Chapter 1

Confusion flickered across my girlfriend Rosalie Samuels' face for a brief moment when our eyes met. However, she recovered her composure within the next second.

My cousin, Daniel Yorkford, smiled and introduced her. "This is my wife, Rosalie Samuels."

Rosalie politely but distantly held out her hand. The sparkling diamond ring on her ring finger stung my eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Scott," she said. "Thank you for taking care of my husband all this time."

Her husband? My heart ached painfully upon hearing her words. My entire body had gone numb, leaving me frozen to the spot.

It was no wonder Rosalie always held her head and looked so pained whenever I mentioned wanting to get married. Her reactions were sometimes so severe that she would need to visit a psychologist.

I had been such a fool, blaming myself for pressuring her too much to the point that I often lost sleep over it. And yet, at that moment, she was standing before me as my cousin-in-law.

Mom walked over to us and looked at the gift box that Rosalie was holding in her other hand. "Don't just stand at the door. Come in and get warm. You only had to bring yourselves. You didn't have to bring a gift!"

Rosalie's outstretched hand fell back to her side as Daniel wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He smiled and said, "Rosalie insisted on buying something for you, Aunt Patricia. She said that she can't just show up empty-handed when meeting an elder and chose this specifically for you."

Rosalie and I made eye contact as she opened the box. A bottle of vintage wine was nestled inside.

When Rosalie received a supply of vintage wine some time ago, I had asked her if she could save a bottle for me to give to Mom. However, she told me that she couldn't abuse her authority for personal reasons. It turned out that it wasn't that she couldn't do it. Instead, she was just unwilling to do it for me.

I felt incredibly miserable and could barely stay on my feet. Meanwhile, Mom was grinning from ear to ear as she carefully tucked the bottle of wine away.

"You're so thoughtful, Rosie," she said. "Dinner will be ready soon. The two of you should stay and join us."

She then turned around and headed into the kitchen.

I had no idea what to do after being struck by the sudden truth. In my panic, I stumbled into the kitchen, only to be chased out by Mom.

"Why did you follow me? You didn't show up for their wedding last time. You should use this chance to catch up with them, considering how rare it is for you to meet them."

I opened my mouth, but I couldn't say a word to explain myself. I just stayed silent and allowed her to berate me as she pleased.

When I carried the dishes out 20 minutes later, I spotted Rosalie watching a football game with Daniel. She was even excitedly analyzing the match with him.

I clearly remembered how she had told me that watching football games was an utter waste of time. Although I had begged her countless times, she was always sighing even when she agreed to watch them with me.

My hands were shaking as I held the dishes. Daniel gently pushed Rosalie away and said sweetly, "Go and help out, honey. Don't just keep sticking to me."

He turned to look at me and added, "Rosalie refuses to let me do any chores, Scott. That's why I'll have her help you instead."

Rosalie affectionately poked his nose. "Your wish is my command, my dear husband."

I immediately picked up the pace and avoided her when I noticed her approaching me. Rosalie was briefly stunned by my reaction. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she just turned around and entered the kitchen.

It didn't take long before all the dishes were served. Mom couldn't stop showering Rosalie with praise at the dinner table. "You're so hardworking and mature, Rosie. You're good at taking care of your husband too. When are the two of you planning to have a child?"

Rosalie was meticulously peeling shrimp for Daniel at that moment. Her gaze strayed to her stomach when she heard Mom's question. An affectionate expression crossed her face when she said, "I'm already four months along."

I choked on my food upon hearing her words. My eyes stung hotly as I hastily looked down and gulped down mouthfuls of water.

Six months ago, Rosalie had secretly gotten an abortion behind my back. I remembered feeling heartbroken as I looked at her pale face and asked why she had done it.

"I don't want them to gossip about you, darling," she said. "I also don't want this to get in the way of your career. I know that you're fond of children. Why don't we try for another child after we get married, okay?"

I had naively believed that Rosalie had gotten the abortion for my sake. I didn't dare breathe a word about her pregnancy to my family, worried that Mom would criticize her for her decision. We also stopped sleeping together because I was worried about hurting her body.

I never would have imagined that she already had a legal husband at that point. That was why she didn't dare to keep my child.

"You've been dating your girlfriend for a long time, Scott," Daniel suddenly chimed in. "Aren't you going to marry her soon?"

I numbly swallowed one last mouthful of water, dislodging the food that was stuck in my throat. "We're not going to get married. I've already broken up with her."