work?" Ivy stepped closer, naturally looping her arms around him and leaning against his solid frame."It's a little complicated." Cole glanced down as he kicked off his shoes, instinctively resting a hand on her waist. "But nothing I can't handle.""Are you going to lose your vacation days?""No.""Let's eat first." Ivy pulled him over to the dining table, flashing a radiant smile before bustling off to grab him some fresh juice.He was incredibly picky.He refused to drink store-bought beverages; everything had to be freshly squeezed.Ivy placed the glass in front of him, served him a plate, and sat down across from him.Her mind was still racing, trying to figure out the best way to break the baby news.Suddenly, she caught Cole staring at her with an intensely somber gaze.He was watching her in absolute silence.Ivy let out a soft laugh. "What's wrong?"He frowned slightly, his expression heavy with an unreadable tension. Seeing his troubled look, Ivy's own brows furrowed in concern."Did something happen?" she pressed.Cole didn't answer right away. He looked away, his gaze sweeping over their immaculate apartment.Honestly, after living there for three years.It was impossible not to feel a pang of nostalgia.They had first crossed paths at a modest live music bar. He had been in a foul mood and wandered in for a drink.Ivy had been working there part-time.She was four years younger than him. At the time, he was twenty-three, and she was only nineteen.Their first meeting wasn't cinematic or dramatic; it was remarkably ordinary.The bar was empty that night. When he sat down, Ivy had walked over to serve him, shyly recommending the bartender's new signature cocktail.Under the dim ambient lighting, her complexion looked incredibly luminous.She had bright, innocent eyes and a warm, soothing voice. Everything about her radiated a gentle serenity that captivated him instantly.He had ordered a drink called the 'Evergreen.'It was a potent blend of gin, white rum, blue curaçao, and black tea, topped with grapefruit juice. There was a secret ingredient in it, too, giving it a distinct floral aftertaste.The first sip was surprisingly good.Though the finish had a bitter bite to it.He ended up downing two glasses.He had wanted to stay longer, but an urgent work call forced him to leave. Unable to find the cashier, he slapped a hundred-dollar bill under his glass and headed for the door.To his surprise, Ivy had chased him out into the street. "Sir, your change."He stared down at the young girl's slender fingers gripping the cash.Her nails were neatly trimmed, her skin radiant under the streetlights.He took the leftover twenty bucks, turned around, and walked away.He ended up returning to that bar several times, with Ivy always waiting on him politely. It wasn't until a different server took his order one night that he finally asked the owner where she was.That was when he learned her name was Ivy.A student at the nearby language university.She was swamped with finals and had taken time off from her part-time gig.Sensing his obvious interest, the owner slid him her phone number.Chapter 2Newport City Hospital wasn't particularly crowded.Probably because it was a weekday.It was almost eerily quiet.Ivy sat on a bench in the corridor, waiting for her test results.Growing up, she never had proper meals, which ruined her stomach. Things only started to improve after she went to college and adopted a regular eating schedule, keeping flare-ups at bay for a long time.But lately, something was off.She was constantly feeling unwell.Her boyfriend urged her to go to the hospital and get it checked out.He was on his annual leave and had originally promised to come with her.But a last-minute emergency at his company called him back, leaving Ivy to come alone.Her phone buzzed with a notification.It broke her train of thought.It was a text from her boyfriend, Cole Donovan.[How did it go?]Seeing his message, the corners of Ivy's lips curled up, a soft smile warming her features.Having grown up an orphan, she had always yearned for a happy family.Fate had dealt her a terrible hand in childhood, but compensated her with a perfect romance.Thinking of the man she had been with for three years filled her with warmth.A subconscious smile always graced her lips at the thought of him.[Still waiting] She replied.[I can't pick you up. It's freezing out there, so grab a cab home.][It's fine. The bus is convenient enough.][Be good and take a cab. I got paid today, so I transferred half my paycheck to your account.]Her screen lit up again.A bank notification popped up on her phone.A deposit of fifty hundred dollars had just cleared.She was a senior in college, only half a semester away from graduation.Cole was four years older than her, working at a gaming company with a pretty decent salary.After getting together, they rented an apartment. Cole paid for all their dates, meals, and entertainment, never letting her spend a single dime.Three months into their relationship, things had shifted.He started transferring half his monthly salary to her.He told her it was her own spending money.Ivy felt too guilty to accept and initially refused.Cole merely insisted it was his duty as her man.He told her not to overthink it and just keep it.Her best friend used to tell her that a man who was generous, gentle, fiercely loyal, tall, and incredibly handsome simply didn't exist.If he did, he was either a serial cheater or a con artist.Yet Ivy had somehow managed to find him.She considered herself incredibly lucky.She was head over heels in love with Cole and cherished their relationship deeply."Number 37, Ivy Robertson. Please proceed to Examination Room 3."The automated voice echoed through the hallway.It pulled her out of her sweet reverie.Entering the room, the doctor handed her the test results."Your stomach is perfectly fine. However, you're pregnant—about four weeks along. If you plan to keep the baby, I suggest you schedule a comprehensive check-up with obstetrics."The doctor stated the facts calmly.But Ivy was completely stunned.Pregnant...Her mind went blank.She couldn't believe her ears.The doctor studied the beautiful young woman in front of him. Seeing her dazed expression, he figured it was just another case of an unplanned college pregnancy.He casually added, "If you don't want it, you can head over to gynecology to discuss termination options."Ivy frowned, her protective instincts instantly flaring up. "I never said I didn't want it."As she walked out of the room with her chart in hand, her thoughts spun.Her head was buzzing.She still couldn't wrap her mind around it.Was she really going to be a mother?Sunlight poured beautifully through the hospital windows.She wondered how Cole would react to the news.Having grown up at St. Jude's Orphanage, her desire for a real family was far more intense than an average person's.Ever since she started dating Cole, she couldn't help but dream of their future family of three.Sharing every meal, building a cozy home, and watching the seasons change together.It was everything she had wished for as a little girl.Staring at the paper in her hands, Ivy felt like her lifelong dream was finally within reach.She couldn't wait to share the incredible news with Cole.A text felt too impersonal, so she decided to call him, wanting to tell him herself and hear his reaction.She dialed his number. Her heart hammered wildly in her chest.But after ringing for a long time, the call simply went straight to voicemail.A wave of disappointment washed over her.She didn't dwell on it.On second thought, telling him face-to-face when he got home would be much more special.So, she hailed a cab back to their apartment.Her stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation as she waited for Cole....Meanwhile, in a neighboring metropolis.At The Donovan Estate in Capital City, fish swam lazily in the pond next to a beautifully landscaped pavilion.This sprawling, elegant sanctuary sat squarely in the most expensive zip code of Capital City.An elegant middle-aged woman sat on a stone bench in the pavilion, leisurely tossing food to the fish.Her voice was calm and measured."Eliam, I never opposed you dating for fun. I looked into that girl. For an ordinary civilian, she's impressive enough. She has a clean record and a sweet disposition. She's a good girl.""Your grandfather made it clear that those in power must always be vigilant and adaptable. The Donovan Group is currently a massive target, so he isn't forcing you or your brother into a political marriage just for the sake of power.""But you are the eldest son. The empire will ultimately fall into your hands. Your future wife doesn't need to come from royalty, but she absolutely cannot be a nobody.""Besides, an innocent girl like her would be eaten alive by the social politics of our world.""Do you understand what I'm saying?"Mrs. Donovan dusted the last of the fish food from her hands.She turned to look at her son sitting across from her.The crisp autumn sunlight filtered through the changing leaves, casting dappled shadows over the man.He possessed a strikingly aristocratic profile, his sharp jawline and straight nose sculpted to perfection beneath the shifting light.His gaze was lowered, fixated on the missed call on his phone. He let out a low, indifferent sound of agreement. "Yeah.""Give her a generous financial settlement. Cut ties now before she enters the real world and discovers your true identity. It's best for both of you.""Got it.""She's been with you for three years without asking for a dime. She loved you genuinely. Don't make it ugly, and try not to break her heart completely.""Understood.""As for your impending marriage, will you pick someone yourself, or should I find a suitable candidate?""Whatever works."Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Mrs. Donovan couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. "Are you absolutely sure you can handle this cleanly?"Eliam, who had called himself Cole, lifted his predatory gaze and gave a curt nod. "Don't worry about it.""Let me remind you one last time—I'm giving you the space to handle this yourself, so you better do it flawlessly. If your father or the Patriarch has to step in, you know what will happen."Eliam's expression darkened. He murmured his assent and turned to walk away....The landscaping in her older apartment complex was decent enough, but the November chill was already biting. Ivy pulled her coat tighter as she stepped out of her Uber and headed toward the nearby grocery store.She picked up some steak that her boyfriend loved, grabbed a few vegetables, and walked home with her grocery bags.Their apartment was on the third floor.As she climbed the stairs, Ivy pondered how exactly she was going to break the news when Cole got back.Should she bring up marriage first?They had discussed their future countless times, but marriage involved two families. The topic of parents was inevitable.But she had never spoken to Cole about her past.She had grown up in St. Jude's Orphanage.She had no family.She was used to hiding the darker parts of her childhood trauma. Since Cole never pressed, she never volunteered the information.And just like that, three years had flown by.Because she was terrified to mention her own background, she felt she had no right to pry into his.As a result, she knew absolutely nothing about his family dynamic.What were his parents like?Would they look down on her because of where she came from?And if they knew about the things she had endured...The mere thought filled her with insecurity, dimming the bright excitement in her eyes.Whatever.She would just focus on the pregnancy for now.They could tackle the family baggage later.As evening fell, the delicious aroma of a home-cooked dinner drifted through their cozy, spotless two-bedroom apartment.Ivy plated the mouthwatering food, wiped down the kitchen counters, and finally pulled out her phone to text her boyfriend.[Cole, are you almost home? Dinner's ready. I'm waiting for you so we can eat together.]The moment she hit send.She heard the familiar click of a key turning in the front door.Ivy practically jumped out of her chair. Seeing the man step inside, her eyes lit up with joy. "You're back."He dressed in a sharply tailored suit. He exuded an aura of mature, refined elegance. His features were flawlessly handsome, though he looked somewhat aloof and unapproachable when he wasn't smiling.He had always been a man of few words.But Ivy had experienced his deep tenderness and fierce care firsthand.So his stoic demeanor never bothered her in the slightest.Seeing her, the corners of Cole's mouth twitched upward into a faint smile."Is everything okay at work?" Ivy stepped closer, naturally looping her arms around him and leaning against his solid frame."It's a little complicated." Cole glanced down as he kicked off his shoes, instinctively resting a hand on her waist. "But nothing I can't handle.""Are you going to lose your vacation days?""No.""Let's eat first." Ivy pulled him over to the dining table, flashing a radiant smile before bustling off to grab him some fresh juice.He was incredibly picky.He refused to drink store-bought beverages; everything had to be freshly squeezed.Ivy placed the glass in front of him, served him a plate, and sat down across from him.Her mind was still racing, trying to figure out the best way to break the baby news.Suddenly, she caught Cole staring at her with an intensely somber gaze.He was watching her in absolute silence.Ivy let out a soft laugh. "What's wrong?"He frowned slightly, his expression heavy with an unreadable tension. Seeing his troubled look, Ivy's own brows furrowed in concern."Did something happen?" she pressed.Cole didn't answer right away. He looked away, his gaze sweeping over their immaculate apartment.Honestly, after living there for three years.It was impossible not to feel a pang of nostalgia.They had first crossed paths at a modest live music bar. He had been in a foul mood and wandered in for a drink.Ivy had been working there part-time.She was four years younger than him. At the time, he was twenty-three, and she was only nineteen.Their first meeting wasn't cinematic or dramatic; it was remarkably ordinary.The bar was empty that night. When he sat down, Ivy had walked over to serve him, shyly recommending the bartender's new signature cocktail.Under the dim ambient lighting, her complexion looked incredibly luminous.She had bright, innocent eyes and a warm, soothing voice. Everything about her radiated a gentle serenity that captivated him instantly.He had ordered a drink called the 'Evergreen.'It was a potent blend of gin, white rum, blue curaçao, and black tea, topped with grapefruit juice. There was a secret ingredient in it, too, giving it a distinct floral aftertaste.The first sip was surprisingly good.Though the finish had a bitter bite to it.He ended up downing two glasses.He had wanted to stay longer, but an urgent work call forced him to leave. Unable to find the cashier, he slapped a hundred-dollar bill under his glass and headed for the door.To his surprise, Ivy had chased him out into the street. "Sir, your change."He stared down at the young girl's slender fingers gripping the cash.Her nails were neatly trimmed, her skin radiant under the streetlights.He took the leftover twenty bucks, turned around, and walked away.He ended up returning to that bar several times, with Ivy always waiting on him politely. It wasn't until a different server took his order one night that he finally asked the owner where she was.That was when he learned her name was Ivy.A student at the nearby language university.She was swamped with finals and had taken time off from her part-time gig.Sensing his obvious interest, the owner slid him her phone number.Chapter 3Newport City Hospital wasn't particularly crowded.Probably because it was a weekday.It was almost eerily quiet.Ivy sat on a bench in the corridor, waiting for her test results.Growing up, she never had proper meals, which ruined her stomach. Things only started to improve after she went to college and adopted a regular eating schedule, keeping flare-ups at bay for a long time.But lately, something was off.She was constantly feeling unwell.Her boyfriend urged her to go to the hospital and get it checked out.He was on his annual leave and had originally promised to come with her.But a last-minute emergency at his company called him back, leaving Ivy to come alone.Her phone buzzed with a notification.It broke her train of thought.It was a text from her boyfriend, Cole Donovan.[How did it go?]Seeing his message, the corners of Ivy's lips curled up, a soft smile warming her features.Having grown up an orphan, she had always yearned for a happy family.Fate had dealt her a terrible hand in childhood, but compensated her with a perfect romance.Thinking of the man she had been with for three years filled her with warmth.A subconscious smile always graced her lips at the thought of him.[Still waiting] She replied.[I can't pick you up. It's freezing out there, so grab a cab home.][It's fine. The bus is convenient enough.][Be good and take a cab. I got paid today, so I transferred half my paycheck to your account.]Her screen lit up again.A bank notification popped up on her phone.A deposit of fifty hundred dollars had just cleared.She was a senior in college, only half a semester away from graduation.Cole was four years older than her, working at a gaming company with a pretty decent salary.After getting together, they rented an apartment. Cole paid for all their dates, meals, and entertainment, never letting her spend a single dime.Three months into their relationship, things had shifted.He started transferring half his monthly salary to her.He told her it was her own spending money.Ivy felt too guilty to accept and initially refused.Cole merely insisted it was his duty as her man.He told her not to overthink it and just keep it.Her best friend used to tell her that a man who was generous, gentle, fiercely loyal, tall, and incredibly handsome simply didn't exist.If he did, he was either a serial cheater or a con artist.Yet Ivy had somehow managed to find him.She considered herself incredibly lucky.She was head over heels in love with Cole and cherished their relationship deeply."Number 37, Ivy Robertson. Please proceed to Examination Room 3."The automated voice echoed through the hallway.It pulled her out of her sweet reverie.Entering the room, the doctor handed her the test results."Your stomach is perfectly fine. However, you're pregnant—about four weeks along. If you plan to keep the baby, I suggest you schedule a comprehensive check-up with obstetrics."The doctor stated the facts calmly.But Ivy was completely stunned.Pregnant...Her mind went blank.She couldn't believe her ears.The doctor studied the beautiful young woman in front of him. Seeing her dazed expression, he figured it was just another case of an unplanned college pregnancy.He casually added, "If you don't want it, you can head over to gynecology to discuss termination options."Ivy frowned, her protective instincts instantly flaring up. "I never said I didn't want it."As she walked out of the room with her chart in hand, her thoughts spun.Her head was buzzing.She still couldn't wrap her mind around it.Was she really going to be a mother?Sunlight poured beautifully through the hospital windows.She wondered how Cole would react to the news.Having grown up at St. Jude's Orphanage, her desire for a real family was far more intense than an average person's.Ever since she started dating Cole, she couldn't help but dream of their future family of three.Sharing every meal, building a cozy home, and watching the seasons change together.It was everything she had wished for as a little girl.Staring at the paper in her hands, Ivy felt like her lifelong dream was finally within reach.She couldn't wait to share the incredible news with Cole.A text felt too impersonal, so she decided to call him, wanting to tell him herself and hear his reaction.She dialed his number. Her heart hammered wildly in her chest.But after ringing for a long time, the call simply went straight to voicemail.A wave of disappointment washed over her.She didn't dwell on it.On second thought, telling him face-to-face when he got home would be much more special.So, she hailed a cab back to their apartment.Her stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation as she waited for Cole....Meanwhile, in a neighboring metropolis.At The Donovan Estate in Capital City, fish swam lazily in the pond next to a beautifully landscaped pavilion.This sprawling, elegant sanctuary sat squarely in the most expensive zip code of Capital City.An elegant middle-aged woman sat on a stone bench in the pavilion, leisurely tossing food to the fish.Her voice was calm and measured."Eliam, I never opposed you dating for fun. I looked into that girl. For an ordinary civilian, she's impressive enough. She has a clean record and a sweet disposition. She's a good girl.""Your grandfather made it clear that those in power must always be vigilant and adaptable. The Donovan Group is currently a massive target, so he isn't forcing you or your brother into a political marriage just for the sake of power.""But you are the eldest son. The empire will ultimately fall into your hands. Your future wife doesn't need to come from royalty, but she absolutely cannot be a nobody.""Besides, an innocent girl like her would be eaten alive by the social politics of our world.""Do you understand what I'm saying?"Mrs. Donovan dusted the last of the fish food from her hands.She turned to look at her son sitting across from her.The crisp autumn sunlight filtered through the changing leaves, casting dappled shadows over the man.He possessed a strikingly aristocratic profile, his sharp jawline and straight nose sculpted to perfection beneath the shifting light.His gaze was lowered, fixated on the missed call on his phone. He let out a low, indifferent sound of agreement. "Yeah.""Give her a generous financial settlement. Cut ties now before she enters the real world and discovers your true identity. It's best for both of you.""Got it.""She's been with you for three years without asking for a dime. She loved you genuinely. Don't make it ugly, and try not to break her heart completely.""Understood.""As for your impending marriage, will you pick someone yourself, or should I find a suitable candidate?""Whatever works."Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Mrs. Donovan couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. "Are you absolutely sure you can handle this cleanly?"Eliam, who had called himself Cole, lifted his predatory gaze and gave a curt nod. "Don't worry about it.""Let me remind you one last time—I'm giving you the space to handle this yourself, so you better do it flawlessly. If your father or the Patriarch has to step in, you know what will happen."Eliam's expression darkened. He murmured his assent and turned to walk away....The landscaping in her older apartment complex was decent enough, but the November chill was already biting. Ivy pulled her coat tighter as she stepped out of her Uber and headed toward the nearby grocery store.She picked up some steak that her boyfriend loved, grabbed a few vegetables, and walked home with her grocery bags.Their apartment was on the third floor.As she climbed the stairs, Ivy pondered how exactly she was going to break the news when Cole got back.Should she bring up marriage first?They had discussed their future countless times, but marriage involved two families. The topic of parents was inevitable.But she had never spoken to Cole about her past.She had grown up in St. Jude's Orphanage.She had no family.She was used to hiding the darker parts of her childhood trauma. Since Cole never pressed, she never volunteered the information.And just like that, three years had flown by.Because she was terrified to mention her own background, she felt she had no right to pry into his.As a result, she knew absolutely nothing about his family dynamic.What were his parents like?Would they look down on her because of where she came from?And if they knew about the things she had endured...The mere thought filled her with insecurity, dimming the bright excitement in her eyes.Whatever.She would just focus on the pregnancy for now.They could tackle the family baggage later.As evening fell, the delicious aroma of a home-cooked dinner drifted through their cozy, spotless two-bedroom apartment.Ivy plated the mouthwatering food, wiped down the kitchen counters, and finally pulled out her phone to text her boyfriend.[Cole, are you almost home? Dinner's ready. I'm waiting for you so we can eat together.]The moment she hit send.She heard the familiar click of a key turning in the front door.Ivy practically jumped out of her chair. Seeing the man step inside, her eyes lit up with joy. "You're back."He dressed in a sharply tailored suit. He exuded an aura of mature, refined elegance. His features were flawlessly handsome, though he looked somewhat aloof and unapproachable when he wasn't smiling.He had always been a man of few words.But Ivy had experienced his deep tenderness and fierce care firsthand.So his stoic demeanor never bothered her in the slightest.Seeing her, the corners of Cole's mouth twitched upward into a faint smile."Is everything okay at work?" Ivy stepped closer, naturally looping her arms around him and leaning against his solid frame."It's a little complicated." Cole glanced down as he kicked off his shoes, instinctively resting a hand on her waist. "But nothing I can't handle.""Are you going to lose your vacation days?""No.""Let's eat first." Ivy pulled him over to the dining table, flashing a radiant smile before bustling off to grab him some fresh juice.He was incredibly picky.He refused to drink store-bought beverages; everything had to be freshly squeezed.Ivy placed the glass in front of him, served him a plate, and sat down across from him.Her mind was still racing, trying to figure out the best way to break the baby news.Suddenly, she caught Cole staring at her with an intensely somber gaze.He was watching her in absolute silence.Ivy let out a soft laugh. "What's wrong?"He frowned slightly, his expression heavy with an unreadable tension. Seeing his troubled look, Ivy's own brows furrowed in concern."Did something happen?" she pressed.Cole didn't answer right away. He looked away, his gaze sweeping over their immaculate apartment.Honestly, after living there for three years.It was impossible not to feel a pang of nostalgia.They had first crossed paths at a modest live music bar. He had been in a foul mood and wandered in for a drink.Ivy had been working there part-time.She was four years younger than him. At the time, he was twenty-three, and she was only nineteen.Their first meeting wasn't cinematic or dramatic; it was remarkably ordinary.The bar was empty that night. When he sat down, Ivy had walked over to serve him, shyly recommending the bartender's new signature cocktail.Under the dim ambient lighting, her complexion looked incredibly luminous.She had bright, innocent eyes and a warm, soothing voice. Everything about her radiated a gentle serenity that captivated him instantly.He had ordered a drink called the 'Evergreen.'It was a potent blend of gin, white rum, blue curaçao, and black tea, topped with grapefruit juice. There was a secret ingredient in it, too, giving it a distinct floral aftertaste.The first sip was surprisingly good.Though the finish had a bitter bite to it.He ended up downing two glasses.He had wanted to stay longer, but an urgent work call forced him to leave. Unable to find the cashier, he slapped a hundred-dollar bill under his glass and headed for the door.To his surprise, Ivy had chased him out into the street. "Sir, your change."He stared down at the young girl's slender fingers gripping the cash.Her nails were neatly trimmed, her skin radiant under the streetlights.He took the leftover twenty bucks, turned around, and walked away.He ended up returning to that bar several times, with Ivy always waiting on him politely. It wasn't until a different server took his order one night that he finally asked the owner where she was.That was when he learned her name was Ivy.A student at the nearby language university.She was swamped with finals and had taken time off from her part-time gig.Sensing his obvious interest, the owner slid him her phone number.