Part 1: The Ultimatum

“I’m giving you two options, Avery. Either send that baby to an orphanage… or we get a divorce!”

Oliver’s voice thundered through the room as he stood in front of his wife, who was clutching their one-month-old baby tightly in her arms. Avery’s eyes widened in disbelief, her mind refusing to accept what she had just heard.

“W-what are you saying, Oliver? Why should I send our baby to an orphanage when she has both her parents? You’re her father, and I’m her mother!”

Oliver’s eyes narrowed, a mocking smile spreading across his bearded, handsome face—the same face that many women dreamed of, including Avery herself.

“You still don’t get it, do you, Avery? I’ve told you a thousand times, the Reed family only accepts sons. But you… you gave birth to that weak little girl. And look at her! Her face, her skin, none of it even slightly resembles my family’s bloodline.”

Avery’s lips trembled. She was at a complete loss for words. In fact, Adelia was nothing but a copy-paste of her father, Oliver. But, it’s all denied by that man.

“But, Oliver—”

“No buts, Avery. If you still want to be my wife, get that baby out of this house right now. Otherwise, be ready to give up your title as Mrs. Reed!” He barked coldly.

Avery felt like half her soul had been ripped away. She looked at her husband — standing tall and arrogant, hands tucked into his pockets, his cold eyes cutting into her like knives. She had never seen that look before.

Her head shook slowly as the baby squirmed again in her arms. Avery’s gaze softened when she looked at her daughter’s flushed cheeks, her tiny nose, and her milk-scented lips.

No. She couldn’t do it. She wouldn’t abandon her own flesh and blood, not even if someone promised to take good care of her. Avery was sure someone had whispered poison into Oliver’s ears, turning the man who once loved her so much into someone heartless.

“So? What’s your decision? Don’t waste my time, Avery.” Oliver pressed, impatience creeping into his tone.

Avery tightened her hold on the baby. Slowly, she stood up from the sofa, meeting her husband’s cold stare head-on.

“I’m a mother, Oliver. And I will never throw away my child just because of a cold-hearted man like you,” she said, her voice trembling with pain and rage.

Oliver’s jaw clenched. “Are you sure about that?” he asked icily.

“One hundred percent sure.” Avery didn’t even blink.

He exhaled sharply. “Don’t be stubborn, Avery. I promise I’ll send regular donations to whatever orphanage you choose. And after that, you can focus on getting pregnant again — and this time, giving me a son.”

Avery’s hands balled into fists. “And what’s the difference if she stays here, Oliver? Like you said, I can still give you a son later. You don’t have to throw Adelia away!” she snapped.

Oliver growled under his breath. His answer was loud enough without words. “You still don’t understand, do you? The mere presence of that baby in this house is already a disgrace. Fine then. If you choose that useless child over your husband, prepare to lose your status as Mrs. Reed. Take her and leave. Don’t ever show your face to me again. Even if you crawl back to me, crying tears of blood, I will never change my mind, Avery.”

Avery’s heart went numb. She should’ve cried or begged, but instead, she smiled faintly.

“Then go ahead and file for divorce. I won’t make it difficult for you. I won’t even attend the hearing. Just think of tonight as the last time you’ll ever see me or my daughter,” she said flatly, but there was steel in her tone when she said my daughter.

For a split second, Oliver froze. He hadn’t expected his wife to be this bold.

“I won’t give you a single cent, and you’re not allowed to take anything valuable from this house,” he tested her, hoping she’d flinch.

But he was wrong. The woman with long, silky hair flowing down her back didn’t even blink.

“That’s fine. The only thing valuable in this house is already in my arms. You could even ask me to strip off the clothes I’m wearing right now, and I would,” she shot back.

Oliver said nothing. Even as Avery walked past him toward the bedroom, he stood rooted to the spot.

“She’s really grown a spine. Fuck it,” he muttered, frustration flickering in his eyes.

Where had his gentle, dependent wife gone? The woman who used to cling to him, terrified of losing him? Now, that same woman had turned from a kitten into a lioness.

Was that what they called a mother’s instinct? He didn’t know. All he knew was that Avery had rendered him completely powerless.

Inside the bedroom, Avery gently laid her baby on the big, soft bed — the same bed she would never sleep in again. Her whole body trembled. Her knees were weak, her heart pounding so fast she could barely breathe.

Tears pooled in her eyes, but she tilted her head back, forcing them not to fall.

Her baby whimpered softly, shifting inside the warm blanket as the rain outside poured harder.

“Shh, it’s okay, Sweetheart. We’re leaving this hell soon. Mama promises you’ll never have to hear those cruel words again,” she whispered, stroking her daughter’s tiny belly.

She packed one bag, which was half filled with her own clothes and the rest with baby Adelia’s. It would have to be enough.

In front of the mirror, she stood still for a moment before taking off every piece of jewelry Oliver had ever given her, the necklace, the bracelet, the ring, and the earrings. She left them neatly on the vanity she had used for the past two years.

“Let’s go, Pumpkin,” Avery whispered softly, pressing a kiss to Adelia’s forehead. The baby blinked sleepily, as if she understood that her mother’s love was the only thing she needed.

Meanwhile, Oliver stood restlessly in the living room. When he saw Avery with a packed bag, a flicker of guilt and regret crossed his chest. But then, those feelings disappeared instantly.

“I’m leaving, Oliver. I guess this is our last moment together, right? Don’t bother finding out where we’re going. I hope the divorce goes smoothly,” Avery said calmly.

Oliver couldn’t speak. He just stared blankly as his petite wife slowly walked toward the front door of their grand, luxurious home.

His throat tightened. He almost called her name, those five letters he knew so well, but no sound came out.

Outside, the night was dark, rain pouring heavily. Avery tightened her hold on her daughter, holding an umbrella in one hand and her bag in the other.

Oliver moved. He took one step forward—but before he could say anything, a black car pulled up right in front of their house.

Of course, he knew exactly who it was. His mother. Rose Reed, the woman who had opposed his marriage to Avery from the very beginning.

“Damn it, why is she here now?” he muttered, rushing outside.

There, in the rain, Avery and Rose stood face-to-face like two lionesses ready to attack each other. Except Rose looked far more menacing, a fake sweet smile curling on her lips.

“What are these two peasants doing out here, huh? Ugh, bad luck that I have to see your face first when I just arrived!” The old woman snarled while pointing at Avery’s face.

***