Chapter 1 - Betrayal

"Darling, you are truly a gift to this family." The booming voice of Margaret Lancaster, her mother-in-law, filled the room. "At last, Damian has found a woman who can give him an heir."

The smile on Elena's face slowly disappeared when she heard the voice from inside the room. She was about to give Damian—her husband of ten years—the best news of her life.

Elena's hand tightly grasped the envelope containing the results of the doctor's examination. She was pregnant with her fourth child.

Elena stopped in the doorway. Her eyes froze at the sight before her. A blonde woman with a perfect body was sitting gracefully on the sofa. She was so very perfect. She was Isabella Monroe.

A top model who often graced fashion magazines. And now, she was sitting confidently in Elena's house, among her family.

"Ah, Auntie, you're too much," Isabella laughed softly, her voice soft yet full of satisfaction.

"Don't call me auntie, dear. You are now my daughter-in-law."

"Right, call us Mommy and Daddy." This time, a heavy voice came from Charles Lancaster, Elena's father-in-law. "Daddy is very happy. Daddy finally has a male heir!"

Elena's chest tightened. At that instant, Damian turned to her. As if he had just noticed her, he stood up from his chair and put his hands in his pockets casually.

"Are you home?" he said in a casual tone, as if there was nothing unusual about the situation.

Elena stared at him in disbelief. Then, she leaned closer. "Damian, what's all this about?"

Isabella stood up slowly, then walked over to Damian before wrapping her arms around him. "Honey, haven't you told your wife yet?" she asked spoilfully.

Elena felt her head throb. Her hand gripped the envelope tightly. "Damian, please say something."

The man sighed, then smiled with a grin. "Elena, I'll be straightforward. Isabella and I have been in a relationship for two years now. She has given me something that even you can't."

"What do you mean?" Elena whispered, her heart beginning to sink.

Damian looked at her sharply. "Isabella has given birth to a son. This is a picture of my son and Isabella; he's only two months old."

Instantly, Elena's eyes widened in shock at her husband's revelation.

"You have given birth to three children for me. But the children you gave birth to were always girls. You know, right? I really want a male offspring."

Elena could only shake her head in disbelief.

"And Olivia, Katty, and Delya will remain yours. They won't get a penny of the treasure either. Elena, you know how this family tradition works, right? A male heir is always more valuable."

"What Damian said is true," Lady Margaret continued. "Your three daughters will never inherit. They are not worthy. And I am so grateful that Isabella came into Damian's life to give him a son. Ten years of marriage, and you can only give three daughters?"

Elena clenched her hands into fists. "So... because I gave birth to girls, you think I'm useless?"

Isabella chuckled. "Elena, you're very smart."

Damian turned to Isabella, looking at her with tenderness—the same look he had always given Elena. "Elena, this is the best decision. I'll make sure you and your three daughters have a comfortable life. I'm even willing to give you a new home, far away from here."

A new home? Like throwing away unwanted trash?

Elena looked at the man she had once loved so much, the man who had promised to be with her through thick and thin. "And me?" Her voice sounded fragile. "Did I ever matter to you, Damian? I was the one who kept you company all these ten years. I was the one who helped you until you were on the same level as the nobles. You threw me away just because of this?"

Damian did not answer. That was more than enough for Elena.

With trembling hands, she slowly opened the envelope she had been holding, pulling out a piece of paper from inside. In a calm voice, she said, "I was going to tell you today that I'm pregnant."

Damian raised an eyebrow. "Pregnant?"

Elena looked him straight in the eye, undaunted. "Yes, I'm pregnant!"

Margaret's eyes widened. Charles frowned, as if the information were bad news. Isabella just smiled a little, not surprised at all.

"Halah, at least you'll give birth to another daughter!" Lady Margaret said.

Elena lifted her chin, looking at her mother-in-law.

For a moment, Damian's expression changed. But before Elena could catch it clearly, a sardonic smile appeared on the man's face. "And you think your insignificant pregnancy is going to change things?"

Elena was silent. Her tears were about to start flowing, but she held them back.

Damian chuckled, then turned to Isabella as if sharing a joke. "Your pregnancy will never change my decision, Elena. Isabella will remain Mrs. Damian."

Isabella smiled mockingly at Elena.

Elena gripped the sheets of paper in her hands.

Margaret crossed her arms. "We don't want to waste time. You'd better kill that fetus in your womb!"

Elena's blood boiled. "What if it's a boy?"

Charles grinned. "It can't be! The child must be a girl!"

Elena's heart felt like it was being smashed to pieces. Her eyes began to heat up, but she refused to show her weakness in front of them.

Damian approached her, looking at her without emotion. "Elena, consider this a business deal. I will compensate you sufficiently. You can leave in peace."

Tears almost fell from her eyes, but she held them back forcefully. She would not give them the satisfaction of watching her crumble.

Taking a deep breath, Elena smoothed her shoulders. With a steady hand, she tore off her pregnancy test results sheet.

Elena looked at Damian with a sharp gaze. "You're right, Damian. I should have left this house. I won't let my children grow up in a family that only sees a person's worth based on their gender. Come, let us divorce, Mr. Damian Lancaster."