My husband publicly claimed my child was a bastard to protect his first love.

"You know full well I'm carrying your child, while Caitlin Ritchie's baby belongs to the west side courthouse Corsie Group Lederer Group Corsie family Lederer family Corsie's manor Ritchie family kidnapper! Why switch our records?"

I sobbed at him.

"True, but Caitlin's reputation matters more. She'd break down completely."

He said coldly.

Then let's divorce.

I tricked him into signing divorce papers and terminated our pregnancy.

Placing the divorce certificate and abortion report in a gift box, I summoned a courier.

"Deliver this to Braydon Lederer on this exact date. Ensure he opens it publicly."

...

At the law firm, Emma Corsie finished signing documents. Staring at the blank spouse signature line, she asked the lawyer: "May I sign for the husband?"

The lawyer adjusted his glasses awkwardly. "Only with his explicit consent."

After a pause, she dialed Braydon's number—only to hear Caitlin's coquettish voice through the receiver: "Braydon, I'm craving desserts from the..."

Emma's heart clenched, yet she maintained composure. "We need to discuss something."

Braydon's low voice soon responded: "What is it?

Emma, I'm occupied. Anything you decide is fine."

She asked again, "Can I decide everything for you?"

He smiled gently, "Of course. After all these years married, haven't you decided everything at home?"

"Fine, then I'll decide this matter myself."

After hanging up, Emma lowered her gaze and solemnly signed Braydon's name in the blank space.

As the lawyer walked Emma out, he reminded her:

"Mrs. Lederer, the divorce agreement takes effect in one month. You can withdraw it anytime if you change your mind."

She suddenly laughed softly, "No, I'll never regret it."

This divorce was happening.

After leaving the law firm, she hailed a cab and rushed straight to the hospital.

"Hello, I want an abortion."

"Are you sure about the procedure?"

The doctor scanned the report, "The baby's perfectly healthy."

"Positive."

On the operating table, the cold clang of instruments made her shiver.

She closed her eyes, remembering how Corsie Yumo pursued her years ago.

At the freshman welcome party, he forgot his speech mid-sentence when he first saw her.

Later everyone said the finance department's heartthrob was smitten.

That untouchable ice prince who'd never glanced at women chased one girl for a whole year.

The day of the first snow, he stood waiting all night in the snow outside the girls' dormitory with 999 roses.

During a torrential downpour, he drove across half the city just because she casually mentioned craving cake from the.

What truly made her fall was the anniversary gala.

During her piano solo, the keys jammed midway, plunging the hall into awkward silence.

The next second,

Braydon walked straight onto the stage and sat beside her.

"I'm with you."

His slender fingers touched the keys, joining her to finish "Dream Wedding."

Screams from the audience nearly lifted the roof, yet he only looked at her, whispering, "Emma, I can't live without you."

So, her heart stirred.

He kept his promise, cherishing her like a precious gem from courtship to marriage.

The only shadow was Caitlin, his persistent childhood friend who clung to him.

"Caitlin's just like a sister,"

he always said. "Her grandfather saved my grandfather's life. Now that the has fallen on hard times, I can't abandon her."

She believed him.

But gradually, Caitlin became a shadow wedged between them.

Countless times, Emma had to step aside for Caitlin.

Last birthday, he promised to watch the aurora with her,

but canceled at the last minute because Caitlin ran a fever.

On their anniversary, she prepared many surprises, but he left after Caitlin called saying she was afraid of thunder.

She had a 39-degree fever, yet he rode the ferris wheel with Caitlin and posed for her social media posts.

She endured it again and again, until this time—for Caitlin’s sake, he denied their own child.

If that’s how it was...

This child... she didn’t want anymore.

This man... she didn’t want anymore.

As the operating room lights went off, Emma felt her soul being ripped away too.

Leaning against the wall, she walked out slowly, legs trembling, dull pain throbbing in her abdomen.

Then at the corridor’s turn, the scene ahead froze her blood solid—

On the bench, Braydon knelt on one knee, pressing his ear against Caitlin’s slightly rounded belly.

"The baby kicked me!"

Caitlin’s eyes curved into happy crescents. "Braydon, they say the more a baby kicks, the smarter they are."

Braydon gently stroked her stomach, voice gentle enough to melt. "I just want our baby healthy."

Emma’s fingers turned bone-white around the medical report.

Papers crackled under her grip like her heart crumbling in her palm.

She should’ve charged over and demanded answers.

Ask if he knew that while he was anticipating the birth of another's child, their own flesh and blood were being torn apart and sucked out by cold instruments.

Ask if he remembered how he had once spun her around in ecstatic joy upon learning of her pregnancy.

But Emma did nothing.

She simply stood there quietly, watching the perfect couple bathed in sunlight.

All her rage, grievances, and resentment ultimately gave way to profound exhaustion.

As she turned to leave, Braydon's voice suddenly rang out behind her.

"Emma?"

His tone held surprise. "What are you doing at the hospital?"

"I..."

Emma gave a sarcastic smile, about to declare she was here for an abortion, when Caitlin swiftly approached and affectionately looped arms with her.

"Emma's pregnant too! She must be here for a prenatal checkup!"

Caitlin beamed sweetly, then turned to Emma with a guilty expression. "I'm so sorry, Emma... I've been monopolizing Braydon lately... But after what I went through, my mental state's fragile. If people found out the baby belongs to those kidnappers..." Her eyes welled up. "I had to let Braydon be the father. If you hate me, just hit me!"

I've already explained to Emma—gossip fades. She's generous. She won't mind."

Emma closed her eyes.

Yes. So generous.

Generous enough to divorce him and surrender him to her. To let their "perfect family of three" reunite.

"Right. I don't mind."

Emma echoed his words, her tone flat.

Caitlin's tears instantly vanished. "Oh good! I'd die of guilt otherwise."

She tightened her grip on Emma's arm. "Since we're all here, let's grab lunch together?"

Emma meant to refuse, but she was so weak from the surgery that she could only be half-dragged away.

In the restaurant, Caitlin kept acting up.

"Braydon, this smell is awful, I feel a bit sick..."

"I want something sour, but this is so spicy..."

Braydon was gentle and considerate the whole time, handing her water and patting her back.

Emma watched silently, feeling a suffocating pain all over her body.

She didn't know if it was a side effect of the surgery or if she was upset by the scene.

Halfway through the meal, the crystal chandelier overhead made a cracking sound,

and it was falling right where Braydon was—

"Braydon, watch out!"

Caitlin screamed and threw herself at Braydon.

The chandelier hit her back, and glass shards flew everywhere.

"Caitlin!"

Braydon's expression changed abruptly, and his voice actually trembled.

"As long as you're okay..." She leaned weakly in Braydon's arms and reached out a bloody hand. "Back then, my grandfather saved your grandfather, and now I've saved you. It's a full circle..."

"I won't let anything happen to you, I absolutely won't let anything happen to you!"

Braydon's eyes instantly reddened. He picked her up and rushed out.

He ran too fast, not even noticing Emma standing in the hallway. His shoulder slammed hard into her—

"Thud!"

She fell to the ground, forehead hitting the corner of a table. Blood instantly streamed down.

Yet she felt no pain, only staring blankly at Braydon's retreating figure.

In a daze, she remembered the day they became official. Braydon had held her, eyes red with joy, repeating: "Emma, in any crowd, I'll only ever see you."

How ridiculous that seemed now.

Emma wiped her face, realizing she was laughing through tears.

Leaning against the wall, she slowly stood up. Dragging heavy steps, she staggered alone toward the hospital.

After getting bandaged, she tried to leave but spotted Braydon outside the operating room.

A nurse rushed out: "Mr. Lederer! The patient's hemorrhaging! She's RH-negative—rare blood type! Any family donors?"

Braydon's face turned ghostly pale until his eyes landed on Emma.

He brightened instantly, striding over to seize her wrist: "Emma! You're RH-negative, right? Caitlin got hurt saving me. Help her!"

Emma turned icy cold.

He clearly knew she had anemia.

Last year when she passed out from anemia, he almost tore the hospital apart in panic.

But now, he demanded her—anemic—to save another woman...

"Just a little blood."

Braydon's tone grew urgent as his grip tightened. "Caitlin can't wait!"

Before Emma could respond, he'd already shoved her into the blood donation room.

The instant the needle pierced her vein, Emma closed her eyes.

600cc of blood was rapidly drawn, her face growing paler by the minute.

Braydon stood nearby, his gaze anxiously fixed on the operating room door, not sparing her a glance.

After the blood draw, her legs gave way, nearly sending her crashing to the floor.

Only then did Braydon snap back to attention, quickly steadying her: "I'm sorry, Emma... I know you're worried about the baby. Don't worry, the nurses know what they're doing.

If you're concerned, I'll have the doctor examine you right now."

He practically carried her to the examination room without waiting for her response. Soon, the doctor emerged with the report.

Braydon rushed forward: "How's the baby?"

The doctor looked puzzled: "Baby?

There's no ba-"

"Mr. Lederer!"

A nurse burst out, "Ms. Ritchie keeps calling your name during the procedure. Could you come in? It might strengthen her will to fight."

Without hesitation, Braydon turned and strode into the operating room.

The doctor hesitated, looking at Emma. "Mrs. Lederer... doesn't Mr. Lederer know you terminated the pregnancy?"

She shook her head with a faint, bitter smile. "No. And he doesn't need to know now."

Stepping out of the hospital, she was met by the glow of sunset.

Emma stared at the crimson horizon, her face ghostly pale. Suddenly, she remembered Braydon's promise back in university – to show her the world's most beautiful sunset.

The sunset remains, yet they can never return.

Emma recuperated at home for a full week.

After donating blood, she was severely weakened, often dizzy and struggling to get out of bed.

The servants urgently wanted to call Braydon, but she stopped them.

"No need."

She leaned weakly against the headboard. "He's busy."

She knew what kept him occupied—

Caring for Caitlin.

On social media, Caitlin daily flaunted Braydon's devotion:

He spoon-fed her soup, accompanied her to prenatal visits, drove late nights to buy her favorite dessert...

So thoroughly that he forgot who his wife was.

Until today, when Braydon finally returned.

"A friend's child is having a one-month celebration," he said while selecting a tie in the walk-in closet. "Emma, come with me."

Emma said nothing, silently changed clothes, and followed him out.

But when she opened the passenger door, Caitlin sat there.

"Emma," Caitlin smiled apologetically. "I was feeling cooped up at the hospital, so Braydon brought me along.

I get carsick easily, so I'm sitting up front... You don't mind, right?"

Emma's fingers froze mid-air before slowly withdrawing. "Not at all."

Emma quietly took her seat in the back, watching the intimate silhouettes of the two people in front.

Braydon thoughtfully adjusted the air conditioning for Caitlin before handing her a cushion.

All this tenderness that once belonged solely to her was now showered upon someone else.

Throughout the banquet, Braydon attended to Caitlin’s every need, never once noticing the pitying glances directed at Emma from the surrounding guests.

Whispers drifted relentlessly to her ears:

"Poor Mr. Lederer—he adored his wife, yet she ended up carrying the kidnapper’s child…"

"Wasn’t she assaulted?"

"Assaulted? Ms. Ritchie was kidnapped too. Why wasn’t she violated? Face it, Emma’s just promiscuous."

"Always knew she couldn’t be trusted. Flirted with the kidnappers to save her own skin, driving Mr. Lederer to drown his sorrows in alcohol. That’s how he ended up in a one-night stand with Ms. Ritchie…getting her pregnant."

Emma was deathly pale, her nails dug deep into her palms.

She hadn't expected the rumors to spiral so wildly, nor that she'd be cast as such a vile character in this twisted tale.

As she turned to leave, a group of socialites blocked her path.

"Where are you off to, Mrs. Lederer~?

The party's just getting started."

"Come play with us~"

Their idea of fun involved splashing red wine on her dress, "accidentally" shoving her, until finally someone pushed her straight into the pool!

"Splash!"

Icy water swallowed her whole. The sting of chlorinated water flooding her nostrils made her struggle instinctively, fingers desperately clawing at the tiled edge.

Just as her fingertips brushed the ledge, a hand with bright red nails pressed down on her head.

"Help... hel... me..."

"Help? No one's saving you!

Don't you know Braydon's the dream catch for every socialite in this circle? He loved you more than life itself, and this is how you repay him!

Someone as shameless as you deserves to drown!"

Water choked her lungs, darkness creeping into her vision from suffocation.

Yet more suffocating were their words.

She was shameless? She was vile?

Braydon loved her more than life?

What a joke! A huge joke!

"What are you doing!"

A loud shout came, and the force pressing her suddenly vanished.

In her blurry vision, Emma saw Braydon rushing over like mad.

She suddenly wanted to laugh, what was he panicking about?

Wasn't this his masterpiece?

Braydon pulled her out of the water and yelled at the crowd.

"Are you crazy? How dare you touch my wife!"

"Braydon, we just couldn't stand her betraying you..."

"Enough!"

Braydon didn't explain the truth, just said coldly, "Even if the child in Emma's belly is the kidnapper's, I'll only love her, and that will never change!"

Amidst sighs of "Braydon is so devoted," he picked up the soaked Emma and left the scene.

In the lounge, Braydon brought a dry towel to wipe her hair.

"Emma, I know you've been wronged, I'm sorry."

His voice was gentle, "I promise nothing like this will happen again."

"Bear with it a bit longer, once Caitlin gives birth, I'll send her abroad."

"Then, we'll live like before, okay?"

"No."

"We can't go back to before, and there's no future."

Emma was exhausted: "I'm going back."

Braydon froze: "The banquet isn't over... It wouldn't be good for us to leave together. Let the driver take you home first. I'll join you later, alright?"

Would it really be improper?

Or was he unwilling to leave Caitlin alone here?

She let out a hollow laugh, too drained to confront him, and rose to leave.

Back at the manor, Emma immediately began packing.

One by one, she erased every trace of herself from this home.

After what felt like hours, she finally closed the last suitcase just as the front door swung open.

Braydon stood frozen in the doorway, panic flashing in his eyes at the sight of scattered luggage.

"Emma, why are you packing all of a sudden?"

"Where are you going?!"

Caught packing her luggage, Emma wasn't flustered at all.

She calmly sorted the clothes in her hands, saying calmly: "I can't wear these after getting pregnant, planning to donate them."

Braydon's tense expression finally relaxed.

He secretly mocked himself for overthinking.

Emma loves him so much, how could she leave?

Moreover, even if she wanted to go, he wouldn't allow it, nor sign the divorce papers.

"Buy all new ones."

He handed over a black card, in a doting tone, "Buy as many as you want."

Emma gave a soft "mm" and took it, but quickly withdrew her hand when their fingers touched, as if touching something dirty.

Braydon didn't notice her strangeness, hesitated for a moment, then said: "Caitlin has severe morning sickness these days, needs someone around... I plan to stay at her place for a few days."

He paused, as if suddenly remembering something, "I see you haven't had much morning sickness these days, so be considerate of her, okay?"

Emma's fingertips trembled slightly.

The reason for no morning sickness is that the baby was already gone.

She pursed her lips, and ultimately said nothing.

In the following days, Emma could almost daily see in the news Braydon's doting on Caitlin.

In the comments section, netizens dragged her name through the mud:

"How dare that bitch Emma still live?"

"Heard the kidnappers had her all night—disgusting!"

"Poor Mr. Lederer, putting on a brave face after being cheated on!"

Each comment pierced her heart like a knife.

Emma turned off her phone, whispering: It'll all be over soon.

After packing her last suitcase, she met her closest friends for farewell.

They knew the whole story, eyes reddening with anger the moment they saw her.

"Braydon pursued you so passionately back then, yet now he treats you like this..."

"Exactly! 'Just weathering some gossip'? Doesn't he know rumors can destroy lives?"

Emma simply shook her head with a faint smile. "It doesn't matter. Everything ends soon."

Her friends finally brightened, squeezing her hands tenderly.

"You're right! Our Emma deserves better. Braydon took her for granted—let him lose the one he loves forever!"

The farewell dinner hung heavy with melancholy.

After the meal, they embraced one by one.

Only after seeing each friend off did Emma step out of the restaurant.

Just as she was about to get in the car, two figures suddenly rushed from the crowd, dropping to their knees before her with a thud!

"Ms. Corsie, we're begging you—let Caitlin and Braydon be together!"

Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie frantically kowtowed on the ground. "She's loved Braydon since childhood, but knowing Mr. Lederer only had eyes for you, she silently watched over him..."

"But now you betrayed Braydon first, broke his heart! Caitlin's carrying his child. Let them be a family!"

Emma turned deathly pale.

She tried to leave, but Mrs. Ritchie clung desperately to her skirt.

More onlookers gathered, whispering and pointing:

"That’s the Mrs. Lederer who seduced the kidnapper?"

"How shameless, showing her face in public..."

Splat—

An egg smashed against Emma’s shoulder, yolk oozing down her white dress.

Rotten tomatoes, half-finished bubble tea, even stones followed—all hurled at her.

Emma tried to flee, but Mrs. Ritchie gripped her skirt tighter.

She yanked hard. The Ritchies suddenly stumbled backward, foreheads "accidentally" slamming the curb as blood gushed out.

The crowd erupted in screams.

"Murder!

Emma killed them!"

As the crowd grew larger and began throwing various objects at her, Emma couldn't dodge in time and could only have the driver help carry the Ritchie parents into the car to take them to the hospital.

As soon as they entered the emergency room, Caitlin rushed over and slapped her hard across the face!

"You said you didn't hate me, but behind my back you tried to kill my parents?"

Tears streaming down her face, Caitlin said, "Emma, how can you be so vicious!"

Emma opened her mouth, about to speak, when she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye.

Braydon walked over quickly and steadied the unsteady Caitlin: "Caitlin, don't get angry, it's not good for the baby."

Holding Caitlin, he looked up at Emma, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with undisguised disappointment.

At that moment, she felt ice-cold all over.

Couldn't he see how disheveled she was?

He... actually didn't believe her either?

"Emma, you've let me..."

Before the word "disappointed" could leave his lips, Emma suddenly laughed.

She laughed so hard her whole body shook, and tears flowed into the wound at the corner of her mouth.

He wasn't even willing to hear an explanation before condemning her.

"Yes!

I'm vicious!

I'm wanton!

I'm wicked!

I'm utterly evil and deserve to die!"

She suddenly raised her voice, echoing through the hallway, "Is this what you want?

!"

Braydon was visibly stunned, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes: "Emma, I..."

"Braydon!"

Caitlin suddenly went limp and collapsed into his arms, "I... I feel dizzy..."

Braydon instinctively caught her. When he looked up again, only Emma's resolute back remained in sight.

She walked briskly, the hem of her white trench coat slicing an arc through the air like a butterfly with broken wings.

Sudden dread gripped Braydon's heart. Just as he moved to follow, Caitlin in his arms let out another pained whimper.

"Don't go..." Caitlin weakly clutched his collar, "The baby... our baby..."

Emma heard the commotion behind her but didn't turn.

As the elevator doors closed, she finally let herself slide to the floor, face buried in her palms.

Turns out when your heart dies, even weeping comes without sound.

After returning, Emma buried herself beneath the covers.

That night, she dreamed a long dream.

It showed every way Braydon had once loved her.

Under cherry blossoms on campus, Braydon cradling her hands while vowing "It must be you in this lifetime";

His red-rimmed eyes trembling as he slid the ring onto her finger at their wedding;

The pure joy when he'd spun her three times around the living room upon learning of her pregnancy.

Suddenly, the scene changed to him protecting Caitlin.

He shielded her from drinks, he got her medicine, and in front of everyone, he said, "The baby in Caitlin's belly is mine."

"Bang—"

A loud bang startled Emma awake.

She opened her eyes and saw it was dark outside.

From downstairs came noisy footsteps and Caitlin's coquettish commands:

"Move this sofa to the sunroom, I want to sunbathe~"

"I don't trust this plant, move it away quickly."

"Change the color of these curtains to blue, the one I like."

Emma dragged her tired body out and bumped into Braydon carrying Caitlin's pillow up the stairs.

Their eyes met, and he visibly froze.

"Caitlin's parents are hospitalized because of your injury," he explained stiffly, "They're worried about Caitlin living alone, so I let her move in until she gives birth."

Emma listened quietly, her face blank.

She didn't even glance at Braydon, her gaze empty as it passed through him, like looking at a stranger.

This is what extreme pain feels like.

Numb, hollow, not even having the strength to be angry.

She turned to leave, but suddenly heard Braydon call out: "Emma..."

His voice held that familiar hesitation, just like every time after their fights when he wanted to apologize but was too proud to do so.

"Braydon!"

Caitlin's sweetly cloying voice chimed in perfectly, "The baby's kicking again, come feel~"

Braydon's step toward her halted.

Emma heard his soft sigh, then fading footsteps.

She knew exactly what he was thinking.

Just endure until the baby's born. Humor Caitlin for now.

Like every time before, he'd always say:

"Just bear with it,"

"It'll be over soon,"

"Once this passes."

But this time, Emma didn't want to wait any longer.

In the days that followed, Emma lived like a ghost in her own home.

She watched Braydon find new ways to amuse Caitlin every day; saw him personally brew her prenatal medicine; witnessed him cancel corporate meetings just to make Caitlin smile.

One afternoon, Caitlin cornered her with smug superiority while Braydon was away.

"What does it matter that you married Braydon?

He promised me—this child will bear his surname and become the sole heir of the!

That thing in your belly? Just a bastard."

Emma moved to pass her for water, offering not even a glance as she sidestepped to leave.

Such indifference ignited Caitlin's rage.

"Emma! How dare you act so high and mighty when you've fallen this low!"

She lunged forward and shoved Emma hard.

Caught off guard, Emma tumbled backward.

In a dizzying whirl, she heard the sickening thud of her skull hitting the staircase railing before darkness swallowed her world.

She woke again in the hospital.

Braydon stood at her bedside, his first words a sharp accusation: "First you hurt Caitlin's parents, and now you push her downstairs?

She's pregnant—did that mean nothing to you?"

Each word stabbed like a blade through her heart.

Suddenly Emma laughed, trembling with hysterical laughter.

"Braydon," she asked in a hoarse voice, "do I look like a fool to you?"

"What?"

"If I wanted to harm her," she slowly pushed herself up, "why am I the one lying in the hospital?"

"Because after pushing her, you got scared and threw yourself down the stairs in a self-harm scheme!"

Disappointment flooded Braydon's eyes. "Emma, I understand you less and less. You'd already agreed to let Caitlin move in, so why resort to such disgusting tricks?"

He turned toward the door. "I won't come to see you again. Reflect on your actions."

With that, he left, the hospital room door slamming shut behind him.

Emma slowly opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling as silent tears traced down her temples.

She drew a shallow breath, repeating the same mantra to herself.

Soon. It'll all be over soon.

The day she was discharged coincided with the end of the divorce cooling-off period.

Emma went straight to the and collected the maroon divorce certificate.

Back home, she began packing her luggage, ready to leave this place for good.

Just as she dragged her suitcase downstairs, Braydon unexpectedly returned.

"What are you doing?"

He frowned at the luggage in her hand. "Donating things right after being discharged?"

He assumed she was off to donate the luxury gifts he'd once given her.

Emma didn't explain.

Braydon took a few steps closer, pulling a gold-embossed invitation from his suit pocket. "Caitlin's kindhearted and won't hold grudges. It's her birthday today. Prepare a lavish gift and come with me."

Emma was about to refuse when Braydon's phone rang.

Caitlin's sugary voice came through: "Braydon, why aren't you here yet? Everyone's waiting for you..."

"Be right there."

Braydon answered softly, then turned to Emma. "It's getting late. I'll head out first. Since you still need to 'donate stuff', finish up and come over. Remember the gift."

With that, he turned and left.

Emma watched his retreating figure and suddenly smiled.

She'd send a spectacular gift.

One nobody would ever forget.

She placed the divorce papers and miscarriage certificate into a gift box, then summoned a courier.

"Deliver to this address," she said calmly. "Must be opened publicly."

After the courier left, Emma dragged her suitcase out of the villa she once thought she'd live in forever—without a backward glance.

Outside, sunlight streamed brightly.

She took a deep breath and stepped toward her new life.