Chapter 1

was five months pregnant when I found out I was carrying a child that belonged to Nolan and his true love.

Back then, my father had groomed two childhood friends as potential suitors for me. I bypassed the one he favored and chose Nolan, who seemed uninterested and unambitious.

Then one day, as my pregnancy progressed, I overheard a conversation between Nolan and his beloved:

“Adeline’s uterine wall is thin, and she risks a miscarriage at any time.”

“Nolan, are you really willing to let her risk her life to carry our child?”

Nolan remained unmoved.

“I’ll compensate Adeline later, but right now, your uterine cancer is the priority.”

“Even if it means risking Adeline’s health, I want you to have a child that’s ours.”

“You’ve suffered enough. I don’t want you to have any regrets.”

“Besides, Adeline only bears 80% of the risk; there’s a 20% chance everything will be fine. Just endure the next five months.”

I wiped away my tears and dialed a number I hadn’t called in years.

“If I say I regret it, would you still want me?”

…