After seven years of marriage, Rosalie Giles's world shattered. The tenderness and devotion her husband had shown her turned out to be nothing but a lie. When his first love appeared at her door with an illegitimate child in tow, Rosalie finally learned the truth—Devon West had been keeping another family all along. There she was, drowning in guilt for failing to give him a child, choking down bitter herbal remedies to fix her body—while he was lying in another woman's arms. He swore up and down that he loved her. But the moment it mattered, he held another woman close. Her heart died in a single breath. Calmly, Rosalie drew up the divorce papers, tricked him into signing, and never let him suspect a thing. Devon loved the excitement other women gave him, but he also loved Rosalie deeply. He only wanted a complete family for himself and his wife—he never considered it cheating. One day, when she found out she could be a mother, she would surely thank him. But even as he remained utterly certain Rosalie would never leave, the clock was already ticking. One month later, Rosalie walked away without looking back and disappeared. Devon searched for her like a man possessed. He couldn't believe it—the Rosalie who had loved him so desperately had actually gone through with the divorce. He moved heaven and earth and finally tracked her down to a city. There she was, bathed in sunlight, a child in her arms, laughing, leaning into the embrace of the man beside her. The boomerang had finally come back around and buried itself in his heart. Devon begged, "Honey, I just wanted us to have a child. Please come home!" Rosalie stared at him with cold eyes. The man beside her drove a foot into his chest and looked down at him. "A child? We have two."

Chapter 1"Excuse me, do children born out of wedlock have inheritance rights?"At the mention of those words, Rosalie Giles's hand paused slightly over the documents she was flipping through.She lifted her gaze, her eyes settling calmly on the woman sitting across from her.Radiant and poised, the woman carried herself with a relaxed elegance that was a far cry from the stereotypical image of a mistress.Rosalie lowered her eyes, glancing at the name on the intake form, letting it linger in her mind for a second. Mia Hayes?What a coincidence. Devon's childhood friend happened to share the exact same name.But she didn't think much of it. There were countless people with the same name in the world.She closed the file, her striking eyes returning to their usual professional detachment when she looked back up. "There is no legal provision stating that children born out of wedlock cannot inherit, but I will need you to elaborate on your specific situation, Ms. Hayes."Mia smiled faintly, her beautiful dark eyes looking slightly veiled and unreadable. "He and his wife only have a marriage of convenience. There are no feelings involved, just business dealings."Rosalie's pen stalled on the paper.A marriage of convenience.The phrase felt like a sudden needle prick, sending an unexpected ripple across the usually placid surface of her heart.Her marriage to Devon West was also a marriage of convenience.She didn't let a shred of that discomfort show on her face, merely offering a polite, tight smile. "Please, go on."Mia shifted in her seat and laughed softly. "His wife can't have kids, but I'm pregnant. This is his only bloodline."At those words, a suffocating weight began to sink into the pit of Rosalie's stomach.She steadied her nerves, forcing her voice back into an even rhythm. "You will need to provide proof of paternity—"Before she could finish, her gaze locked onto the charm hanging from Mia's purse.It was a small, hand-knit keychain.It looked virtually identical to the one she had knitted for Devon.Rosalie's brow furrowed slightly, entirely unaware of how the color was draining from her face in that single moment."I can do that, but I'll have to wait a little while longer before I can get an amniocentesis done, right?"As Mia spoke, she followed Rosalie's stare down to her bag. She paused, then unclipped the charm and dangled it lightly in front of Rosalie's face.Her smile was loaded with meaning. "Ms. Giles, were you looking at this?"Rosalie couldn't believe her own eyes. When she spoke, her voice was so raspy it sounded foreign even to her. "Could I see that?"Mia handed it over generously. "Of course. My husband just grabbed it on a whim during a business trip to amuse me. I had no idea you'd be interested in something like this, Ms. Giles."Rosalie took it and flipped it over.A crookedly stitched letter "D" was sewn onto the back.Her mind buzzed with static.Memories flooded her brain—a man's indulgent laughter, and her own flustered, mock-angry threats."Don't you dare laugh!"That day, she had him pinned against the sofa. Devon had smoothly wrapped his arms around her waist, his eyes melting with tenderness. "Alright, alright, I won't laugh. My beautiful wife put so much effort into making this for me. I promise I'll take it with me wherever I go."The memory was so vivid, it felt like it had happened just yesterday.A chilling sensation crawled up her spine and pierced straight into her chest, her heart violently contracting as if squeezed by a massive, unseen fist.She would never mistake this charm. She had sewn it for Devon with her own two hands, stitch by stitch.So, the cheating husband Mia was talking about was actually Devon.Everything suddenly clicked into place.She and Devon had been married for seven years. At first, there wasn't much affection between them, but they treated each other with mutual respect. Over time, Devon's meticulous care and attentiveness had slowly melted away the cold, guarded edges of her heart.Rosalie was naturally aloof and slow to process her own feelings, but Devon was the only person who genuinely made her happy.That was why she had willingly put her own career on hold to work at the law firm under his corporate umbrella.She had endured round after round of grueling fertility treatments, forcing down bitter supplements that made her nauseous, all just to give him an heir.And Devon had never disappointed her. In public, he gave her absolute respect and security. The media even dubbed them the ultimate power couple, treating their relationship as the perfect blueprint for an enviable marriage.She hadn't always been infertile.It was because of that accident.She had lunged forward to push Devon out of the way, and the steel beam had nearly crushed her abdomen.When she woke up, Devon was kneeling by her hospital bed with red-rimmed eyes and a heavy shadow of stubble on his jaw. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.He had been absolutely devastated. The first thing he did was transfer eight percent of his personal shares into her name. Then, gripping her hand tightly, his voice as rough as sandpaper, he had promised, "Honey, it doesn't matter if you can't have kids. We just won't have them. I only want you, and the children we have together."Every anniversary after that, he would repeat those exact words.Her heart felt as though it had been crushed into powder, making every breath a struggle."Ms. Giles? Are you listening?"Mia's voice snapped her back to reality.Rosalie looked up. Mia was holding out her hand with a sweet smile. "Can I have that back now? I know it's not worth much, but I really love it."Rosalie handed the charm back, her fingers trembling and icy cold."Ms. Hayes, thank you for the information. I will contact you if there are any further questions."Mia picked up her purse and stood, giving Rosalie a deep, knowing smile. "Perfect timing, I think we're done here for today. Thank you so much, Ms. Giles. Let's exchange contact info."With that, she turned and headed for the door. As she walked, she dialed her phone, her tone instantly switching to a spoiled, whining pitch the second the call connected. "I don't care, you are not leaving today! I want you to cook dinner for me yourself."Almost at the exact same moment, Rosalie's phone lit up on her desk.It was a text from Devon."Honey, the business trip got pushed back. I'll be home tomorrow. Bought a gift to make it up to you. Love you."Rosalie froze.For a split second, it felt as if the blood in her veins was flowing backward, a relentless chill creeping from the soles of her feet all the way to her crown.She stumbled as she stood up, nearly knocking over the chair next to her."Rosalie? Are you okay?" her assistant asked, looking over in concern.Rosalie grabbed her car keys. Her hands were shaking, but her voice was as hard as ice. "Cover for me for an hour. Thanks."Her assistant blinked. "Oh, okay, but corporate doesn't allow time off right before a business trip!"Before she could even finish her sentence, Rosalie was already out the door. There were some things she needed to see with her own eyes.Mia hadn't gone far. She was just flagging down a cab on the street. Rosalie started her car and followed close behind.They drove across more than half the city until the car stopped in front of a terribly familiar residential estate.Rosalie's foot hovered over the brake pedal, unable to move a muscle.This was the house she and Devon had lived in right after they got married. Later, Devon had complained it was too small, and they had moved to the sprawling manor downtown.She sat in her car, staring through the windshield, watching as Mia walked up to the front door and lifted her face for the security scan.Moments later, the door swung open.And then, she saw a scene she would never forget for the rest of her life.Devon, a man who practically lived in tailored black suits, was standing there wearing an apron. The moment he saw Mia, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. His brows furrowed slightly, his expression laced with helpless adoration. "You're finally back, babe. Are you exhausted? Come look at this, I don't know how to cook it."Mia faked a pout. "Devon! You are so useless!"Devon laughed, not the least bit offended. "If I was useful, what would I need you for?"He pressed his face against Mia's stomach. "Let me hear if my son is being a good boy today. Has he been kicking his mom?"Mia laughed and swatted his arm. "How do you know it's a boy? What if it's a girl!"A tender warmth spread across Devon's handsome face. "I'll love them whether it's a boy or a girl. Come on, dinner's ready, I was just waiting for you."Chatting and laughing, the two of them stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind them.Rosalie just sat there, completely motionless.She didn't know when her eyes had welled up with tears. She kept staring at that tightly shut door until the stinging in her eyes became unbearable, finally letting them close.A single tear slipped free, landing on the back of her hand. It burned like fire, and her heart plunged into an abyss.So, her husband had an entirely separate family on the outside. They were living in the very home she had decorated as a newlywed, filling it with laughter and joy.Meanwhile, all these years, she had been drowning in guilt over her inability to give him an heir, suffocating in self-blame, completely trapped in his web of gentle lies.What did all those years of devotion even mean?What kind of monster had she given her heart to?All those memories that used to make her heart flutter now only churned her stomach with intense disgust.Rosalie wiped her tears away.When she opened her eyes again, there was absolutely nothing left in them.She started the engine, drove back to law firm, and the very first thing she did was draft her own divorce agreement.She stared at the text on her monitor, a bitter, self-deprecating laugh escaping her lips.She had been a lawyer for so many years. She never thought there would come a day when she'd be drawing up these papers for herself.She was going to take this agreement back right now and make Devon sign it.Rosalie brought the divorce agreement home. She needed to get Devon to sign it before she left for her business trip.Staring at the empty living room, she lowered her head, let out a deep exhale, and went upstairs to pack.The walk-in closet was filled with clothes and handbags Devon had bought for her, but the things that truly belonged to her barely filled a single suitcase.She dragged the suitcase downstairs and sat on the sofa to wait for him. Just then, her phone screen lit up.It was a new social media post from Mia. The photo showed a man's hand holding a spatula, with the caption: "Someone said he's going to cook for me every day from now on."The wedding ring on that hand was excruciatingly familiar.She had slipped it onto Devon's finger herself seven years ago.Unable to stop herself, Rosalie clicked into Mia's profile and scrolled down, post by post.For four years, this woman had been documenting their life together.She saw an entirely different side of Devon.Getting scolded for breaking a bowl, groveling dramatically to apologize after a business trip, lifting Mia up and spinning her around on the beach. His face was hidden in every single picture, but she recognized him instantly. He looked so vibrant and alive in every shot.Her breath hitched. She didn't have the courage to scroll any further.During all those nights she had spent agonizing over her inability to give him a child, what kind of intimate things had he been doing with another woman?Rosalie sat there in a daze, unmoving on the sofa for the entire night.As dawn broke, the front door clicked open.Devon walked in, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his tall, commanding frame. His sharp, predatory gaze softened the moment it landed on Rosalie.He walked over, reaching out to pull her into his arms. "Honey, why are you up so early?"The second he got close, Rosalie caught the scent of his cologne mingled with another woman's perfume.Flashes of the pictures she'd seen stormed her mind, and a wave of nausea hit her stomach. She raised her hands and pushed him away.Devon stumbled back a step, his smile freezing for a second. But he quickly assumed she was just throwing a tantrum and patiently explained, "I had an emergency last night, so I couldn't make it back. Are you mad at me?"His eyes were so gentle when he spoke. For seven years, Rosalie had never once doubted his sincerity. Now, he just looked like a stranger.She lowered her gaze, her eyes sweeping over his waist. The knit charm was predictably missing."Where's that keychain I knitted for you? I haven't seen you wear it in a while."Devon's eyes flickered briefly, but he covered it up with an easy smile. "Of course I'm keeping everything my beautiful wife gives me safe. I put it away so I wouldn't lose it."Looking at the supposed affection brimming in his eyes, Rosalie offered a mocking smile.She didn't expose his lie. "Then dig it out and give it back to me. The stitching was a little off, I need to redo it."What was hers, she was taking back.Devon paused for a fraction of a second, sensing that something was slightly off about her today. But he kept his smile in place. "Alright. I'll make sure to keep it perfectly safe this time."Rosalie didn't say another word and handed him the stack of documents she had prepared.Tucked inside was the divorce agreement.Devon took the stack, flipped the cover, and laughed. He sank into the sofa and grabbed a pen. "It's just the firm's approval forms. I was wondering what this was."He signed his name as he spoke, casually asking, "Why do you need this so early this time?"Rosalie kept her voice flat. "Corporate requested it. I'm not sure why."He bought it without a second thought, not bothering to flip to the next page, not giving it a single extra glance.After signing, Devon leaned in again, wanting to hold her. Mia was pregnant, so he had been forced to hold back last night. Seeing Rosalie now, he felt an undeniable itch."Honey, I missed you so much."Rosalie pressed her hand firmly against his chest. It was only then that Devon noticed the suitcase sitting behind her. He frowned. "Why are you packing a suitcase?"Chapter 2"Excuse me, do children born out of wedlock have inheritance rights?"At the mention of those words, Rosalie Giles's hand paused slightly over the documents she was flipping through.She lifted her gaze, her eyes settling calmly on the woman sitting across from her.Radiant and poised, the woman carried herself with a relaxed elegance that was a far cry from the stereotypical image of a mistress.Rosalie lowered her eyes, glancing at the name on the intake form, letting it linger in her mind for a second. Mia Hayes?What a coincidence. Devon's childhood friend happened to share the exact same name.But she didn't think much of it. There were countless people with the same name in the world.She closed the file, her striking eyes returning to their usual professional detachment when she looked back up. "There is no legal provision stating that children born out of wedlock cannot inherit, but I will need you to elaborate on your specific situation, Ms. Hayes."Mia smiled faintly, her beautiful dark eyes looking slightly veiled and unreadable. "He and his wife only have a marriage of convenience. There are no feelings involved, just business dealings."Rosalie's pen stalled on the paper.A marriage of convenience.The phrase felt like a sudden needle prick, sending an unexpected ripple across the usually placid surface of her heart.Her marriage to Devon West was also a marriage of convenience.She didn't let a shred of that discomfort show on her face, merely offering a polite, tight smile. "Please, go on."Mia shifted in her seat and laughed softly. "His wife can't have kids, but I'm pregnant. This is his only bloodline."At those words, a suffocating weight began to sink into the pit of Rosalie's stomach.She steadied her nerves, forcing her voice back into an even rhythm. "You will need to provide proof of paternity—"Before she could finish, her gaze locked onto the charm hanging from Mia's purse.It was a small, hand-knit keychain.It looked virtually identical to the one she had knitted for Devon.Rosalie's brow furrowed slightly, entirely unaware of how the color was draining from her face in that single moment."I can do that, but I'll have to wait a little while longer before I can get an amniocentesis done, right?"As Mia spoke, she followed Rosalie's stare down to her bag. She paused, then unclipped the charm and dangled it lightly in front of Rosalie's face.Her smile was loaded with meaning. "Ms. Giles, were you looking at this?"Rosalie couldn't believe her own eyes. When she spoke, her voice was so raspy it sounded foreign even to her. "Could I see that?"Mia handed it over generously. "Of course. My husband just grabbed it on a whim during a business trip to amuse me. I had no idea you'd be interested in something like this, Ms. Giles."Rosalie took it and flipped it over.A crookedly stitched letter "D" was sewn onto the back.Her mind buzzed with static.Memories flooded her brain—a man's indulgent laughter, and her own flustered, mock-angry threats."Don't you dare laugh!"That day, she had him pinned against the sofa. Devon had smoothly wrapped his arms around her waist, his eyes melting with tenderness. "Alright, alright, I won't laugh. My beautiful wife put so much effort into making this for me. I promise I'll take it with me wherever I go."The memory was so vivid, it felt like it had happened just yesterday.A chilling sensation crawled up her spine and pierced straight into her chest, her heart violently contracting as if squeezed by a massive, unseen fist.She would never mistake this charm. She had sewn it for Devon with her own two hands, stitch by stitch.So, the cheating husband Mia was talking about was actually Devon.Everything suddenly clicked into place.She and Devon had been married for seven years. At first, there wasn't much affection between them, but they treated each other with mutual respect. Over time, Devon's meticulous care and attentiveness had slowly melted away the cold, guarded edges of her heart.Rosalie was naturally aloof and slow to process her own feelings, but Devon was the only person who genuinely made her happy.That was why she had willingly put her own career on hold to work at the law firm under his corporate umbrella.She had endured round after round of grueling fertility treatments, forcing down bitter supplements that made her nauseous, all just to give him an heir.And Devon had never disappointed her. In public, he gave her absolute respect and security. The media even dubbed them the ultimate power couple, treating their relationship as the perfect blueprint for an enviable marriage.She hadn't always been infertile.It was because of that accident.She had lunged forward to push Devon out of the way, and the steel beam had nearly crushed her abdomen.When she woke up, Devon was kneeling by her hospital bed with red-rimmed eyes and a heavy shadow of stubble on his jaw. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.He had been absolutely devastated. The first thing he did was transfer eight percent of his personal shares into her name. Then, gripping her hand tightly, his voice as rough as sandpaper, he had promised, "Honey, it doesn't matter if you can't have kids. We just won't have them. I only want you, and the children we have together."Every anniversary after that, he would repeat those exact words.Her heart felt as though it had been crushed into powder, making every breath a struggle."Ms. Giles? Are you listening?"Mia's voice snapped her back to reality.Rosalie looked up. Mia was holding out her hand with a sweet smile. "Can I have that back now? I know it's not worth much, but I really love it."Rosalie handed the charm back, her fingers trembling and icy cold."Ms. Hayes, thank you for the information. I will contact you if there are any further questions."Mia picked up her purse and stood, giving Rosalie a deep, knowing smile. "Perfect timing, I think we're done here for today. Thank you so much, Ms. Giles. Let's exchange contact info."With that, she turned and headed for the door. As she walked, she dialed her phone, her tone instantly switching to a spoiled, whining pitch the second the call connected. "I don't care, you are not leaving today! I want you to cook dinner for me yourself."Almost at the exact same moment, Rosalie's phone lit up on her desk.It was a text from Devon."Honey, the business trip got pushed back. I'll be home tomorrow. Bought a gift to make it up to you. Love you."Rosalie froze.For a split second, it felt as if the blood in her veins was flowing backward, a relentless chill creeping from the soles of her feet all the way to her crown.She stumbled as she stood up, nearly knocking over the chair next to her."Rosalie? Are you okay?" her assistant asked, looking over in concern.Rosalie grabbed her car keys. Her hands were shaking, but her voice was as hard as ice. "Cover for me for an hour. Thanks."Her assistant blinked. "Oh, okay, but corporate doesn't allow time off right before a business trip!"Before she could even finish her sentence, Rosalie was already out the door. There were some things she needed to see with her own eyes.Mia hadn't gone far. She was just flagging down a cab on the street. Rosalie started her car and followed close behind.They drove across more than half the city until the car stopped in front of a terribly familiar residential estate.Rosalie's foot hovered over the brake pedal, unable to move a muscle.This was the house she and Devon had lived in right after they got married. Later, Devon had complained it was too small, and they had moved to the sprawling manor downtown.She sat in her car, staring through the windshield, watching as Mia walked up to the front door and lifted her face for the security scan.Moments later, the door swung open.And then, she saw a scene she would never forget for the rest of her life.Devon, a man who practically lived in tailored black suits, was standing there wearing an apron. The moment he saw Mia, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. His brows furrowed slightly, his expression laced with helpless adoration. "You're finally back, babe. Are you exhausted? Come look at this, I don't know how to cook it."Mia faked a pout. "Devon! You are so useless!"Devon laughed, not the least bit offended. "If I was useful, what would I need you for?"He pressed his face against Mia's stomach. "Let me hear if my son is being a good boy today. Has he been kicking his mom?"Mia laughed and swatted his arm. "How do you know it's a boy? What if it's a girl!"A tender warmth spread across Devon's handsome face. "I'll love them whether it's a boy or a girl. Come on, dinner's ready, I was just waiting for you."Chatting and laughing, the two of them stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind them.Rosalie just sat there, completely motionless.She didn't know when her eyes had welled up with tears. She kept staring at that tightly shut door until the stinging in her eyes became unbearable, finally letting them close.A single tear slipped free, landing on the back of her hand. It burned like fire, and her heart plunged into an abyss.So, her husband had an entirely separate family on the outside. They were living in the very home she had decorated as a newlywed, filling it with laughter and joy.Meanwhile, all these years, she had been drowning in guilt over her inability to give him an heir, suffocating in self-blame, completely trapped in his web of gentle lies.What did all those years of devotion even mean?What kind of monster had she given her heart to?All those memories that used to make her heart flutter now only churned her stomach with intense disgust.Rosalie wiped her tears away.When she opened her eyes again, there was absolutely nothing left in them.She started the engine, drove back to law firm, and the very first thing she did was draft her own divorce agreement.She stared at the text on her monitor, a bitter, self-deprecating laugh escaping her lips.She had been a lawyer for so many years. She never thought there would come a day when she'd be drawing up these papers for herself.She was going to take this agreement back right now and make Devon sign it.Rosalie brought the divorce agreement home. She needed to get Devon to sign it before she left for her business trip.Staring at the empty living room, she lowered her head, let out a deep exhale, and went upstairs to pack.The walk-in closet was filled with clothes and handbags Devon had bought for her, but the things that truly belonged to her barely filled a single suitcase.She dragged the suitcase downstairs and sat on the sofa to wait for him. Just then, her phone screen lit up.It was a new social media post from Mia. The photo showed a man's hand holding a spatula, with the caption: "Someone said he's going to cook for me every day from now on."The wedding ring on that hand was excruciatingly familiar.She had slipped it onto Devon's finger herself seven years ago.Unable to stop herself, Rosalie clicked into Mia's profile and scrolled down, post by post.For four years, this woman had been documenting their life together.She saw an entirely different side of Devon.Getting scolded for breaking a bowl, groveling dramatically to apologize after a business trip, lifting Mia up and spinning her around on the beach. His face was hidden in every single picture, but she recognized him instantly. He looked so vibrant and alive in every shot.Her breath hitched. She didn't have the courage to scroll any further.During all those nights she had spent agonizing over her inability to give him a child, what kind of intimate things had he been doing with another woman?Rosalie sat there in a daze, unmoving on the sofa for the entire night.As dawn broke, the front door clicked open.Devon walked in, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his tall, commanding frame. His sharp, predatory gaze softened the moment it landed on Rosalie.He walked over, reaching out to pull her into his arms. "Honey, why are you up so early?"The second he got close, Rosalie caught the scent of his cologne mingled with another woman's perfume.Flashes of the pictures she'd seen stormed her mind, and a wave of nausea hit her stomach. She raised her hands and pushed him away.Devon stumbled back a step, his smile freezing for a second. But he quickly assumed she was just throwing a tantrum and patiently explained, "I had an emergency last night, so I couldn't make it back. Are you mad at me?"His eyes were so gentle when he spoke. For seven years, Rosalie had never once doubted his sincerity. Now, he just looked like a stranger.She lowered her gaze, her eyes sweeping over his waist. The knit charm was predictably missing."Where's that keychain I knitted for you? I haven't seen you wear it in a while."Devon's eyes flickered briefly, but he covered it up with an easy smile. "Of course I'm keeping everything my beautiful wife gives me safe. I put it away so I wouldn't lose it."Looking at the supposed affection brimming in his eyes, Rosalie offered a mocking smile.She didn't expose his lie. "Then dig it out and give it back to me. The stitching was a little off, I need to redo it."What was hers, she was taking back.Devon paused for a fraction of a second, sensing that something was slightly off about her today. But he kept his smile in place. "Alright. I'll make sure to keep it perfectly safe this time."Rosalie didn't say another word and handed him the stack of documents she had prepared.Tucked inside was the divorce agreement.Devon took the stack, flipped the cover, and laughed. He sank into the sofa and grabbed a pen. "It's just the firm's approval forms. I was wondering what this was."He signed his name as he spoke, casually asking, "Why do you need this so early this time?"Rosalie kept her voice flat. "Corporate requested it. I'm not sure why."He bought it without a second thought, not bothering to flip to the next page, not giving it a single extra glance.After signing, Devon leaned in again, wanting to hold her. Mia was pregnant, so he had been forced to hold back last night. Seeing Rosalie now, he felt an undeniable itch."Honey, I missed you so much."Rosalie pressed her hand firmly against his chest. It was only then that Devon noticed the suitcase sitting behind her. He frowned. "Why are you packing a suitcase?"Chapter 3"Excuse me, do children born out of wedlock have inheritance rights?"At the mention of those words, Rosalie Giles's hand paused slightly over the documents she was flipping through.She lifted her gaze, her eyes settling calmly on the woman sitting across from her.Radiant and poised, the woman carried herself with a relaxed elegance that was a far cry from the stereotypical image of a mistress.Rosalie lowered her eyes, glancing at the name on the intake form, letting it linger in her mind for a second. Mia Hayes?What a coincidence. Devon's childhood friend happened to share the exact same name.But she didn't think much of it. There were countless people with the same name in the world.She closed the file, her striking eyes returning to their usual professional detachment when she looked back up. "There is no legal provision stating that children born out of wedlock cannot inherit, but I will need you to elaborate on your specific situation, Ms. Hayes."Mia smiled faintly, her beautiful dark eyes looking slightly veiled and unreadable. "He and his wife only have a marriage of convenience. There are no feelings involved, just business dealings."Rosalie's pen stalled on the paper.A marriage of convenience.The phrase felt like a sudden needle prick, sending an unexpected ripple across the usually placid surface of her heart.Her marriage to Devon West was also a marriage of convenience.She didn't let a shred of that discomfort show on her face, merely offering a polite, tight smile. "Please, go on."Mia shifted in her seat and laughed softly. "His wife can't have kids, but I'm pregnant. This is his only bloodline."At those words, a suffocating weight began to sink into the pit of Rosalie's stomach.She steadied her nerves, forcing her voice back into an even rhythm. "You will need to provide proof of paternity—"Before she could finish, her gaze locked onto the charm hanging from Mia's purse.It was a small, hand-knit keychain.It looked virtually identical to the one she had knitted for Devon.Rosalie's brow furrowed slightly, entirely unaware of how the color was draining from her face in that single moment."I can do that, but I'll have to wait a little while longer before I can get an amniocentesis done, right?"As Mia spoke, she followed Rosalie's stare down to her bag. She paused, then unclipped the charm and dangled it lightly in front of Rosalie's face.Her smile was loaded with meaning. "Ms. Giles, were you looking at this?"Rosalie couldn't believe her own eyes. When she spoke, her voice was so raspy it sounded foreign even to her. "Could I see that?"Mia handed it over generously. "Of course. My husband just grabbed it on a whim during a business trip to amuse me. I had no idea you'd be interested in something like this, Ms. Giles."Rosalie took it and flipped it over.A crookedly stitched letter "D" was sewn onto the back.Her mind buzzed with static.Memories flooded her brain—a man's indulgent laughter, and her own flustered, mock-angry threats."Don't you dare laugh!"That day, she had him pinned against the sofa. Devon had smoothly wrapped his arms around her waist, his eyes melting with tenderness. "Alright, alright, I won't laugh. My beautiful wife put so much effort into making this for me. I promise I'll take it with me wherever I go."The memory was so vivid, it felt like it had happened just yesterday.A chilling sensation crawled up her spine and pierced straight into her chest, her heart violently contracting as if squeezed by a massive, unseen fist.She would never mistake this charm. She had sewn it for Devon with her own two hands, stitch by stitch.So, the cheating husband Mia was talking about was actually Devon.Everything suddenly clicked into place.She and Devon had been married for seven years. At first, there wasn't much affection between them, but they treated each other with mutual respect. Over time, Devon's meticulous care and attentiveness had slowly melted away the cold, guarded edges of her heart.Rosalie was naturally aloof and slow to process her own feelings, but Devon was the only person who genuinely made her happy.That was why she had willingly put her own career on hold to work at the law firm under his corporate umbrella.She had endured round after round of grueling fertility treatments, forcing down bitter supplements that made her nauseous, all just to give him an heir.And Devon had never disappointed her. In public, he gave her absolute respect and security. The media even dubbed them the ultimate power couple, treating their relationship as the perfect blueprint for an enviable marriage.She hadn't always been infertile.It was because of that accident.She had lunged forward to push Devon out of the way, and the steel beam had nearly crushed her abdomen.When she woke up, Devon was kneeling by her hospital bed with red-rimmed eyes and a heavy shadow of stubble on his jaw. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.He had been absolutely devastated. The first thing he did was transfer eight percent of his personal shares into her name. Then, gripping her hand tightly, his voice as rough as sandpaper, he had promised, "Honey, it doesn't matter if you can't have kids. We just won't have them. I only want you, and the children we have together."Every anniversary after that, he would repeat those exact words.Her heart felt as though it had been crushed into powder, making every breath a struggle."Ms. Giles? Are you listening?"Mia's voice snapped her back to reality.Rosalie looked up. Mia was holding out her hand with a sweet smile. "Can I have that back now? I know it's not worth much, but I really love it."Rosalie handed the charm back, her fingers trembling and icy cold."Ms. Hayes, thank you for the information. I will contact you if there are any further questions."Mia picked up her purse and stood, giving Rosalie a deep, knowing smile. "Perfect timing, I think we're done here for today. Thank you so much, Ms. Giles. Let's exchange contact info."With that, she turned and headed for the door. As she walked, she dialed her phone, her tone instantly switching to a spoiled, whining pitch the second the call connected. "I don't care, you are not leaving today! I want you to cook dinner for me yourself."Almost at the exact same moment, Rosalie's phone lit up on her desk.It was a text from Devon."Honey, the business trip got pushed back. I'll be home tomorrow. Bought a gift to make it up to you. Love you."Rosalie froze.For a split second, it felt as if the blood in her veins was flowing backward, a relentless chill creeping from the soles of her feet all the way to her crown.She stumbled as she stood up, nearly knocking over the chair next to her."Rosalie? Are you okay?" her assistant asked, looking over in concern.Rosalie grabbed her car keys. Her hands were shaking, but her voice was as hard as ice. "Cover for me for an hour. Thanks."Her assistant blinked. "Oh, okay, but corporate doesn't allow time off right before a business trip!"Before she could even finish her sentence, Rosalie was already out the door. There were some things she needed to see with her own eyes.Mia hadn't gone far. She was just flagging down a cab on the street. Rosalie started her car and followed close behind.They drove across more than half the city until the car stopped in front of a terribly familiar residential estate.Rosalie's foot hovered over the brake pedal, unable to move a muscle.This was the house she and Devon had lived in right after they got married. Later, Devon had complained it was too small, and they had moved to the sprawling manor downtown.She sat in her car, staring through the windshield, watching as Mia walked up to the front door and lifted her face for the security scan.Moments later, the door swung open.And then, she saw a scene she would never forget for the rest of her life.Devon, a man who practically lived in tailored black suits, was standing there wearing an apron. The moment he saw Mia, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. His brows furrowed slightly, his expression laced with helpless adoration. "You're finally back, babe. Are you exhausted? Come look at this, I don't know how to cook it."Mia faked a pout. "Devon! You are so useless!"Devon laughed, not the least bit offended. "If I was useful, what would I need you for?"He pressed his face against Mia's stomach. "Let me hear if my son is being a good boy today. Has he been kicking his mom?"Mia laughed and swatted his arm. "How do you know it's a boy? What if it's a girl!"A tender warmth spread across Devon's handsome face. "I'll love them whether it's a boy or a girl. Come on, dinner's ready, I was just waiting for you."Chatting and laughing, the two of them stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind them.Rosalie just sat there, completely motionless.She didn't know when her eyes had welled up with tears. She kept staring at that tightly shut door until the stinging in her eyes became unbearable, finally letting them close.A single tear slipped free, landing on the back of her hand. It burned like fire, and her heart plunged into an abyss.So, her husband had an entirely separate family on the outside. They were living in the very home she had decorated as a newlywed, filling it with laughter and joy.Meanwhile, all these years, she had been drowning in guilt over her inability to give him an heir, suffocating in self-blame, completely trapped in his web of gentle lies.What did all those years of devotion even mean?What kind of monster had she given her heart to?All those memories that used to make her heart flutter now only churned her stomach with intense disgust.Rosalie wiped her tears away.When she opened her eyes again, there was absolutely nothing left in them.She started the engine, drove back to law firm, and the very first thing she did was draft her own divorce agreement.She stared at the text on her monitor, a bitter, self-deprecating laugh escaping her lips.She had been a lawyer for so many years. She never thought there would come a day when she'd be drawing up these papers for herself.She was going to take this agreement back right now and make Devon sign it.Rosalie brought the divorce agreement home. She needed to get Devon to sign it before she left for her business trip.Staring at the empty living room, she lowered her head, let out a deep exhale, and went upstairs to pack.The walk-in closet was filled with clothes and handbags Devon had bought for her, but the things that truly belonged to her barely filled a single suitcase.She dragged the suitcase downstairs and sat on the sofa to wait for him. Just then, her phone screen lit up.It was a new social media post from Mia. The photo showed a man's hand holding a spatula, with the caption: "Someone said he's going to cook for me every day from now on."The wedding ring on that hand was excruciatingly familiar.She had slipped it onto Devon's finger herself seven years ago.Unable to stop herself, Rosalie clicked into Mia's profile and scrolled down, post by post.For four years, this woman had been documenting their life together.She saw an entirely different side of Devon.Getting scolded for breaking a bowl, groveling dramatically to apologize after a business trip, lifting Mia up and spinning her around on the beach. His face was hidden in every single picture, but she recognized him instantly. He looked so vibrant and alive in every shot.Her breath hitched. She didn't have the courage to scroll any further.During all those nights she had spent agonizing over her inability to give him a child, what kind of intimate things had he been doing with another woman?Rosalie sat there in a daze, unmoving on the sofa for the entire night.As dawn broke, the front door clicked open.Devon walked in, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his tall, commanding frame. His sharp, predatory gaze softened the moment it landed on Rosalie.He walked over, reaching out to pull her into his arms. "Honey, why are you up so early?"The second he got close, Rosalie caught the scent of his cologne mingled with another woman's perfume.Flashes of the pictures she'd seen stormed her mind, and a wave of nausea hit her stomach. She raised her hands and pushed him away.Devon stumbled back a step, his smile freezing for a second. But he quickly assumed she was just throwing a tantrum and patiently explained, "I had an emergency last night, so I couldn't make it back. Are you mad at me?"His eyes were so gentle when he spoke. For seven years, Rosalie had never once doubted his sincerity. Now, he just looked like a stranger.She lowered her gaze, her eyes sweeping over his waist. The knit charm was predictably missing."Where's that keychain I knitted for you? I haven't seen you wear it in a while."Devon's eyes flickered briefly, but he covered it up with an easy smile. "Of course I'm keeping everything my beautiful wife gives me safe. I put it away so I wouldn't lose it."Looking at the supposed affection brimming in his eyes, Rosalie offered a mocking smile.She didn't expose his lie. "Then dig it out and give it back to me. The stitching was a little off, I need to redo it."What was hers, she was taking back.Devon paused for a fraction of a second, sensing that something was slightly off about her today. But he kept his smile in place. "Alright. I'll make sure to keep it perfectly safe this time."Rosalie didn't say another word and handed him the stack of documents she had prepared.Tucked inside was the divorce agreement.Devon took the stack, flipped the cover, and laughed. He sank into the sofa and grabbed a pen. "It's just the firm's approval forms. I was wondering what this was."He signed his name as he spoke, casually asking, "Why do you need this so early this time?"Rosalie kept her voice flat. "Corporate requested it. I'm not sure why."He bought it without a second thought, not bothering to flip to the next page, not giving it a single extra glance.After signing, Devon leaned in again, wanting to hold her. Mia was pregnant, so he had been forced to hold back last night. Seeing Rosalie now, he felt an undeniable itch."Honey, I missed you so much."Rosalie pressed her hand firmly against his chest. It was only then that Devon noticed the suitcase sitting behind her. He frowned. "Why are you packing a suitcase?"