Chapter 1The hotel's banquet hall was filled with the rustle of expensive clothes and the clinking of glasses, buzzing with lively energy.Today was the big day for Seraphina Simmons and her boyfriend of five years, Sebastian Sullivan.Capital City's elite had gathered, and everyone envied her for finding such a perfect catch.Up on the stage, the officiant's voice boomed with enthusiasm. "The beautiful Ms. Seraphina Simmons, do you take the handsome Mr. Sebastian Sullivan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"Seraphina lowered her head shyly. Just as she was about to say yes, a sweet, childish little voice suddenly echoed out of thin air."My silly mommy, don't say yes! Sebastian is a total scumbag. He's only marrying you for your company shares, and he's not my daddy anyway. My real daddy is someone else.""It's your stepsister Sienna who is carrying that jerk's baby. Those two have been hooking up behind your back for ages!"Those two short sentences completely stunned Seraphina.She stood frozen on the stage, her fingers tightening around her bridal bouquet.Was... was a baby speaking?Seraphina instinctively looked around.The banquet hall was packed with guests, but there wasn't a child in sight.She pulled her gaze back and looked at Sebastian standing in front of her.Sebastian wore a flawless smile, as if he hadn't heard a single word of what was just said.But she had heard it loud and clear—Was she hallucinating?"Mommy, I'm right here in your tummy! I waited in line for years to finally be reincarnated. Come on, my dearest mother, you've got to stand up for yourself."Seraphina froze. Was she actually hearing the inner thoughts of her unborn child?!How could a fetus have such clear, logical inner monologues?And precognitive abilities, to boot?The entire room was waiting for Seraphina to answer, but she looked as if she had turned to stone.It felt entirely too absurd.If the baby in her womb wasn't Sebastian's, then whose was it?She had never cheated on him.The next second, as if sensing her thoughts, the sweet little voice rang out again."Mommy, you've been played! That scumbag cheated on you a long time ago. He's just using you right now. Once you're married, he'll use every trick in the book to torture you and make your life a living hell.""Hurry and ask my daddy for help. Yes, the most handsome, powerful man sitting right down there in the audience."Seraphina's heart raced.Her eyes uncontrollably drifted toward the audience.Sitting in the most prominent seat at the VIP table was a noble, commanding man—Lucian Langford.He was a titan in Capital City, a man no one dared to cross. Cold, untouchable, and utterly ruthless in his methods.He wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his expensive watch catching the cold glare of the lights.With his striking features, sharp brow bone, and pressed lips, he exuded an intimidating aura that warned everyone to keep their distance.Even though he was just sitting there, he seemed entirely out of place at this joyous wedding.Seraphina glanced over and unexpectedly locked eyes with his icy gaze, causing her heart to skip a beat.She knew who he was, just like everyone else did—the face on financial magazines, the headline of business forums, the subject of countless legends about a man who could flip the corporate world upside down with a wave of his hand.But she had absolutely no connection to him.How was she supposed to ask him for help?"Junior, do you even know who that is? He's the CEO of the Langford empire. I know you despise Sebastian and want a powerful, rich daddy, but we can't just claim anyone!""Besides, Lucian Langford is known as the ultimate boss of Capital City. There's never been a single woman by his side. How could you possibly be his child?"The little voice piped up again, sounding a bit anxious. "Mommy, you have to believe me. He really is my daddy, and he's the only one who can save you! He's right there, hurry up and ask him for help.""But...""Did you forget what happened three months ago when you woke up in that hotel?"Seraphina stiffened. She remembered."That scumbag and your stepsister conspired to trick you into going to the hotel. They wanted to hire someone to ruin your reputation so they could control you, but you walked into the wrong room...""The man lying next to you that night was my daddy, Lucian Langford.""What? It was him? I always thought it was Sebastian."Seraphina gripped her bouquet tight, a thin layer of sweat forming on her palms.The events from three months ago flooded her mind like a tidal wave—That night, Sebastian told her he had an important client to meet and asked her to wait at The Phoenix Club.She went, drank a single glass of wine, and then her vision began to blur.She remembered leaning against the wall as she stumbled out of the private room. The hallway lights were blinding. She pushed open a door—And then...She tried her hardest to recall the details of that night, but she could only capture fragmented, blurry flashes—Breath tangling in the dark.A burning palm resting on her waist.And the low, restrained gasps echoing by her ear.That was Lucian Langford?The man everyone called the untouchable titan of Capital City, the one who never had women around him?When she woke up the next day, she was lying in an unfamiliar room, entirely alone, her body aching as if she had been run over by a truck.She assumed Sebastian had an emergency and left early, so she hastily got dressed and slipped away.She had always believed she slept with Sebastian that night because he was the one who set everything up.So it turned out..."Mommy, do you remember now?" Little Bean's voice was filled with glee. "That night was incredibly wild! My daddy usually stays away from women, but someone slipped him a drug. You happened to throw yourself at him, kissing him all over, and sparks just flew..."Little Bean giggled. "I can't talk about the rest. If I do, Mommy will die of embarrassment!"Seraphina's face flushed a deep crimson.She wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.Was she really that aggressive when she was drunk?On the stage, Sebastian's mask of deep affection was beginning to slip. He urged her softly, "Seraphina, everyone is waiting."Below the stage, the guests had begun to whisper amongst themselves.The officiant awkwardly held up the microphone and repeated the question."Ms. Seraphina Simmons, do you take Mr. Sebastian Sullivan to be your husband?"Seeing Seraphina still standing there in a daze, Sebastian gently tried to soothe her. "Seraphina, what's wrong? Are you just nervous? Don't worry, once you become my wife, I'll spoil you rotten. I will do everything in my power to make you happy.""Mommy, don't listen to his sweet talk. He's only marrying you for the company shares your grandfather left you. Once you're out of use, he'll kick you to the curb."Seraphina sucked in a sharp breath.She lifted her head and stared at Sebastian.She had loved this man for five years.For five years, she thought she understood him, trusted him, and was even willing to put on a wedding dress for him.But it turned out that from the very beginning, it was all a scam.Seraphina spoke up, her voice loud and resolute. "I do not!"Three words, echoing with absolute certainty.The crowd erupted into an uproar.The gentle smile on Sebastian's face froze, as if he had just been slapped hard across the cheek.He stared at Seraphina with wide, disbelieving eyes. "Seraphina, what did you just say?""I said, I don't." Seraphina looked him dead in the eye, enunciating every word. "Sebastian, this wedding is off.""Are you out of your mind?" Sebastian's expression instantly darkened, and he instinctively reached out to grab her wrist. "Seraphina, stop making a scene. All our guests are watching—""Don't touch me."Seraphina took a step back, protectively covering her stomach.That subtle movement made Sebastian's gaze turn even more sinister."Seraphina, if something is bothering you, we can talk about it after the ceremony...""Mommy, don't go soft! Dump this jerk right now and go after my handsome, rich daddy. Otherwise, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.""This scumbag is only after your money. He'll torture you to death later. My dearest mommy, I don't want to die. I still want to see this beautiful world.""I'm not marrying him!" Seraphina declared loudly.The baby in her belly wouldn't lie to her. If he said Sebastian was a scumbag, then there was no way she was going through with this!The guests couldn't hold back their gossip anymore.The Sullivan family was highly respected in Capital City. For Seraphina to reject him so ruthlessly left everyone completely shocked.After all, everyone had seen just how devoted Seraphina used to be to Sebastian.But now, right when they were supposed to tie the knot, she had publicly rejected him.It was utterly baffling."Seraphina Simmons! Have you lost your mind? What has Sebastian ever done to you? You think you can just cancel a wedding on a whim? Where are you putting our family's pride?""You were the one crying and begging to marry Sebastian in the first place, and now you're backing out. You treat marriage like a joke! Why can't you be sensible like Sienna?"Seeing his daughter ruin the wedding, Samuel Simmons immediately began berating her.Seraphina glanced at Samuel, then shifted her gaze to Sienna standing beside him. She could see the faint, triumphant smirk hidden on Sienna's lips.Meeting Seraphina's gaze, Sienna put on a fake, concerned tone. "Seraphina, please don't be so stubborn. Sebastian has been so good to you. How can you embarrass him in front of all these people? Just apologize to everyone and let's finish the ceremony."As she spoke, she walked toward Seraphina.Seraphina's eyes immediately locked onto the dazzling diamond ring on Sienna's finger. It was so bright it was practically blinding."Mommy, that's the bad woman who drugged you! And that diamond ring was bought by the scumbag. Your wedding ring is a fake."Seraphina took a closer look. Sure enough, the two rings were the exact same style, but her own ring looked dull—a clear knockoff.In an instant, everything clicked for Seraphina. These two really had been hooking up and plotting against her.Nearby, a guest chimed in, "Yeah, it's normal for couples to fight, but don't make it this ugly.""Seraphina used to be obsessed with Sebastian. Why the sudden change of heart?""It's probably just cold feet...""She really isn't as sensible as Sienna. The Sullivan family is out of luck, getting stuck with a daughter-in-law like her."Listening to the whispers, Seraphina only found it laughable.It didn't matter anyway; her reputation had been dragged through the mud a long time ago.She used to be the dignified, elegant daughter of the Simmons family, but ever since Zelda Gates and Sienna moved in, her image had steadily deteriorated.All thanks to the two of them, of course.Seraphina took a deep breath.She walked right up to Sienna, staring at that face full of fake concern and hidden arrogance, raised her hand, and delivered a vicious slap right across her cheek."Sienna, how many months along is the baby in your belly?"Seraphina's slap was fast and ruthless. The sharp crack instantly drew everyone's attention.Sienna's head snapped to the side from the force of the blow. Half of her face immediately swelled up, and tears welled rapidly in her eyes. "Seraphina, what are you talking about..."Her pathetic, teary-eyed look made her seem like a frightened little rabbit."Seraphina Simmons!" Samuel was practically jumping with rage, the veins bulging on his forehead. "You're insane! Hitting Sienna in front of all these elders!"Sienna's mother, Zelda, pointed a finger right at Seraphina's nose and shrieked."You little bitch! Sienna was just trying to be nice and talk some sense into you. If you don't appreciate it, fine, but how dare you lay a hand on her? I'm telling you, this isn't over!"Seraphina slowly pulled her hand back. Her palm stung slightly, but she felt a profound sense of satisfaction.Sebastian frowned. "Seraphina, how could you just hit someone like that?"Seraphina scoffed. "What? Does your heart ache for her? You two had better stay tied to each other for the rest of your lives and stop ruining other people."Sienna's face stiffened. "Seraphina, you're misunderstanding.""Misunderstanding? Then answer me, how many months along is the baby in your belly?"The entire hall went dead silent again.All eyes shifted to Sienna.Sienna's face went from pale to green, then flush red.She instinctively clutched her stomach, her lips trembling. "Seraphina, you... don't spout nonsense... I'm not even married, how could I have a baby..."Chapter 2The hotel's banquet hall was filled with the rustle of expensive clothes and the clinking of glasses, buzzing with lively energy.Today was the big day for Seraphina Simmons and her boyfriend of five years, Sebastian Sullivan.Capital City's elite had gathered, and everyone envied her for finding such a perfect catch.Up on the stage, the officiant's voice boomed with enthusiasm. "The beautiful Ms. Seraphina Simmons, do you take the handsome Mr. Sebastian Sullivan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"Seraphina lowered her head shyly. Just as she was about to say yes, a sweet, childish little voice suddenly echoed out of thin air."My silly mommy, don't say yes! Sebastian is a total scumbag. He's only marrying you for your company shares, and he's not my daddy anyway. My real daddy is someone else.""It's your stepsister Sienna who is carrying that jerk's baby. Those two have been hooking up behind your back for ages!"Those two short sentences completely stunned Seraphina.She stood frozen on the stage, her fingers tightening around her bridal bouquet.Was... was a baby speaking?Seraphina instinctively looked around.The banquet hall was packed with guests, but there wasn't a child in sight.She pulled her gaze back and looked at Sebastian standing in front of her.Sebastian wore a flawless smile, as if he hadn't heard a single word of what was just said.But she had heard it loud and clear—Was she hallucinating?"Mommy, I'm right here in your tummy! I waited in line for years to finally be reincarnated. Come on, my dearest mother, you've got to stand up for yourself."Seraphina froze. Was she actually hearing the inner thoughts of her unborn child?!How could a fetus have such clear, logical inner monologues?And precognitive abilities, to boot?The entire room was waiting for Seraphina to answer, but she looked as if she had turned to stone.It felt entirely too absurd.If the baby in her womb wasn't Sebastian's, then whose was it?She had never cheated on him.The next second, as if sensing her thoughts, the sweet little voice rang out again."Mommy, you've been played! That scumbag cheated on you a long time ago. He's just using you right now. Once you're married, he'll use every trick in the book to torture you and make your life a living hell.""Hurry and ask my daddy for help. Yes, the most handsome, powerful man sitting right down there in the audience."Seraphina's heart raced.Her eyes uncontrollably drifted toward the audience.Sitting in the most prominent seat at the VIP table was a noble, commanding man—Lucian Langford.He was a titan in Capital City, a man no one dared to cross. Cold, untouchable, and utterly ruthless in his methods.He wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his expensive watch catching the cold glare of the lights.With his striking features, sharp brow bone, and pressed lips, he exuded an intimidating aura that warned everyone to keep their distance.Even though he was just sitting there, he seemed entirely out of place at this joyous wedding.Seraphina glanced over and unexpectedly locked eyes with his icy gaze, causing her heart to skip a beat.She knew who he was, just like everyone else did—the face on financial magazines, the headline of business forums, the subject of countless legends about a man who could flip the corporate world upside down with a wave of his hand.But she had absolutely no connection to him.How was she supposed to ask him for help?"Junior, do you even know who that is? He's the CEO of the Langford empire. I know you despise Sebastian and want a powerful, rich daddy, but we can't just claim anyone!""Besides, Lucian Langford is known as the ultimate boss of Capital City. There's never been a single woman by his side. How could you possibly be his child?"The little voice piped up again, sounding a bit anxious. "Mommy, you have to believe me. He really is my daddy, and he's the only one who can save you! He's right there, hurry up and ask him for help.""But...""Did you forget what happened three months ago when you woke up in that hotel?"Seraphina stiffened. She remembered."That scumbag and your stepsister conspired to trick you into going to the hotel. They wanted to hire someone to ruin your reputation so they could control you, but you walked into the wrong room...""The man lying next to you that night was my daddy, Lucian Langford.""What? It was him? I always thought it was Sebastian."Seraphina gripped her bouquet tight, a thin layer of sweat forming on her palms.The events from three months ago flooded her mind like a tidal wave—That night, Sebastian told her he had an important client to meet and asked her to wait at The Phoenix Club.She went, drank a single glass of wine, and then her vision began to blur.She remembered leaning against the wall as she stumbled out of the private room. The hallway lights were blinding. She pushed open a door—And then...She tried her hardest to recall the details of that night, but she could only capture fragmented, blurry flashes—Breath tangling in the dark.A burning palm resting on her waist.And the low, restrained gasps echoing by her ear.That was Lucian Langford?The man everyone called the untouchable titan of Capital City, the one who never had women around him?When she woke up the next day, she was lying in an unfamiliar room, entirely alone, her body aching as if she had been run over by a truck.She assumed Sebastian had an emergency and left early, so she hastily got dressed and slipped away.She had always believed she slept with Sebastian that night because he was the one who set everything up.So it turned out..."Mommy, do you remember now?" Little Bean's voice was filled with glee. "That night was incredibly wild! My daddy usually stays away from women, but someone slipped him a drug. You happened to throw yourself at him, kissing him all over, and sparks just flew..."Little Bean giggled. "I can't talk about the rest. If I do, Mommy will die of embarrassment!"Seraphina's face flushed a deep crimson.She wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.Was she really that aggressive when she was drunk?On the stage, Sebastian's mask of deep affection was beginning to slip. He urged her softly, "Seraphina, everyone is waiting."Below the stage, the guests had begun to whisper amongst themselves.The officiant awkwardly held up the microphone and repeated the question."Ms. Seraphina Simmons, do you take Mr. Sebastian Sullivan to be your husband?"Seeing Seraphina still standing there in a daze, Sebastian gently tried to soothe her. "Seraphina, what's wrong? Are you just nervous? Don't worry, once you become my wife, I'll spoil you rotten. I will do everything in my power to make you happy.""Mommy, don't listen to his sweet talk. He's only marrying you for the company shares your grandfather left you. Once you're out of use, he'll kick you to the curb."Seraphina sucked in a sharp breath.She lifted her head and stared at Sebastian.She had loved this man for five years.For five years, she thought she understood him, trusted him, and was even willing to put on a wedding dress for him.But it turned out that from the very beginning, it was all a scam.Seraphina spoke up, her voice loud and resolute. "I do not!"Three words, echoing with absolute certainty.The crowd erupted into an uproar.The gentle smile on Sebastian's face froze, as if he had just been slapped hard across the cheek.He stared at Seraphina with wide, disbelieving eyes. "Seraphina, what did you just say?""I said, I don't." Seraphina looked him dead in the eye, enunciating every word. "Sebastian, this wedding is off.""Are you out of your mind?" Sebastian's expression instantly darkened, and he instinctively reached out to grab her wrist. "Seraphina, stop making a scene. All our guests are watching—""Don't touch me."Seraphina took a step back, protectively covering her stomach.That subtle movement made Sebastian's gaze turn even more sinister."Seraphina, if something is bothering you, we can talk about it after the ceremony...""Mommy, don't go soft! Dump this jerk right now and go after my handsome, rich daddy. Otherwise, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.""This scumbag is only after your money. He'll torture you to death later. My dearest mommy, I don't want to die. I still want to see this beautiful world.""I'm not marrying him!" Seraphina declared loudly.The baby in her belly wouldn't lie to her. If he said Sebastian was a scumbag, then there was no way she was going through with this!The guests couldn't hold back their gossip anymore.The Sullivan family was highly respected in Capital City. For Seraphina to reject him so ruthlessly left everyone completely shocked.After all, everyone had seen just how devoted Seraphina used to be to Sebastian.But now, right when they were supposed to tie the knot, she had publicly rejected him.It was utterly baffling."Seraphina Simmons! Have you lost your mind? What has Sebastian ever done to you? You think you can just cancel a wedding on a whim? Where are you putting our family's pride?""You were the one crying and begging to marry Sebastian in the first place, and now you're backing out. You treat marriage like a joke! Why can't you be sensible like Sienna?"Seeing his daughter ruin the wedding, Samuel Simmons immediately began berating her.Seraphina glanced at Samuel, then shifted her gaze to Sienna standing beside him. She could see the faint, triumphant smirk hidden on Sienna's lips.Meeting Seraphina's gaze, Sienna put on a fake, concerned tone. "Seraphina, please don't be so stubborn. Sebastian has been so good to you. How can you embarrass him in front of all these people? Just apologize to everyone and let's finish the ceremony."As she spoke, she walked toward Seraphina.Seraphina's eyes immediately locked onto the dazzling diamond ring on Sienna's finger. It was so bright it was practically blinding."Mommy, that's the bad woman who drugged you! And that diamond ring was bought by the scumbag. Your wedding ring is a fake."Seraphina took a closer look. Sure enough, the two rings were the exact same style, but her own ring looked dull—a clear knockoff.In an instant, everything clicked for Seraphina. These two really had been hooking up and plotting against her.Nearby, a guest chimed in, "Yeah, it's normal for couples to fight, but don't make it this ugly.""Seraphina used to be obsessed with Sebastian. Why the sudden change of heart?""It's probably just cold feet...""She really isn't as sensible as Sienna. The Sullivan family is out of luck, getting stuck with a daughter-in-law like her."Listening to the whispers, Seraphina only found it laughable.It didn't matter anyway; her reputation had been dragged through the mud a long time ago.She used to be the dignified, elegant daughter of the Simmons family, but ever since Zelda Gates and Sienna moved in, her image had steadily deteriorated.All thanks to the two of them, of course.Seraphina took a deep breath.She walked right up to Sienna, staring at that face full of fake concern and hidden arrogance, raised her hand, and delivered a vicious slap right across her cheek."Sienna, how many months along is the baby in your belly?"Seraphina's slap was fast and ruthless. The sharp crack instantly drew everyone's attention.Sienna's head snapped to the side from the force of the blow. Half of her face immediately swelled up, and tears welled rapidly in her eyes. "Seraphina, what are you talking about..."Her pathetic, teary-eyed look made her seem like a frightened little rabbit."Seraphina Simmons!" Samuel was practically jumping with rage, the veins bulging on his forehead. "You're insane! Hitting Sienna in front of all these elders!"Sienna's mother, Zelda, pointed a finger right at Seraphina's nose and shrieked."You little bitch! Sienna was just trying to be nice and talk some sense into you. If you don't appreciate it, fine, but how dare you lay a hand on her? I'm telling you, this isn't over!"Seraphina slowly pulled her hand back. Her palm stung slightly, but she felt a profound sense of satisfaction.Sebastian frowned. "Seraphina, how could you just hit someone like that?"Seraphina scoffed. "What? Does your heart ache for her? You two had better stay tied to each other for the rest of your lives and stop ruining other people."Sienna's face stiffened. "Seraphina, you're misunderstanding.""Misunderstanding? Then answer me, how many months along is the baby in your belly?"The entire hall went dead silent again.All eyes shifted to Sienna.Sienna's face went from pale to green, then flush red.She instinctively clutched her stomach, her lips trembling. "Seraphina, you... don't spout nonsense... I'm not even married, how could I have a baby..."Chapter 3The hotel's banquet hall was filled with the rustle of expensive clothes and the clinking of glasses, buzzing with lively energy.Today was the big day for Seraphina Simmons and her boyfriend of five years, Sebastian Sullivan.Capital City's elite had gathered, and everyone envied her for finding such a perfect catch.Up on the stage, the officiant's voice boomed with enthusiasm. "The beautiful Ms. Seraphina Simmons, do you take the handsome Mr. Sebastian Sullivan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"Seraphina lowered her head shyly. Just as she was about to say yes, a sweet, childish little voice suddenly echoed out of thin air."My silly mommy, don't say yes! Sebastian is a total scumbag. He's only marrying you for your company shares, and he's not my daddy anyway. My real daddy is someone else.""It's your stepsister Sienna who is carrying that jerk's baby. Those two have been hooking up behind your back for ages!"Those two short sentences completely stunned Seraphina.She stood frozen on the stage, her fingers tightening around her bridal bouquet.Was... was a baby speaking?Seraphina instinctively looked around.The banquet hall was packed with guests, but there wasn't a child in sight.She pulled her gaze back and looked at Sebastian standing in front of her.Sebastian wore a flawless smile, as if he hadn't heard a single word of what was just said.But she had heard it loud and clear—Was she hallucinating?"Mommy, I'm right here in your tummy! I waited in line for years to finally be reincarnated. Come on, my dearest mother, you've got to stand up for yourself."Seraphina froze. Was she actually hearing the inner thoughts of her unborn child?!How could a fetus have such clear, logical inner monologues?And precognitive abilities, to boot?The entire room was waiting for Seraphina to answer, but she looked as if she had turned to stone.It felt entirely too absurd.If the baby in her womb wasn't Sebastian's, then whose was it?She had never cheated on him.The next second, as if sensing her thoughts, the sweet little voice rang out again."Mommy, you've been played! That scumbag cheated on you a long time ago. He's just using you right now. Once you're married, he'll use every trick in the book to torture you and make your life a living hell.""Hurry and ask my daddy for help. Yes, the most handsome, powerful man sitting right down there in the audience."Seraphina's heart raced.Her eyes uncontrollably drifted toward the audience.Sitting in the most prominent seat at the VIP table was a noble, commanding man—Lucian Langford.He was a titan in Capital City, a man no one dared to cross. Cold, untouchable, and utterly ruthless in his methods.He wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his expensive watch catching the cold glare of the lights.With his striking features, sharp brow bone, and pressed lips, he exuded an intimidating aura that warned everyone to keep their distance.Even though he was just sitting there, he seemed entirely out of place at this joyous wedding.Seraphina glanced over and unexpectedly locked eyes with his icy gaze, causing her heart to skip a beat.She knew who he was, just like everyone else did—the face on financial magazines, the headline of business forums, the subject of countless legends about a man who could flip the corporate world upside down with a wave of his hand.But she had absolutely no connection to him.How was she supposed to ask him for help?"Junior, do you even know who that is? He's the CEO of the Langford empire. I know you despise Sebastian and want a powerful, rich daddy, but we can't just claim anyone!""Besides, Lucian Langford is known as the ultimate boss of Capital City. There's never been a single woman by his side. How could you possibly be his child?"The little voice piped up again, sounding a bit anxious. "Mommy, you have to believe me. He really is my daddy, and he's the only one who can save you! He's right there, hurry up and ask him for help.""But...""Did you forget what happened three months ago when you woke up in that hotel?"Seraphina stiffened. She remembered."That scumbag and your stepsister conspired to trick you into going to the hotel. They wanted to hire someone to ruin your reputation so they could control you, but you walked into the wrong room...""The man lying next to you that night was my daddy, Lucian Langford.""What? It was him? I always thought it was Sebastian."Seraphina gripped her bouquet tight, a thin layer of sweat forming on her palms.The events from three months ago flooded her mind like a tidal wave—That night, Sebastian told her he had an important client to meet and asked her to wait at The Phoenix Club.She went, drank a single glass of wine, and then her vision began to blur.She remembered leaning against the wall as she stumbled out of the private room. The hallway lights were blinding. She pushed open a door—And then...She tried her hardest to recall the details of that night, but she could only capture fragmented, blurry flashes—Breath tangling in the dark.A burning palm resting on her waist.And the low, restrained gasps echoing by her ear.That was Lucian Langford?The man everyone called the untouchable titan of Capital City, the one who never had women around him?When she woke up the next day, she was lying in an unfamiliar room, entirely alone, her body aching as if she had been run over by a truck.She assumed Sebastian had an emergency and left early, so she hastily got dressed and slipped away.She had always believed she slept with Sebastian that night because he was the one who set everything up.So it turned out..."Mommy, do you remember now?" Little Bean's voice was filled with glee. "That night was incredibly wild! My daddy usually stays away from women, but someone slipped him a drug. You happened to throw yourself at him, kissing him all over, and sparks just flew..."Little Bean giggled. "I can't talk about the rest. If I do, Mommy will die of embarrassment!"Seraphina's face flushed a deep crimson.She wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.Was she really that aggressive when she was drunk?On the stage, Sebastian's mask of deep affection was beginning to slip. He urged her softly, "Seraphina, everyone is waiting."Below the stage, the guests had begun to whisper amongst themselves.The officiant awkwardly held up the microphone and repeated the question."Ms. Seraphina Simmons, do you take Mr. Sebastian Sullivan to be your husband?"Seeing Seraphina still standing there in a daze, Sebastian gently tried to soothe her. "Seraphina, what's wrong? Are you just nervous? Don't worry, once you become my wife, I'll spoil you rotten. I will do everything in my power to make you happy.""Mommy, don't listen to his sweet talk. He's only marrying you for the company shares your grandfather left you. Once you're out of use, he'll kick you to the curb."Seraphina sucked in a sharp breath.She lifted her head and stared at Sebastian.She had loved this man for five years.For five years, she thought she understood him, trusted him, and was even willing to put on a wedding dress for him.But it turned out that from the very beginning, it was all a scam.Seraphina spoke up, her voice loud and resolute. "I do not!"Three words, echoing with absolute certainty.The crowd erupted into an uproar.The gentle smile on Sebastian's face froze, as if he had just been slapped hard across the cheek.He stared at Seraphina with wide, disbelieving eyes. "Seraphina, what did you just say?""I said, I don't." Seraphina looked him dead in the eye, enunciating every word. "Sebastian, this wedding is off.""Are you out of your mind?" Sebastian's expression instantly darkened, and he instinctively reached out to grab her wrist. "Seraphina, stop making a scene. All our guests are watching—""Don't touch me."Seraphina took a step back, protectively covering her stomach.That subtle movement made Sebastian's gaze turn even more sinister."Seraphina, if something is bothering you, we can talk about it after the ceremony...""Mommy, don't go soft! Dump this jerk right now and go after my handsome, rich daddy. Otherwise, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.""This scumbag is only after your money. He'll torture you to death later. My dearest mommy, I don't want to die. I still want to see this beautiful world.""I'm not marrying him!" Seraphina declared loudly.The baby in her belly wouldn't lie to her. If he said Sebastian was a scumbag, then there was no way she was going through with this!The guests couldn't hold back their gossip anymore.The Sullivan family was highly respected in Capital City. For Seraphina to reject him so ruthlessly left everyone completely shocked.After all, everyone had seen just how devoted Seraphina used to be to Sebastian.But now, right when they were supposed to tie the knot, she had publicly rejected him.It was utterly baffling."Seraphina Simmons! Have you lost your mind? What has Sebastian ever done to you? You think you can just cancel a wedding on a whim? Where are you putting our family's pride?""You were the one crying and begging to marry Sebastian in the first place, and now you're backing out. You treat marriage like a joke! Why can't you be sensible like Sienna?"Seeing his daughter ruin the wedding, Samuel Simmons immediately began berating her.Seraphina glanced at Samuel, then shifted her gaze to Sienna standing beside him. She could see the faint, triumphant smirk hidden on Sienna's lips.Meeting Seraphina's gaze, Sienna put on a fake, concerned tone. "Seraphina, please don't be so stubborn. Sebastian has been so good to you. How can you embarrass him in front of all these people? Just apologize to everyone and let's finish the ceremony."As she spoke, she walked toward Seraphina.Seraphina's eyes immediately locked onto the dazzling diamond ring on Sienna's finger. It was so bright it was practically blinding."Mommy, that's the bad woman who drugged you! And that diamond ring was bought by the scumbag. Your wedding ring is a fake."Seraphina took a closer look. Sure enough, the two rings were the exact same style, but her own ring looked dull—a clear knockoff.In an instant, everything clicked for Seraphina. These two really had been hooking up and plotting against her.Nearby, a guest chimed in, "Yeah, it's normal for couples to fight, but don't make it this ugly.""Seraphina used to be obsessed with Sebastian. Why the sudden change of heart?""It's probably just cold feet...""She really isn't as sensible as Sienna. The Sullivan family is out of luck, getting stuck with a daughter-in-law like her."Listening to the whispers, Seraphina only found it laughable.It didn't matter anyway; her reputation had been dragged through the mud a long time ago.She used to be the dignified, elegant daughter of the Simmons family, but ever since Zelda Gates and Sienna moved in, her image had steadily deteriorated.All thanks to the two of them, of course.Seraphina took a deep breath.She walked right up to Sienna, staring at that face full of fake concern and hidden arrogance, raised her hand, and delivered a vicious slap right across her cheek."Sienna, how many months along is the baby in your belly?"Seraphina's slap was fast and ruthless. The sharp crack instantly drew everyone's attention.Sienna's head snapped to the side from the force of the blow. Half of her face immediately swelled up, and tears welled rapidly in her eyes. "Seraphina, what are you talking about..."Her pathetic, teary-eyed look made her seem like a frightened little rabbit."Seraphina Simmons!" Samuel was practically jumping with rage, the veins bulging on his forehead. "You're insane! Hitting Sienna in front of all these elders!"Sienna's mother, Zelda, pointed a finger right at Seraphina's nose and shrieked."You little bitch! Sienna was just trying to be nice and talk some sense into you. If you don't appreciate it, fine, but how dare you lay a hand on her? I'm telling you, this isn't over!"Seraphina slowly pulled her hand back. Her palm stung slightly, but she felt a profound sense of satisfaction.Sebastian frowned. "Seraphina, how could you just hit someone like that?"Seraphina scoffed. "What? Does your heart ache for her? You two had better stay tied to each other for the rest of your lives and stop ruining other people."Sienna's face stiffened. "Seraphina, you're misunderstanding.""Misunderstanding? Then answer me, how many months along is the baby in your belly?"The entire hall went dead silent again.All eyes shifted to Sienna.Sienna's face went from pale to green, then flush red.She instinctively clutched her stomach, her lips trembling. "Seraphina, you... don't spout nonsense... I'm not even married, how could I have a baby..."