Chapter 1

“Camilla, I told you this before: being pregnant means nothing. That night was a mistake.” Trent said, and my step-sister smirked wryly by his side. 

I couldn’t believe my ears. I knew our marriage was based on a legal arrangement, but something in my heart hoped he would think of my sacrifice and our child.

Bella pressed her body closer to him. “Baby, you said the only reason you married her was to get your grandfather’s property, but grandad isn’t around anymore. Are you still going to keep her?”

My heart twisted sharply. “The contract said five years.” I bit down on my lips. “Trent, we have five months left. At least honor your grandfather’s wish.” I looked up at him. 

Almost five years ago, I had saved a man from a ghastly accident, coming back after being fired from my job. 

He had offered me his grandson as a reward, and there was nothing I did that day, so I had to take the offer, rather than going back to face my father’s wrath.

“Shut up, Camilla,” Bella hissed, glaring at me, “What’s the point in a dead man’s—”

“Bella.” Trent interrupted, and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Please don’t talk about my grandfather like that.”

I swallowed, watching both of them. If I was the one who did that, Trent would have lashed out at me, threatening to send me out of the house. 

“Babe. You know I didn’t mean it. I just got emotional because she’s trying to manipulate you. You know we waited for years. I just want to be with you.” Bella whined, while pulling on his shirt.

“It’s just five months, my love, and then I can marry you. I waited four years for you; five months is basically nothing.” He said, before turning his gaze to me. 

I looked down. He was right. For years, I had been the perfect wife, waking up at four a.m every morning, and packing his lunchbox, ensuring dinner was always on the table and ready for him. 

I knew his schedule like the back of my hand, and I made the perfect coffee for him. 

If he didn’t change all these years, why was I so excited about five more months?

But I knew the answer. I wanted to cherish my last moments–my last moments with a love that refuses to burn out. 

At that moment, Trent turned to me, “You have to get rid of that thing, because it’s nothing but a mistake.”

My heart dropped to my stomach, and my gut twisted from the inside. “Don’t you dare say that to my child!” My words came out before I could stop it.

Trent narrowed his eyes, but it was understandable, because I was shocked myself. 

“I’m going to take care of her, and I don’t need your help,” I said, lowering my head again. 

Bella stepped forward, “What if you come back two years later, asking for child support? Because we both know you aren’t going any farther in life, with your useless degree?”

I shook my head. “I’d go far away! Change my name so you don’t have to worry about me, and I can sign a legal agreement too.” Tears pooled up in my eyes, and I couldn’t point out why I was crying. 

Fear. I was alone, and if they decided to force my hand, there was nothing I could do to save my child.

“We can’t take any chances,” Bella whispered harshly, and my breath caught in my throat. 

Trent looked at me. “You’d sign an agreement?”

“Yes! Anything. After five months, I’d completely leave your life.”

Bella scoffed, “Babe, let’s plan an abortion for her. She’s going to ruin us in the future. Like the same way she drugged you into sleeping with her.”

I gasped, “I didn’t drug him. He came drunk.”

“Trent doesn’t drink.” Bella lashed back, causing me to bite down on my lips, as I looked up to Trent, hoping he would say something, but he remained silent. 

How could I tell them what happened that night? I had begged Trent to take control of himself, but yes, my body had loved the attention and the feeling. 

I loved the attention he gave me that night as my starved heart begged for more, even when he whispered the name of another woman. 

The next morning, I left his room first, and we both never spoke about it again. 

“Please. I’m going to sign a contract. I won’t come back into your lives. You can’t kill an innocent child because of my mistake.” I said, wiping the tears in my eyes.

“So you do admit you drugged him,” Bella smirked. I felt Trent’s cold gaze on me, and I nodded. 

There was no other thing to do. Rather, I believed it was the safest thing. 

“Trent,” My head went up. “For four years, I had remained the perfect wife. Not complaining, and I never asked you for anything, but just this once, after five months, you would never hear from me again.” I looked at me, my body dropping to the floor, as I knelt down.

My mind rang. Yes, for a powerless woman like me, to save my child, I had no choice but to beg for life. 

“You will sign a contract, and keep your promise. Five months is all you get, Camilla, and nothing more.”

My head remained on the floor when he had finished talking, and they both walked out. 

Tears raked through my body, and all hope in me left. Could I truly love a man who hesitated in keeping the life of a child? Our child?

Then I thought about it: four years ago, Trent wouldn’t have hesitated. 

Does that mean I was finally getting to him? 

“Bella…” I sighed; she had him wrapped around her fingers, unwilling to let him go. 

I rose to my feet, wiping my eyes. The best way to make them pay was through a massive amount

of regret. 

But if four years couldn’t make a dent, what could five months do?