Chapter One

Aurelia’s POV

The mansion was beautifully decorated with sparkling Christmas lights and a magnificent Christmas tree. Snow covered the entire city, giving everything a magical, festive feel. Everywhere was filled with the joy and excitement of Christmas, yet I couldn't shake off the loneliness in my heart.

But the loneliness felt different this time. I placed a hand on my still-flat belly and smiled. After six years of trying and doctors repeatedly advising me to consider other options, I finally had a reason to be happy.

I had been looking forward to my husband's return from his business trip so I could share the good news with him. I had everything planned: his favourite dishes, scented candles on the long dining table, and the pregnancy test tucked inside a small box beside his plate.

But just when I thought everything was falling into place, he called to tell me his meeting had been extended.

It wasn't the first time work had kept him away, but I couldn't help feeling disappointed. I would be spending another Christmas alone, but at least this time, I wasn't entirely alone.

I stood in the dining room for a while, staring at the candles I hadn't even lit before deciding I couldn't keep the news to myself until my husband returned.

I wanted to tell Camelia, my younger sister. She had been there for me through some of my hardest moments, especially when I received that heartbreaking medical report. I knew she would be just as happy as I was.

I decided to spend Christmas with her instead of sitting alone in the mansion.

I brought out my travel bag and packed a few clothes, some designer outfits, and my toiletries. I carefully slipped the pregnancy test into the inner pocket before zipping up the bag.

I didn't bother calling Camelia to tell her I was coming. I wanted it to be a surprise.

The drive to Chicago took a little over two hours. I sang along to the songs playing on the radio, occasionally letting the cold air through the window brush against my face. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this happy.

When I finally turned onto her street, the light in her living room was already on. I parked, grabbed my bag and headed for her door, already imagining her reaction when I shared my news.

I reached her apartment and rang the doorbell, already excited about the look on her face when she saw me. I even brought out my phone to record her reaction.

But the moment the door opened, my jaw dropped. My phone slipped from my hand and landed on the floor.

Standing in front of me was someone I never expected to see

Caspian.

My husband, who was supposed to be overseas attending a business conference, stood in the doorway wearing nothing but a loosely tied bathrobe.

He looked just as shocked to see me, but his expression quickly changed, replaced by a smugness that made my stomach turn.

What the hell was going on?

My mind raced as I tried to make sense of what I was seeing. Why was my husband here? And why was he dressed like that?

"What are you doing here, Cas?" I finally managed to ask.

He glanced at me and gave a dismissive shrug.

"What else do you think is going on? I'm spending Christmas with..."

He didn't get to finish before a familiar voice came from somewhere behind him.

"Baby, what's taking so long?"

A woman appeared behind him but froze when she saw me.

Camelia?

For a moment, none of us said anything.

Her expression changed, and I couldn't tell if she was embarrassed, amused or secretly pleased to see me standing there.

Then her lips curved into a small smirk.

And just like that, my Christmas surprise had turned into a nightmare.

"Oh, sis! You didn't tell me you were coming," Camelia said, fiddling with the hem of Caspian's shirt. She didn't look embarrassed. If anything, she seemed amused by my presence.

I stared at her, then at Caspian, hoping my eyes and ears were playing tricks on me. Surely, this had to be some terrible nightmare I would soon wake up from.

I waited for someone to explain what was going on. Perhaps Caspian would tell me it was a prank or some ridiculous misunderstanding. Perhaps there was a reasonable explanation for why my husband was standing in my sister's apartment wearing a bathrobe.

But nobody said a word.

After what felt like years, Caspian broke the silence.

"Aurelia, I'm sorry you had to find out this way. I was planning to tell you everything, but what's the difference now?"

I stared at him, unable to believe what I was hearing.

"As you know, I'm not getting any younger. I've built several companies and acquired assets that need an heir to carry on my legacy. You're turning thirty-five next year, Aurelia. We've been married for six years, and there's still no child.

The doctors have practically given up on you."

He paused, glancing briefly at Camelia.

"That's why I decided to try with your sister. And now she's pregnant."

I struggled to make sense of his words.

I took a step backwards, my hand instinctively finding its way to my stomach.

Pregnant?

What did he mean, Camelia was pregnant?

"Eight weeks gone, actually," Camelia chimed in, making sure I heard every word. "You heard him, Aurelia. You should be happy for me. I'm giving the Houstons what you couldn't."

My eyes burned, and before I could stop them, tears rolled down my cheeks.

I looked at Caspian, desperately searching his face for some sign that the man standing before me was still the husband I had known for six years.

"Out of all the women in the world, Cas, you chose my sister?" My voice cracked as I stepped closer and grabbed the edge of his bathrobe. "My own sister? How could you do this to me?"

"Get your filthy hands off me!" he snapped, pulling away. "You should be grateful I gave your family the honour of bearing my child."

I stumbled backwards, staring at him in disbelief.

“See yourself out,” Camelia muttered.

She moved closer to him, wrapping an arm around his waist before pulling him further inside.

I stood there, unable to move, watching my younger sister cling to my husband as though I were the stranger who had interrupted their Christmas.

Caspian paused at the threshold and turned towards me one last time.

"I don't want two wives, Aurelia. I'll have the divorce papers sent to you tomorrow. Sign them and move on with your life."

He slipped an arm around Camelia's waist. "I have my real family now."

And with that, he turned his back on me.