Chapter 4

Blair's face instantly darkened. She shot Julian a cold, sharp glare and ordered him in a low, stern voice to the rose garden in the back.

Julian didn't dare disobey and followed her meekly.

I walked to the second-floor window. From this angle, I had a clear view of everything in the garden.

Like an enraged lioness, Blair shoved Julian away forcefully.

"Are you out of your goddamn mind? Are you trying to drag the entire Valerius Group into a scandal because of your stupidity?!"

Julian's defiance melted away, replaced by the wounded, flustered look of someone who'd been neglected. His trembling hand pulled a piece of paper from his inner pocket. It was a hospital ultrasound report.

Even from this distance, I could hear fragments of his words.

"I know I shouldn't have come… but I heard we're having a baby! And it's already nine weeks, this is a critical time."

"You told everyone that baby was Kevin's, but we both know he's my flesh and blood! He is my own son! You were all over me last night, I was afraid of hurting the baby."

Hearing this, I gripped the windowsill so tightly my knuckles turned white.

I had once been overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a father, genuinely believing that the new life growing inside her was the fruit of our love.

But it turned out that in their eyes, I was just a fool, a chump left to raise their bastard child, completely in the dark.

I had bought baby clothes and painted the nursery, dreaming of our future. It was all just a joke. In the name of seeking thrills, she had climbed right into my brother's bed while pregnant.

At the word "heir," Blair went rigid.

She stared intently at the black and white ultrasound image. Her trembling lips slowly relaxed, and her tone softened, a rare occurrence.

"This period is, indeed… extremely delicate."

"Nothing can happen to the heir to the Group."

"You go wait in the car. I'll arrange a comprehensive check-up for you immediately."

A flash of triumph crossed Julian's eyes. He leaned in like a young wolf, trying to claim a kiss.

But Blair's gaze darkened, like an inky sea. She gently turned her head, avoiding him.

"This is the Valerius Estate. Watch yourself."

"Everything is for the sake of the child."

"You understand as well as I do that it's best we don't provoke each other right now."

Without another word, she turned and walked back toward the villa.

I immediately returned to the dining room and sat back down at the table, suppressing the urge to burn the whole place to the ground.

Less than a minute later, Blair pushed open the door.

"Kevin, something urgent has come up."

"The Kensington Group is making moves in the overseas market, trying to cut off our supply chain."

"I have to fly there myself to oversee things. You be good and wait for me at home for the next couple of days."

I nodded calmly, indicating that I wouldn't interfere.

Seeing no change in my expression, she finally relaxed and left after a kiss on my forehead.

She was certainly well practiced at goodbyes, moving between Julian and me with ease.

I watched her hurried departure, my gaze slowly shifting to the calendar on the table.

Only two days left.

This was likely the last time we would ever see each other.

The afternoon of my departure, my phone buzzed without warning.

On the screen was a picture of an ultrasound report.

It was followed by a second photo: Julian, gently cradling her slightly swollen belly, his head bowed in a reverent kiss.

And the tenderness on Blair's face was something I had never seen before.

Even though it came from an unknown number, I knew exactly who sent it.

He must have felt that with his child in my wife's belly, even he, my little brother, now had the right to provoke me, the legitimate husband.

But he didn't know—none of it had any effect on me anymore.

A heart that has turned to ash feels nothing.

For the next two days, as expected, there was no word from Blair.

I used this time to erase every trace of myself from the estate.

Jewelry, antiques—donated. Personal belongings, manuscripts, photos—burned.

All that was left was a single black duffel bag with the bare essentials, ready for Aegis.

On the day I left, I woke before dawn and placed my documents in an inner pocket.

Then I waited quietly for my ride.

Just as I was about to contact my director to confirm the time, my phone vibrated again. The same number.

"Brother, the doctor says Blair is having a boy. You only have your money, your status, and everything else because of your wife. Yet in bed, your skills are so pathetic you can't even make her moan. I'm the one who can truly satisfy her."

"Blair said she'll make our child legitimate. A pathetic loser like you should know that your money, your status, and everything you own should be mine."

This time, I replied.

"Congratulations. You're about to get your wish."

The moment I hit send, my ride arrived.

I grabbed my duffel bag and got into the back seat without a second glance.

The car left the estate, heading north along the winding mountain road. As we passed the St. Jude Chapel at the summit, the sky unleashed a sudden, violent downpour.

Rain hammered against the car window, blurring the world outside.

It was then, through the rain-streaked glass, that I saw a familiar black motorcade parked in front of the chapel.

That was where we had held our wedding seven years ago. Where we had vowed to spend our lives together.

And now, in the pouring rain, Blair was carefully descending the steps, her arm linked intimately with Julian's as he held an umbrella over her.

She was wearing a white dress, which stood out starkly in the rain. It looked like she had just finished a prayer.

Just like that day, when she wore a white veil and walked with me down the aisle.

Just as Julian was shielding Blair, about to duck into the car, a gust of wind parted the curtain of rain.

She looked up, her gaze landing directly on me.

Through the dark, rain-washed glass, our eyes met again at the very place that had witnessed our vows.

When she saw it was me, her eyes filled with shock, confusion, and fear.

Her lips moved silently, as if she were calling my name.

I tore my gaze away, severing our final, rain-soaked stare.