Chapter 1

"Tyler, talk some sense into Mimi."

When I didn't say a word, Julia Morse immediately turned to my husband, Tyler West.

"That child had a rough life. His parents are gone, and he even got bullied by the older kids in the orphanage. I saw his photo. He seems like he'd fit in well with the two of you. As long as you agree, I'll start the adoption process right away."

"Julia, drop it. Don't bring this up again."

Tyler put down his glass and cut her off.

Julia was visibly surprised. Clearly, she hadn't expected Tyler to refuse on my behalf.

Tyler grabbed my hand, the warmth of his palm seeping into mine. He looked straight at Julia and said, "Michelle and I have decided that we're not having kids. Even if it's a relative's child, we won't raise them."

Julia's smile stiffened, but she quickly pressed on awkwardly, "T-There's no need to be so set on it, right? What if you regret it later?"

I balled my fist but said nothing.

The biggest regret of my life was becoming her friend.

Julia was an orphan, so Tyler and I had always been very tolerant of her.

Even though Tyler had warned me subtly that Julia was manipulative and calculating, I always made excuses for her.

I told him that, given her rough upbringing, it was understandable she might come across as a bit extreme.

In the end, my kindness became the very thing that hurt both Tyler and me.

In my previous life, Julia had claimed to feel sorry for the orphan but resented her own inability to raise the child, so she kept trying to persuade us.

In the end, I was moved and discussed the matter with Tyler. We agreed to adopt the child, but that decision brought us nothing but trouble.

Looking back now, she hadn't pitied the child because he was an orphan, but because he was hers.

"That's none of your business."

I tightened my grip on Tyler's hand and continued, "We just want a peaceful, uncomplicated life. Besides, that's someone else's child. We're not taking him in."

As neither of us would budge, irritation flashed across Julia's eyes. "Fine. If you're that set on it, forget I said anything."

She grabbed her bag and stood. Her tone held a hint of displeasure. "If you don't care, I'll stop meddling. I'm leaving."

Tyler remained seated on the couch and only heaved a sigh of relief when he heard the elevator going down.

He turned to look at me, his eyes reddening. "Michelle, we can't take that boy in, ever."

"I know."

I got up and locked the door while quietly weighing our current situation.

Julia was desperate to find someone to raise her illegitimate child. As long as we refused, she couldn't force us to take him in.

"We should put the house up for sale as soon as possible." I stared out the window, feeling nothing but weariness. "I want to stay far away from them. I can't even stand looking at them."

"Got it." Tyler nodded. "Let's do that."