Chapter 1

"Congratulations, Ms. Johnstone. The death-faking pill had already been successfully developed, but we are still missing a test subject," reported Edith Pratt with an uneasy expression.

Still, Henley Johnstone had a determined look in her eyes as she said, "In a couple of days, I'll go back to the company. Let me be the test subject."

She leaned back against the couch with misty eyes.

Her assistant, Edith, was shocked to hear that.

Her voice rang out again, clear and anxious. "But Isaac's graduation ceremony is coming up next month. Ms. Johnstone, are you sure you want to do this? Also, Mr. Glover said he had a surprise planned for you on your wedding anniversary."

A surprise?

Henley laughed at herself bitterly. It was probably more of a shock than a surprise.

Three days earlier, she had just secured a major project and had planned to go on a trip with Kevin Glover and their son, Isaac Glover. She had secretly bought a ticket for the flight Kevin was piloting, intending to surprise them with the gifts she brought along.

Midway through the flight, the plane was suddenly caught in a powerful turbulence.

At the brink between life and death, Henley heard a voice come through the intercom. "This is the captain of this flight, Kevin Glover. I will do everything in my power to bring everyone home safely."

The heart lodged in Henley's throat slowly settled. She believed he could complete the flight.

The broadcast did not cut off, and Kevin's voice came through the intercom again. "Serena, if we all make it back alive this time, I'll marry you."

Henley's eyes widened as rage surged violently within her.

Serena Burke was the co-pilot of this flight. She was also Kevin's best flight partner. They had flown thousands of flights together. The time Kevin spent with her far exceeded the time he spent with Henley, his wife.

They were all still in a dire situation at that moment, but a bold college student made a joke.

She said, "If the captain says so, we're definitely getting back safely. I'm seriously jealous of this Serena. She got such a romantic confession ten thousand miles in the air. She'd have no regrets in her life."

Henley clenched her seatbelt tightly with her gaze fixed on the cockpit.

After a long while, the plane finally began to stabilize. Cheers and cries of relief filled her ears.

Henley's tears spilled over, and in the corner of her eyes, she saw Isaac. The woman sitting beside him was Serena's mother, Sally Hunt. The two of them were sitting close together, happily discussing how they would celebrate Serena's birthday upon landing.

Isaac asked, "Mrs. Burke, does that mean Serena is going to become my mom soon?"

Sally smiled as she gently stroked his hair, her voice warm and kind. "Do you really want Serena to be your mother? Then what about your own mom?"

Isaac shook his head fiercely with an expression of repulsion on his face. He took out the good-luck charm Henley had given him and broke it into pieces.

"She doesn't deserve to be my mom. All she ever does is nag me about studying. Serena treats me so much better. I like Serena. Dad likes her too," he said.

He then lowered his head to look at the gift he had prepared for Serena with a bright smile.

Henley withdrew her gaze as bitterness filled her chest.

The year she had been pregnant with Isaac, she had gone from hospital to hospital to stabilize her pregnancy. She even drank folk remedies that tasted disgusting. Not only had her figure been completely ruined after having him, but she had nearly died from massive bleeding during childbirth.

However, the child she had risked her life to bring into the world was now saying that she didn't deserve to be his mother.

A single tear slid down from Henley's left eye. When she opened her eyes again, there was a strong resolve in her gaze.

After the plane landed smoothly, the airport was swarming with reporters waiting to interview the crew. Henley blended into the crowd, so much so that Kevin and his group failed to notice her presence.

"Mr. Glover, you saved the entire plane with your exceptional skills. How do you feel right now?"

Kevin smiled faintly as he pulled Serena over to stand in front of the reporters.

His eyes held nothing back as he explained with adoration, "It was all thanks to Serena's contribution. If it weren't for her accompanying me on every flight and helping me analyze the details, this crisis wouldn't have been averted so smoothly."

Serena shot him a mock reproachful glance and then explained the situation to everyone using professional terminology.

Thunderous applause erupted, and the crowd soon dispersed. Only after the interview ended did Kevin finally notice Henley's lonely figure.

He was first startled by her appearance at the airport, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Did you come to pick me up after work, Henley?" Kevin asked upon spotting her.

Henley stared at him as if he were a stranger. Her eyes held no warmth at all.

Kevin acted as though he hadn't noticed, as a hint of awkwardness crossed his features. His phone kept ringing, and he repeatedly raised his wrist to check the time.

Henley took a deep breath and asked, "Do you still have something else to do?"

Before Kevin could answer, Serena walked over with a light, graceful step in her professional uniform.

She said, "Kevin, there's a celebration party tonight. You're the captain. You can't miss it."

Then, she smiled sweetly at Henley and added, "Hi, Henley. I'll be borrowing Kevin for tonight."