It was just ONCE

Winter Everhart lay weakly on the bed, feeling the cold probe glide over her aching lower abdomen. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Is… Is the baby still around?"

"It's a threatened miscarriage. I'm sorry, but the baby didn't make it," the doctor said with a regretful sigh.

Winter clutched the bedsheet tightly as her heart twisted in agony.

"Even if it had been saved, we wouldn't recommend keeping it. You inhaled a lot of smoke from the fire, which could severely affect the fetus. It wouldn't be good if you ultimately gave birth to an unhealthy child."

Two hours earlier, an electrical fire had broken out in Stroud Group's new energy R&D lab. Winter had rushed into the flames without hesitation to save the latest microchip prototype. She'd managed to do it, but she'd collapsed due to smoke inhalation.

When she was rushed to the emergency room, her body was covered in scrapes, and she was bleeding from below. It was a heartbreaking sight.

Exhausted from juggling family and work, it was only at that moment that she learned she was nearly two months pregnant.

"You're still young. You'll have another chance at having a child," the doctor said, trying to comfort her while cleaning her wounds. "You're weak right now and need to stay for observation. I suggest you notify your husband to come take care of you."

Winter trembled and struggled to sit up. She didn't dare call her husband, Joshua Stroud.

Two days ago, he'd told her he was going on a business trip to Maeveria to discuss a project. Their son, Terence Stroud, wanted to visit an amusement park abroad and had gone along.

She knew Joshua hated being disturbed during work trips. They hadn't exchanged any calls or messages for the past two days, so he had to be busy.

Just then, her phone buzzed.

A message from Winter's half-sister, Jessica Lynch, popped into view. Winter opened it with trembling fingers, and her breath caught.

In the photo, Jessica had an arm around Terence as they smiled for the camera and made heart gestures. Joshua, strikingly handsome as always, sat beside them.

In the past, he'd refused to even have wedding photos taken. Yet there he was, in the shot, his lips curved into a rare smile.

They looked like a happy family of three.

"Winter, I'm watching a musical with Josh and Terry. 'Song of the Nightingale' is your favorite, right? I'll watch it on your behalf!"

"Song of the Nightingale" was a musical that was always sold out, with tickets that were nearly impossible to get.

Winter had hinted more than once that she wanted Joshua to watch it with her, only to be coldly rejected each time. "I'm busy, and I don't have time. Besides, Terry is too young to be left alone. Maybe next time."

So, he wasn't too busy. He just didn't want to go with her.

Winter's eyes reddened as the realization pierced her already shattered heart.

Back in her hospital room, she curled up on the bed, enduring the pain in her abdomen. Refusing to give up, she dialed Joshua's number.

It rang several times before he answered, sounding cold and detached. "What's wrong?"

"Joshua, I'm not feeling well. I'm in the hospital… Can you come back early?" Winter asked weakly, her face ashen.

Joshua was indifferent. "The project here isn't finalized yet; I'm gonna need a couple more days. Have Gretchen take care of you."

Winter gripped the phone tightly. "Are you with Jessica right now?"

"Is this fun for you, Winter?" Joshua's voice dripped with irritation. "It's been five years, and I've told you more than once that there's nothing between me and Jessica. I see her as a sister. So what if I'm with her now? You've even learned to lie about being sick for attention now? Are you playing the victim now?"

"Dad, you're too loud! You're disturbing me and Aunt Jessie!" Terence's voice cut in. "Can you stop talking to Mom? She's so annoying!"

Joshua hung up without waiting for Winter to say anything. He wasn't willing to spare her even a shred of patience.

Alone in the hospital room, she curled up under the blanket, feeling a chill spread through her.

…

Three days later, Winter chose to leave the hospital early.

There was still a ton of work left at the R&D department, and she couldn't rest easy. The upcoming product launch was something Joshua valued highly, and she wanted it to succeed after putting in two years' worth of effort.

That evening, Winter returned to Rippleview Court, so exhausted that she felt like she would collapse. As she stepped into the living room, she heard cheerful laughter. It was Terence and Jessica.

Her heart sank. She quickly hid behind a potted plant and peered over it.

On the couch, the delicate and lovely Jessica sat between Joshua and Terence. A birthday cake sat on the coffee table, and she had a ruby pendant necklace around her neck—a globally limited-edition one from a high-end brand.

Winter had seen it in a shop window last month and loved it, but its exorbitant price had made her dismiss the thought. Now, it hung around Jessica's neck.

"Thanks for the gift, Josh. I love it." Jessica gently stroked the pendant as she looked at Joshua's handsome face, taking him in with bright eyes. "It must've been expensive. Don't spend so much on me next time. I've told you, it's the thought that counts."

He was calm. "Money's not an issue. What matters is that you like it."

"Aunt Jessie, close your eyes!" Terence urged with a giggle.

Jessica did as told.

Terence slipped a colorful crystal bracelet onto her wrist. "There we go!"

She opened her eyes and exclaimed, "Oh, it's beautiful!"

He grinned and scratched his head. "I picked every bead carefully and strung it myself. It's my birthday gift to you, Aunt Jessie."

"Thank you, Terry. I'll treasure it forever." Jessica leaned down, her lips nearing Terence's forehead.

Just then, he tilted his face up and planted a kiss on her cheek.

He had inherited Joshua's cold, aloof nature and rarely showed Winter any affection. Yet Jessica had effortlessly received what Winter longed for.

It was almost as if Winter's heart had turned into the most sour lemon in the world. A pair of hands crushed it mercilessly, soaking every fiber of her being with a sourness so intense that it was bitter.

Terence's eyes sparkled as he said earnestly, "Aunt Jessie, I know you're not well. From now on, Dad and I will protect you. We'll shield you from all storms, okay?"

"Okay. I'll count on you to take care of me," Jessica said, blushing shyly as she stole a glance at Joshua.

He smiled faintly. Then, he cut a piece of cake and handed it to her.

The sight drained the last bit of color from Winter's already pale face, nearly making her stumble. The man she loved wholeheartedly was celebrating another woman's birthday, and the son she'd given birth to at the cost of her life had vowed to protect the woman who'd taken everything from her.

Winter smiled bitterly. Then, she turned and walked away from the marriage that had imprisoned her for five years.

Outside the villa, rain fell in a steady drizzle.

Winter stood by the roadside, soaked to the bone as she dialed a number she hadn't called in ages. When the call connected, a man's joyful voice rang out. "Winnie! It's been ages. How have you been?"

She smiled, but her eyes were colder and more resolute than ever. "I'm doing fine. I'm getting a divorce."

"What?"

"Could you please draft a divorce agreement for me? I want it as soon as possible."