Chapter 2

Fortunately, Ava Morgan hadn’t been seriously injured.

After the witch-healer completed the routine examination, Dominic Costa personally escorted her back to the infirmary room.

I stood at the doorway, watching Dominic move back and forth, tending to Ava with careful devotion.

In that moment, I felt like the intruder—the third party in someone else’s relationship.

“Dominic, let Miss Sterling come in,”

Ava Morgan’s weak voice drifted out from the room.

Dominic Costa glanced at me, his gaze flickering, clearly avoiding my eyes.

I took a deep breath and walked into the room.

“Miss Sterling, please don’t blame Dominic,”

Ava Morgan said softly, leaning against the headboard, her face pale.

“I was the one who asked him to call you in. There are some things we really need to talk through.”

I pressed my lips together and said nothing.

Dominic Costa sat down beside me and took my hand.

A trace of guilt appeared on his face. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to speak, yet hesitated.

“Vivienne, there are some things I want to make clear to you.”

He paused, then continued:

“Ava and I met during a conflict with another Coven.”

“I was injured at the time. She saved me.”

“She gave me her blood to drink.”

“And while I was unconscious, I mistook her for you… and we slept together.”

As he reached this point, he looked at me carefully, his eyes filled with regret and remorse.

His grip on my hand tightened.

“I swear, from beginning to end, you are the only one in my heart.”

“I know this situation puts you in a difficult position, but the child is innocent.”

“Don’t worry—once the child is born, I’ll register it under your name. You’ll be the child’s mother.”

“That way, you won’t have to endure the pain of forced conception anymore.”

“I hope you can understand me.”

When he finished, he looked at me intently, anticipation written clearly in his eyes.

I lowered my head, tears gathering at the corners of my eyes.

So this was his choice.

He had chosen Ava Morgan—and their child.

What hurt me wasn’t just the outcome, but his deception.

Why hadn’t he told me earlier?

Why had he secretly used my blood and witchcraft to dissolve our Blood Bond without my knowledge, all while keeping her by his side?

Seeing this, Ava Morgan’s eyes reddened as well.

“Miss Sterling, I truly didn’t mean to come between you,” she said shakily.

“But I had no choice. My health is fragile. If I terminate this pregnancy, I may never conceive again.”

“I’m begging you—please don’t make things difficult for the child, alright?”

As she spoke, she began to cry, her shoulders trembling.

Watching the two of them, my chest felt unbearably tight.

I was going to be a mother too.

I knew what a child meant to a woman.

I took a deep breath and forced a smile.

“I won’t be angry.”

I inhaled slowly, steadying my voice.

“I understand.”

Dominic Costa froze, clearly not expecting me to forgive something so absurd so easily.

After all, the woman I used to be—gentle and compliant as I was—had always been utterly intolerant of betrayal.

“Vivienne… do you really understand?” he asked.

I nodded, the corners of my lips lifting into a bitter smile.

“Dominic.”

“I understand that you need an heir. The Bat Coven needs new blood to be born, and the Costa family must have someone to inherit its legacy.”

“Ava is human. Carrying a child whose bloodline is merging with a vampire’s is extremely taxing. Bringing her home to be cared for properly will put my mind at ease as well.”

As I finished speaking, relief washed over Dominic Costa’s face.

He let out a long breath.

“Vivienne, thank you. You’re truly kind.”

He clasped my hand tightly, his eyes full of gratitude.

Beside him, Ava Morgan was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected me to agree so readily.

But she quickly recovered, a faintly provocative smile appearing on her face.

I looked at her, feeling nothing at all.

“Dominic, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back first,” I said calmly.

“I’ll prepare a room at home and arrange a nutrition specialist for Miss Morgan, to make sure the baby is born safely.”

Dominic Costa nodded, guilt evident in his eyes.

“Alright. Go home and rest.”

“Once things settle down, I’ll spend more time with you.”

I smiled faintly, said nothing, and turned to leave.