Chapter 1

After my husband's twin brother passed away, my sister-in-law threw a fit, demanding that my husband marry her too so he could "carry on both family lines."

I refused flatly, but my mother-in-law actually agreed.

"She’ll just be a sister wife. It won't hurt your position at all."

I was dumbfounded. I almost forgot that my mother-in-law was obsessed with historical concubine dramas.

But this wasn't the Middle Ages, and I was sure my husband would never agree.

Yet, he just stammered, "I mean... I don't think it's that big of a deal."

In that very moment, rage consumed me. This family, and this man—I didn't want any of it anymore!

When Chloe, my sister-in-law, brought up her ridiculous demand, I shut her down instantly.

She sobbed pathetically, "Vivian, I've only been married to Ian for two years. We were literally trying for a baby. Now that he's gone, who am I supposed to have a child with?"

"All I want is a baby! Ethan and Nora have been married for five years without kids anyway. Why can't you just let me have this?"

I rested my hand on my stomach, my expression cold and detached.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm pregnant. Ethan has his own child to raise."

Ethan's eyes met mine, and he actually looked away. A surge of fury flared in my chest.

Vivian chimed in, "It's just about having a baby to give Chloe some hope. Once it's born, it won't affect your marriage at all!"

Hearing that, I was beside myself with anger. "Vivian, have you lost your mind from watching too many soap operas? What century do you think we're living in? Polygamy?!"

"If she wants a kid, she can find another man to marry! Why is she drooling over someone else's husband?"

Chloe started wailing, "Vivian, I just miss Ian so much! I want to keep the family bloodline alive. Ethan is his identical twin—every time I look at him, I just feel so drawn to him!"

Vivian said casually, "It's really not a big deal. Just give her a baby!"

"However, I have one condition!"

Chloe asked timidly, "What condition?"

"Nora is pregnant. Ethan must spend an hour every single day doing prenatal reading with Nora's baby."

Ethan agreed without hesitation. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll make sure of it."

Chloe visibly let out a sigh of relief. "Of course. That's only fair."

I glared at them in utter disgust. Vivian turned to me, "Nora, come with me."

She grabbed my hand and dragged me into the bedroom. I couldn't hold back anymore. "Vivian, this whole thing is insane! I will never agree to this!"

"If you people insist on doing this, Ethan and I are getting a divorce!"

Vivian looked at me intently. "Nora, what did you marry him for? What is having a baby about?"

"Isn't it just about living a peaceful, stable life? Focus on having your baby safely, and leave the rest alone."

"Vivian, are you seriously expecting me to sit back and watch my husband sleep with another woman to get her pregnant?"

"Your family might not care about your dignity, but I certainly care about mine!"

I slammed the door open and snapped at Ethan, "Ethan, go knock up your precious sister-in-law. I'm stepping aside for her!"

With that, I turned on my heel. Ethan tried to chase after me, but Chloe held him back.

Her sniffling, tearful act made me sick to my stomach. I couldn't stand looking at them for another second.

I immediately called my lawyer to draft a divorce agreement and property division, then sent it straight to Ethan.

I went back to my own apartment—the one I had purchased before marriage. I had originally planned to sell it, but now I had changed my mind.

I touched my lower belly, feeling a twinge of heartbreak.

Being a single mom was going to be hard. Just as I was caught in agonizing doubt, Vivian transferred fifteen thousand dollars to my bank account.

Note attached: Baby care fund.

I laughed bitterly out of sheer rage. A baby care fund?

The nerve of this woman!

Back when my father-in-law cheated, Vivian had dragged a group of people to the mistress's house, trashed the place completely, and made a massive scene at his workplace and the police station.

She had literally forced him into a demotion, and eventually, he was fired.

Now that it was Chloe, suddenly her morals did a total flip.

People really don't feel the sting of the knife until it's stabbing their own flesh.

I didn't reply. Instead, I contemplated whether I should keep this child at all.

Cheating runs in the blood.

I couldn't bear to imagine being divorced from Ethan, only for this child to remain a permanent, messy tie between us.

Even if I could walk away, what about the future?

What would life be like raising this kid alone under their toxic shadow?

I couldn't take that gamble.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Ethan.

"Nora... can we please not get divorced?"