Chapter 1

My brother, Aaron, saw the dead silence in my eyes and went on with his tiresome lecture.

"Summer, we aren't young anymore. You have Chloe to think about."

He leaned closer.

"Take my advice. Close one eye and live your life. Staying together is better than ending up alone."

This was my flesh and blood. My own brother.

He was openly helping them cover up their betrayal.

My sister-in-law, Olivia Walter, stepped forward. She gently grabbed my wrist, acting every bit the artificial mediator.

"He's right, Summer," Olivia said. "At our age, what leverage do women have to start over?"

She sighed, playing on my pity.

"Clara didn't have a choice. When her family went bankrupt years ago, she was desperate and ended up on an auction block.

“Andrew saved her. She had no other way to repay him, so she..."

A sharp pain stabbed my chest.

Olivia, Clara, and I had been inseparable since middle school. We swore to be sisters forever.

Now, Olivia knew Clara was in the wrong. Yet she was still forcing me to forgive her.

Human hearts were naturally biased.

It didn't matter that I once fought off street thugs for Olivia, taking eight stitches to the head. None of it meant a thing.

I yanked my wrist from her grip.

My voice was as cold as ice. "Olivia Walter, we're done. Don't ever speak to me again."

She froze.

Before she could speak, the office door burst open.

Andrew Benedict stood in the doorway, his face dark as a thundercloud.

His eyes locked onto mine.

Aaron and Olivia quietly slipped out, closing the door behind them.

Only the two of us remained.

Andrew walked over, his tone harsh and accusing. "Summer, what are you trying to accomplish by throwing a scene here?"

We had been together for years.

This was the first time he had ever looked at me with such cold indifference.

I choked back a sob and forced the words out.

"Andrew Benedict, how did I fail you? You cheated on me with my best friend. You even had a child with her."

He saw the tears swimming in my eyes. His expression softened.

Andrew pulled me into his arms and murmured, "Summer, listen to me. She will never replace you."

My eyes stung. I pushed him away with everything I had.

I refused to share a husband.

Andrew frowned, his patience wearing thin.

"If we go to court, Summer, I will fight for full custody of Chloe. You know how that ends.

“Or do you really want our daughter to live in poverty with you?"

I stared at Andrew Benedict, numb.

The boy I loved in my youth had turned into a stranger threatening to strip my child away.

Seeing my hesitation, he lowered his voice.

"Just live your life quietly. You and Chloe will be taken care of forever. You'll still be the enviable Mrs. Benedict."

I hid the decision forming in my heart and gave a small nod.

From that day on, I put on a mask of normalcy. I drove Chloe to school and picked her up as usual.

I stopped questioning Andrew Benedict when he stayed out all night.

I stopped leaving the porch light on for him.

In secret, I hired someone to collect evidence.

Until a familiar figure blocked my path.

It was Clara Miller.

She looked uneasy, hovering near my car.

I used to think Clara had a tragic life.

Years ago, she got pregnant out of wedlock and lived on her own. I pitied her struggle. I showered her with help.

Most of her baby's clothes and supplies came from my pocket. I even begged Andrew to help her out financially.

Now I realized how foolish I was.

Why would she need my help when they were already sharing a bed?

Clara stepped forward. "Summer, can we talk?"

I stopped and looked at her, my face expressionless.

"Say whatever you came to say."

She bit her lower lip, glancing nervously at the pedestrians passing by.

"Things weren't supposed to end up like this," she whispered. "Andrew and I... we've been together for years. The child is growing up. I just want us to live in peace."

She looked at me innocently. "I never intended to ruin your marriage. You can't control who you love."

Listening to her fake excuses, a cold smile touched my lips.

"Save the tragic act."

I stared into her eyes as a memory suddenly clicked into place.

"Andrew Benedict cheated on me during my second month of pregnancy," I said softly. "It was the night of my birthday, wasn't it?”