Chapter 1

I landed in the hospital—again—from grinding too hard. That's when the truth dropped: my husband was rich.

Turns out, his childhood friend talked him into running some twisted loyalty test. If I wasn't after his cash, he'd marry me.

Too bad for him—I was already out. I didn't love him, and I wasn't keeping this second baby.

***

Jacob walked in while I was packing.

He grabbed my wrist. "What are you doing?"

I didn't even look at him. "Hospital bills are brutal. I'm out." My voice cracked.

He froze. Guilt all over his face.

His throat moved like he had something to say, but all I got was, "I'm sorry."

Even now, with everything on the line, he picked silence over owning up to his stupid little test.

No surprise. When I lost our first baby, he cried, then dumped me at some sketchy back-alley clinic.

The crappy treatment wrecked my body. I've been hurting ever since.

Even today, the doctor warned me:

"Think it through, Ms. Hart. This might be your last shot."

I shut my eyes, drained. Opened them and saw the tan line on his wrist.

Guess he took his fancy watch off before coming in. How thoughtful.

I said nothing. He brushed my cheek. "Don't be upset. Want me to call Lillian to keep you company?"

I was about to shut it down, but he was already dialing.

Soon as she picked up, his face softened. "Zoe's sick. Don't you wanna see your best friend?"

Lillian's voice came through all sugary, saying she'd come.

Like it was settled. Like I didn't get a say.

I let out a slow breath, eyes burning as I stared out the window.

***

Back home, Jacob started scrubbing like that could fix anything. Then he stocked the fridge with seafood and meat like he suddenly gave a damn.

Half an hour later, the table was loaded—four dishes and cream soup.

My fists curled, nails digging in.

Last time I was pregnant, the doc said I needed more protein. Jacob said we couldn't afford it.

That's part of why I lost the baby—straight-up malnutrition.

But now? For Lillian, he was serving up luxury I never even let myself want.

I snapped, pointing at the tomahawk steak.

"That had to cost a fortune. Where'd the money come from?"

He paused. Calm as ever. "Lillian sent it. She was worried you wouldn't eat after the hospital. Why are you asking?"

That flicker in his eyes? I knew it too well. The look he got whenever I brought up money—like I was walking into a trap.

I turned away, choking down the lie with my tears.

"It's nothing."

My stomach flipped. I gagged and ran.

I was on my knees, sobbing, when he rushed in and rubbed my back, panicked.

"Baby, what's wrong? Should we go back to the hospital?"

He reached for his phone. I snatched it and ended the call.

Wiped my mouth. Stood up. "I'm fine."

He brought stomach meds and hovered till I took them.

"Get some rest. I've got a night shift. Lillian'll come by tomorrow."

I didn't say a word. Set the glass down. Turned away.

Later, I heard the balcony door creak open.

"Lillian, don't bother. She's asleep."

Her voice came through all pouty. "But I already dressed up. It's only been a few hours, but I missed you."

Jacob chuckled, soft and sweet. "Alright, alright. I'll come to you."

Once his footsteps faded, I opened my eyes.

Grabbed my phone.

Booked a one-way ticket. Somewhere far.

Three years of tests, lies, and fake love—I was done.

"Jacob, I never want to see you again."