Chapter 1

I stood in my elaborate wedding dress in the center of the hotel banquet hall, bowing slightly to the guests gathered around.

"Thank you all, friends and family, for coming to today's wedding ceremony. However, there's been an unexpected change. The bride will no longer be me. It will be Lisa Jenner instead.

"I deeply apologize for this surprise, and I'm grateful that everyone took time out of their schedules to attend this wedding banquet. I hope this won't dampen your spirits, and please continue to enjoy the celebration."

The wedding venue fell into complete silence.

Michael Thompson's brow furrowed tightly as he said urgently, "Sarah, stop talking nonsense! Today is our special day. What happened earlier was just an accident!"

A sharp pain shot through my chest, spreading quickly throughout my entire body. I held back the tears in my eyes and looked at him.

"Michael, what does a four-year-old really know? Do you honestly think he could run up on stage and say those things without someone teaching him to?"

Michael remained silent. He wasn't stupid. He couldn't possibly miss that this was one of Lisa's schemes.

But even so, he still chose to protect his sister-in-law without hesitation, rather than me, the woman who was about to walk down the aisle with him.

So no matter how reluctant I was or how much pain I felt, I wouldn't swallow my pride and continue with this wedding. "Michael, let's break up."

Michael's eyes widened instantly. His face was filled with shock as he stared at me.

"Sarah, do you know what you're saying? I already explained everything to you. Danny's still young. I don't want him to realize that he doesn't have a father, so I let him call me 'Daddy.'

"But Lisa and I are completely innocent. There's nothing going on between us. Why are you still harping on this? You were never this unreasonable before!"

His expression turned frighteningly dark as he continued, "Besides, we've been together for five years. We've been through so many hardships together and shared countless beautiful memories."

His voice dropped lower, and he stole a glance at my stomach. He whispered, "What's more, you're carrying my child. How can we break up?"

I was indeed carrying his child, but on the very day I went to the hospital alone for prenatal care, he was with his sister-in-law and nephew instead.

Meanwhile, Lisa stood to the side holding Danny Thompson. She was gently wiping away her tears.

"Michael, don't be upset. It's all my fault for not watching Danny properly and letting Sarah get upset.

"But Sarah, you know that everyone present at your and Michael's wedding today is a prominent figure in the business world. Even if you're angry, you can't embarrass Michael in front of so many people!"