In my previous life, a premarital medical exam showed that I couldn't have children.

Without a second thought, my husband, David Castillo, told my mother-in-law, Mary Yates, that he was the one who was infertile.

I was deeply touched.

Due to Mary's old age and poor health, I took in my five-year-old brother-in-law, Timmy Castillo, to care for him.

Under my care, Timmy grew up into a decent and upright young man.

However, years of hard work took a toll on my health, and I was sent away to a distant mountain.

David showed up with his arm around my best friend, Kelly Mitchell, his face twisted with scorn.

"Thanks for raising such an admirable son for my sweetheart. That infertility report? I had it faked."

"If you weren't a high school teacher useful to my darling son's future, I would've never introduced you to David."

In the end, I froze to death on that mountain.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back on the day I brought Timmy home.

***

David buried his face in his hands, tears streaming down.

"Mom, I went to the fertility clinic today and learned that I can't have children. How could this happen just a month into our marriage?

"I'm the one who's infertile."

Mary cried, "What a tragedy! David, you must treat Amy well from now on. If there are no children, so be it."

In a previous life, a premarital examination had revealed my infertility.

When I feared David would end the engagement, he stood before all our relatives and proclaimed himself as the infertile one.

I was deeply touched, believing I had married a truly good man.

Even my parents commended David, noting that many husbands would have left me over this issue.

Feeling guilty and with Mary growing older and weaker, I took in Timmy and devoted myself to serving the family.

Under my mentorship, Timmy thrived in his studies, achieving a 1,560 on the SAT and securing a spot at Stanford University.

His integrity soon caught the attention of a CEO's daughter.

Years of hard work took a toll on my health, yet Timmy found me embarrassing and refused to let me stay in his villa.

They then drove me to a secluded mountain and left me behind.

It was only then I realized I wasn't barren. It was their deceit that was boundless.

David had been taking Timmy on hikes, so he could meet Kelly, his biological mother. Meanwhile, I had been naively busy cooking for them.

After I passed away, Kelly and David got married openly. Timmy accepted her as his mother, and they enjoyed a happy family life, while my body decayed at the base of the mountain.

After a prolonged silence on my part, Mary gently inquired, "Amy, is something bothering you? Are you feeling unwell? Do you need to visit the hospital for a checkup?"

When I finally returned to the present and noticed Mary's insincere expression, the urge to confront her was strong. But the moment wasn't right to play my cards.

I offered a slight smile and replied, "Mary, it's nothing. I just didn't sleep well last night."

Mary took this moment to add, "Amy, the Castillo family owes you an apology. If you wish to leave, you can choose to divorce anytime."

David watched me closely.

Under their expectant gazes, I calmly responded, "Okay, Mom. When can David and I go get the divorce certificate?"

My words left them stunned. They hadn't anticipated I'd take such a different approach.

"Amy, have you really thought this through? A divorce would label you as a divorcee."

After I left, the two were in a panic.

"David," Mary said anxiously, pacing, "what's going on with Amy? Could she have discovered what you did?"

David quickly replied, "No way! Amy can't possibly know. The doctor who checked her is a friend of mine."

He added, "Mom, I'll talk to Amy first. After all, she's the one who can't have kids. I'm just covering for her."

"Alright, David. Timmy's been crying nonstop for his grandma. I'll head over to the old house and check on him first."

As expected, David came to see me shortly after.

"Amy, what's gotten into you today? If my mom discovers I'm not being honest with her, we can't stay together."

Seeing David made me want to slap him, but it wasn't the right moment.

Instead, I acted pitifully.

"David, this isn't a long-term solution. My mom will eventually find out about my infertility. Maybe we should consider divorce. I don't want to hold you back. If only I could have children..."

David quickly responded, "Amy, we can't get divorced. Are we really going to let something this minor break us apart?

"If it comes to that, I have a five-year-old brother. I'll talk to my mom—Timmy's still young and doesn't really know anyone. We could take him in and raise him as our own."

I smirked inwardly.

So David was finally revealing his true intentions?

"There's no need for that. I plan to get re-evaluated at the hospital. As long as there's a glimmer of hope, I'm not giving up."

With that, I headed straight to the hospital. David's friend remarked, "Amy, another test will just show the same result. It's futile to pursue treatment—you might as well save your money and enjoy life."

I let out a cold chuckle, turned away, and went elsewhere for the checkup.

That's when I learned there was nothing wrong with me—I wasn't infertile.

At that moment, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I saw it was my father calling.

"Amy, I heard from David that you're thinking about a divorce. Listen to me—men like David are rare."

Then Mom's voice chimed in.

"Exactly. In most families, they wouldn't tolerate your infertility. Only David is kind enough to overlook it, Amy. Just settle down with him and quit spending so much time at the hospital."

I hadn't mentioned my past life to Mom. After experiencing death once, my trust in others had vanished.

My parents already had my brother, so they wouldn't make a scene at David's house just because of me.

When I froze to death in the mountains before, none of them bothered to search for me.

Upon arriving home, I found Timmy playing with firecrackers by the door.

David caught me watching Timmy and quickly said, "Amy, Timmy won't be here for long. Mom will take him back this evening."

Suddenly, Timmy said something startling.

"Dad, why are you talking to this bad woman? If Mom finds out, you're in trouble!"

In the past, Timmy often called me a bad woman, and I always ignored it. Now I saw that all the signs were there.

Mary rushed out, picked up Timmy, and exclaimed, "You rascal, stop spouting nonsense!"

Then she turned to me and said, "Welcome back, Amy! Come on in. I've prepared a big meal for you today."

Upon entering, I noticed Kelly in the main seat.

In my previous life, I was still living with my parents and had no idea Kelly had been visiting.

She beamed at me and said, "Amy, it's been ages! I hope you don't mind me dropping by without warning."

At that moment, Kelly suddenly covered her mouth, looking like she was about to throw up.

Mary's face lit up with a big smile.

"Kelly, are you expecting again?"

After Kelly mentioned her sudden craving for sweet foods, Mary's eyes sparkled, and she clapped her hands eagerly.

"Oh! Craving sweets means a boy, and salty means a girl. Kelly, this baby is sure to be a strong, healthy boy!"

I observed the scene with a cool demeanor and then nonchalantly asked, "Mary, why are you so thrilled about my best friend's pregnancy? Someone might think Kelly is having your grandson."

The room fell silent immediately.

David frowned and snapped at me, "Amy, what are you making a fuss about now? There's no way Kelly is carrying my child."

David's flustered, and annoyed expression said it all.

I pretended to be surprised, covering my mouth.

"Oops, I was just kidding! Why so serious?"

I continued, "But seriously, Mary—why are you so thrilled about my friend's pregnancy? You made me confused. And Kelly's not even married. I thought you couldn't stand women who don't stick to traditional values."

Mary's expression froze.

David was the one to break the silence.

"Amy, enough! You're making Mom so angry she's about to get sick!"

Mary, feigning distress, clutched her chest, moaning about feeling unwell.

As I went to get medicine, I distinctly heard Timmy refer to Kelly as "Mom."

"Mom, are you and my little sister alright? That awful woman is so hateful! When you're gone, I'll make her life difficult!"

"Oh, you're such a good son! I'm relying on you to stand up for me. But make sure to keep up appearances."

David added, "Timmy, call her 'Mom' tonight. Since she can't have kids, hearing that will make her happy."

I smirked.

That evening, Timmy unexpectedly called me "Mom," and Mary clapped beside us.

"Amy, I never thought my little boy would call you that! If you can't have children, why not raise Timmy as your own? It's hard on you since David can't father kids."

With a conflicted expression, I said, "Mary, this isn't right. Timmy is your grandson, and I can't go through with this.

"David will be back from his night shift soon, and he definitely won't agree. A friend told me about a great hospital where many infertile couples have been helped. David and I plan to visit it."

The following day, I used a hospital visit as an excuse to leave the house.

Just like in my previous life, Sally rushed to greet me when she saw me.

"Amy, isn't your husband unable to have children? I have a baby here. Would you consider adopting him?

"The mother is a student who was deceived by an online friend. It's such a shame. She mentioned that as long as you cover some nutrition expenses, you can adopt the baby."

Looking at the baby in her arms, who was blowing bubbles, I smiled.

In my previous life, I hesitated to adopt this baby because I worried about Timmy's reaction, but now I no longer have to concern myself with that.

"Alright."

After handing over the nutrition fees to the baby's mother, I brought the child home, only to find the house empty.

Then, David called.

"Amy, Mom, and I are out. Don't worry about making dinner.

"Amy, I want you to know that whether or not you can have children, I'll never leave you."

But during the call, I heard Kelly's playful voice. "David, who are you talking to?"

"No one."

A wave of sadness overcame me as I recalled how I had tirelessly worked for their family in my past life.

I developed severe stomach issues early on, and when I asked to visit the hospital, Mary dismissed me, claiming I was too fragile to handle difficulties.

If I truly couldn't have children, I should have sought a divorce sooner and avoided forcing myself into an unbearable situation. But in my past life, I failed to see the family's true nature.

I wasted years raising Kelly and David's son for them.

Suddenly, the baby I was holding began to cry.

I clumsily changed her diaper and then gently whispered, "Don't cry. From now on, your name is Sophie Kimbere. I wish you a lifetime of happiness, unlike mine."

Just then, Mom called. "Amy, your mother-in-law had a point the other night. Since you can't have kids, your brother-in-law is only five and won't remember much. If you treat him well, maybe he'll take care of you in your old age!"

Take care of me when I'm old?

In my previous life, I sacrificed everything for them, only to be left with nothing. Depending on others for retirement is much worse than being self-reliant.

"Because of you, I feel so sorry for the in-laws. Amy, please think about it."

I didn't reply and simply hung up. In this new life, I refuse to let anyone manipulate me with guilt.

Just then, Timmy's cheerful voice came from outside.

"I want egg custard later!"

Kelly and David entered, hand in hand, looking like the ideal family trio.

At the door, they hesitated to part, exchanging meaningful glances.

Noticing the lubricant on the nightstand, I smirked.

I thought, "David, Kelly, if you can't stand to be apart, I hope you stay forever bound!"

Sophie began to cry again, but this time I didn't comfort her.

David and Mary walked in and saw the baby in my arms.

The two were thrown into a frenzy.

"Amy, where did you get this baby? Return her immediately! Just because you can't have children doesn't give you the right to take someone else's child!"

I deliberately put on a wronged expression as I spoke.

"I know I'm unable to have kids, and you've all been pretending for my sake. I feel so guilty.

"This baby isn't stolen. I paid 1,500 dollars in nutrition fees to adopt her from someone."

"What? A thousand and five hundred dollars? Amy, have you lost your senses? You spent 1,500 dollars on a useless baby girl!"

I paid them no attention.

To make me give up, David and Mary tried various tricks.

Every time I got the baby to sleep, they'd start banging on pots and pans like it was a parade—just to wake her.

But I remained steadfast.

When David realized I wouldn't give in, he began staying out all night. I knew he was with Kelly, but I had stopped caring.

On the day of the baby's sip-and-see party, I invited numerous relatives to join us.

While I was busy washing fruits in the kitchen, Mary was outside gossiping about me to the guests.

"My daughter-in-law is impossible to manage. Just yesterday, I took my son out for a bit, and she came back with this worthless little girl."

Since David had mentioned to others that he was infertile, many relatives came to my defense.

"Mary, that's unfair. It's your son who can't have children. Amy is devoted. She didn't leave him, so you should count yourself fortunate!"

"Absolutely, and the baby is so young that she doesn't even know her biological parents. She's perfect for raising."

A relative enviously remarked, "If I were that fortunate, I'd adopt a baby too. Not everyone gets such an opportunity. You're truly blessed."

At that moment, the sound of heavy breathing and a woman's moaning came from inside the house, leaving everyone red-faced.

"Who's in there? Looks like no one's even missing!"

"Who cares who it is? Doing something like that in broad daylight—at a baby's sip-and-see party, no less! Who's coming with me to kick the door down and expose that shameless pair?"

Mary turned pale and stammered, "Don't go in. It's just a movie David left on. He must have forgotten to turn it off. I'll check it later."

At that moment, voices from the room suddenly became audible.

"David, are you sure this is okay? What if Amy finds out about us?"

"Relax. Amy is a fool. She still believes she's unable to have children!"

"True. If she weren't a high school teacher who could benefit our son, I never would have introduced her to..."

The conversation abruptly stopped, followed by a woman's anguished scream.

David shouted, "Mom! Come here! I... I can't get it out!"

I smirked. These two were so reckless they got themselves into a predicament without any interference from me.

Mary forgot about the relatives and rushed into the room.

There, she found David and Kelly caught in a compromising situation. Seeing his mother, David pleaded urgently, "Mom, help me! I can't pull out!"

The relatives stood by, observing the scene.

"Isn't that Kelly? What's she doing in David's bed?"