Chapter 3

The moment the words left his mouth, two bodyguards grabbed Yvonne and forced her onto a hospital bed.

They held her down. No matter how much she cried or struggled, neither Cole nor Yale relented.

A nurse lifted her shirt and swabbed her stomach with cold antiseptic. Then a long needle pierced her abdomen and entered her uterus.

A deep ache spread through her body, making her suck in a sharp breath.

Eventually, Yvonne stopped fighting. She lay there silently, tears slipping down her face.

She had no idea how much time passed before everything went black and she lost consciousness.

When she opened her eyes again, she was lying in a hospital bed. A nurse was going over the aftercare instructions with Cole.

"Mr. Foster, the match was successful. But your wife is very weak right now, so make sure she gets plenty of rest and proper care."

Yvonne pushed herself upright.

"I'm not his wife."

Cole sighed and stepped forward, pulling her into his arms before kissing her forehead.

"Yvonne, just wait a little longer. Once Yuri's bone marrow transplant is successful and all of this is over, I'll end things with Renee completely. Then we'll get legally married and have a huge wedding."

Yvonne listened quietly, without a trace of anticipation in her eyes.

"So you're going to risk our child's life to save your son's. Is that it?"

Cole was silent for a moment before answering firmly, "No. I've hired the best medical team I could find. Our baby won't be in any danger."

Yvonne gave a bitter smile and said nothing more.

The next day, Cole took her home. He intended to keep her where he could watch her at all times.

He knew her well enough to realize she really would leave.

The moment Yvonne walked through the door, she stopped short.

Renee was sitting in the living room playing with Yuri, looking every bit like the woman of the house.

"Who told them they could come here?"

At the sound of Yvonne's voice, Renee immediately stood.

"Yvonne, I didn't mean to intrude.

"Once Yuri has his surgery, we'll leave for good. I just want him to know what it feels like to have a complete family and be loved while he still can."

Yvonne glanced at Cole beside her.

Displeasure showed on his face, as though he thought she was being unreasonable.

"It's just fulfilling the child's last wish."

Yvonne held his gaze for a moment before saying calmly, "Fine."

She no longer cared.

She turned to go upstairs, but Cole stopped her.

After a brief pause, he said, "Stay in the guest room for a few days, Yvonne. Renee and Yuri can take the master bedroom. Yuri's still young."

Yvonne's head snapped up.

No one knew better than Cole how severe her sleep problems were.

A different bed or an unfamiliar room was enough to keep her awake all night.

When they'd renovated the bedroom, Cole had hired people to design everything specifically for her, from the mattress and wall colors to the lighting, all so she could sleep properly.

And she was already weak. The doctor had specifically told her before discharge that she needed plenty of rest.

Pain tightened around Yvonne's heart.

She opened her mouth to refuse, then swallowed the words.

Cole wasn't asking her.

She knew that by the time Cole informed her, Renee and Yuri's things had already been moved into the master bedroom.

She gave a faint laugh.

"Fine."

Then she walked past Cole and went into the guest room.

Sure enough, her things had already been moved inside.

She had just showered and sat down on the bed when the door suddenly opened.

Cole strode in and wrapped his arms around her, his voice hoarse.

"Baby, don't be mad anymore. It hurts me to see you like this."

Nausea rolled through Yvonne.

She pressed a hand against his chest, her voice cold.

"Your wife and son are right next door. Aren't you afraid they'll hear us?"

Cole froze.

Then he sighed helplessly and pulled her back into his arms.

"Yvonne, don't be like this, okay? Hit me, yell at me, whatever you want. Just don't treat me like a stranger.

"I'll give you the marriage certificate and the wedding. I promise."

Yvonne gave a mocking laugh.

He still thought she was upset because he hadn't married her. He still thought she was only throwing a fit.

When she remained silent, Cole grew even more uneasy and held her tighter.

Yvonne didn't sleep at all that night.

Early the next morning, she went downstairs to find something to eat.

She had just taken a slice of cake from the refrigerator when a small figure came running over.

Yuri tugged on the hem of her dress and blinked up at her.

"Aunt Yvonne, I want some too."

Looking into the child's innocent eyes, Yvonne softened despite herself.

She reached down and patted his head.

"Just a little. Too much sugar will give you cavities."

"Thank you, Aunt Yvonne!"

Yuri took the cake and ran back into the living room.

Yvonne poured herself a glass of water and had just stepped out of the kitchen when she saw Yuri clutch his throat and collapse to the floor.

The next second, Renee's scream rang through the house.

Her eyes red, she stared at Yvonne and shouted,

"What did you give Yuri?"