Chapter 1

After replying to my professor, Gary Massey, I looked up and realized everyone in the room was staring at me.

They were all waiting for my reaction, but I knew there was no point in continuing this dinner. Still, before I left, I needed one answer.

"When did you and Lana have a child?" I asked Patrick Underwood, my fiancé.

Patrick froze for a moment. After shooting Lana Rowe a quick glance, he replied coldly, "September 2023."

My heart sank. That was three years ago, in the fall.

Back then, Patrick's father, Alfred Underwood, developed a heart condition and needed surgery in the state capital.

Patrick couldn't get away, and the stress kept him up every night. He even told me he wished he could split himself in half just to be in two places at once.

I patted his shoulder. "You have me. I'll stay with Mr. Underwood through the surgery."

That very night, I took on a new online project at the company. It allowed me to work remotely, but I had to work at least 15 hours a day.

For over six months, I spent my days caring for Mr. Underwood in the hospital and my nights completing my online assignments. I handled everything myself, so much so that even the doctors assumed I was Mr. Underwood's daughter.

Every time I video-called Patrick, he told me he was too busy running the store to visit us. I always assured him that I had everything at the hospital under control.

Only today did I learn that, all that time, he had been caring for a pregnant Lana, the woman carrying his child.

I let out a bitter laugh and asked him, "So, while I was staying with Mr. Underwood through his surgery, you were having a child with another woman?"

The entire table fell silent for a moment.

Mr. Underwood slammed his fork onto the table. "Agnes Denton, watch your attitude! What gives you the right to question Patrick? As a younger member of the family, you were entrusted with taking care of me during my surgery.

"That was our family's way of acknowledging and testing you. It has absolutely nothing to do with Patrick having a child with Lana, so stop lumping the two together!

"Lana and Patrick grew up together, and Patrick only made this decision because he couldn't bear to see her grow old alone. You should consider yourself lucky to have such a kind-hearted husband.

"Besides, their son, Douglas Underwood, is an adorable little boy. Having such a godson is a blessing in itself. I've already sent someone to bring Douglas here for this Thanksgiving dinner. You can all get to know each other today."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the living room door swung open, and Patrick's mother, Caroline Berg, walked in with a three-year-old boy.

The moment the little boy entered, he ran straight toward Patrick and Lana.

"Daddy! Mommy!" he called out with a smile.

Patrick bent down and scooped him up. Standing beside them, Lana reached out and affectionately tapped his nose.

They truly looked like a loving, happy family.

I gritted my teeth and was about to turn to my younger brother, Isaac Denton, and tell him we were leaving when Douglas suddenly addressed him.

"Uncle Isaac, I've finished all the gummies you bought me last time. When are you taking me to get more?"