Chapter 1

"What about me?"

As I questioned Ian Shaw with red eyes, he held Ruby Jackson in his arms and comforted her gently, his eyes gentle and loving.

Ruby, who was in a white dress, huddled into Ian's arms in panic.

Ian turned around, his eyes wandering and guilty. I raised my hand and slapped him across the face.

Seeing my slap, Ruby spread her arms to protect him. "Why are you hitting Ian? He just wanted to help me. Are you that petty?"

Ian looked a little uncomfortable. He waved Ruby away and carefully held me in his arms instead. "Stop crying, Kiera. Ruby isn't married yet. It'll be bad for her reputation if word of that night's incident gets out."

My heart was as cold as ice. "What about my reputation? Do you know what everyone says about me? Do you have any idea how viciously they slander our baby?"

Ian's eyes filled with guilt, but he said nothing.

Ruby's body shook. "It's all my fault, Kiera. I'll go and explain to them right now."

Ian immediately held her in his arms with concern and comforted her gently before looking at me with difficulty. "Kiera, as long as I don't care about those rumors, it won't be a big deal to you. Ruby is different. She's innocent and kind. She just got drunk and made a mistake. It will ruin her life if the news spreads."

Ruby wiped her tears. "But your child will suffer from the gossip... Let's explain the truth to everyone. I'll take responsibility for my own mistakes.

My voice was hoarse. "You don't care? What about your child? How could you let an innocent child be born with all of this?"

Pain flickered in Ian's eyes as his voice trembled slightly. "It's okay. The child will only know what's going on when they’re three or four years old. No one will remember this incident by then."

My tears fell instantly, and I endured my excruciating agony as I asked, "Is Ruby so important that you're willing to let your own wife and child be made fun of? What do you take me for?"

Ian held me in his arms and said hoarsely, "I'm sorry, Kiera, but Ruby has done me a big favor in the past. I can't just ignore her!"

I punched and kicked him in his arms, trying to get out. He wanted to repay her favor, so why was I the one paying the price?

Ian seemed to feel no pain from my strikes, locking me in his embrace. "I won't let you suffer for long. Once Ruby gets married, I'll announce the truth and clear your name..."

I looked at his determined expression, and all my agony turned into a decision! My child would not have a father like him!

Ian forcibly sent me home, while Ruby followed behind.

As soon as I entered the living room, I noticed the recent changes that had been made. The couch cover had been changed to a pink one, and my plants had been thrown away. There was also a pair of women's slippers beside the shoe cabinet.

"That incident left Ruby traumatized of hotels, so I’m letting her stay at home for a while. Once she finds a suitable house, I'll ask her to move out," Ian explained carefully.

I tugged at the corner of my mouth and said nothing, my expression indifferent.

Ian was somewhat at a loss at my calm expression.

During dinner, I looked at Ian indifferently as he helped me with the food, trying to please me.

At night, I stared blankly at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep. Soon, the spot beside me sank in as Ian hugged me and tried to get back into my good books. I was uninterested and raised my hand to reject him.

Ian's eyes reddened slightly as he said quietly, "Kiera, don't treat me like this."