Chapter 1

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Ever since I got pregnant, my husband, Ethan, had been incredibly attentive, catering to my every whim. Wanting to show my appreciation, I decided to surprise him at his office with some homemade seafood chowder—his absolute favorite.

But when I reached his office door, I accidentally overheard a conversation between him and his secretary, Sarah.

"Mr. Vance, since the baby actually belongs to Melanie and Chloe is just carrying it as a surrogate, why don't you just tell Chloe the truth? Now Melanie is insisting on moving into your house as a maid. If Chloe finds out, things will get ugly."

Hearing those words, a cold chill ran down my spine. It felt like a physical blow.

The baby in my womb... belonged to Ethan and another woman?

Then, Ethan’s firm, cold voice cut through the silence.

"We can't tell her! For the sake of the Vance Group's future, I’ve made Melanie suffer in secret for too long. Only when the baby is born can I hand the child and the Sterling family trust fund over to her. That surprise is the only way I can make up for what I owe her..."

The next day, Melanie moved into our villa under the guise of a live-in maid.

Yet, she acted like she owned the place. She was arrogant, demanding, and secretly slipped abortion pills into my food.

I pretended to know nothing. I ate every single spoonful of the poisoned chowder. Then, stroking my slightly bumped belly, I looked at Ethan and smiled. "This new maid is great. Her cooking is amazing."

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