STELLA POV A grin spread across my face as I chopped some onions; I could not help but smile like a fool.That afternoon, I came back from the hospital with good news! I was pregnant!Although this was not part of the plan and frankly might be against my contract marriage with my husband, Devon, I've heard that the appearance of babies in marriages usually strengthens the bond and I wish the same for us. I believed he might even fall in love with me.My husband, Devon King, would be arriving late from work despite today being our 3 year marriage anniversary, but actually works out great in my favor so I can prepare my surprise for him. I prepared his favorite dishes to celebrate our anniversary and the news of my pregnancy.It had been three years since we were married. Although I was not his initial choice, he treated me far nicer than I expected.He treated me better than any of my family members ever had, he took care of me while I was sick, when tired after work, he allowed me t

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STELLA POV “Well, I'm sure you'll ask her. That is if you haven't already.” I said, folded my arms and walked into the kitchen, so many emotions were suffocating me all at once, I couldn't have a conversation with him. I went to the kitchen to pay attention to the food I was preparing. I heard Devon scoff behind me as I entered the kitchen and looked up to see Estelle with a smug look on her face, her arms crossed under her chest. “I’m back again, sister. Did you miss me?” I ignored her and started serving the dish. I set only two dishes on the table, for me and my husband. I lit up candles I had arranged around the dining table with rose petals to form a heart to set up a romantic mood.Devon came in and saw my preparations and decorations.I stared at him, waiting to see if he realized what today was.“Stella,” he began. “What is the meaning of this? Why did you set two plates? Estelle is here, is she not? Or is she not going to eat?”I frowned, “do you remember what today is?”

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STELLA POV The next day, everyone sat in the dining room, while I stayed back in the kitchen with the maids to prepare food for everyone.Devon’s parents had called us to the family estate for a family get together since Estelle was back.They chatted and laughed in the dining hall without me, but I put all my effort into preparing the meal. I wanted everything to be satisfactory so everyone would be happy, and maybe they would finally praise me for once.I put my heart into it, making sure everything was just right, the right amount of seasoning and the right amount of heat, so Devon’s grandmother would not find a single complaint.After the food was ready, the maids served the dishes to everyone, and I went back to sit beside Devon in the dining hall.I looked down and saw Devon’s hand on top of Estelle's.They immediately pulled away once I caught them.My heart sank, and a sharp pain panged my chest, but I decided to let it go and not cause a commotion on this ‘joyous’ occasion.

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STELLA POV I found myself in a hospital bed when Iwoke up. I don't know when I passed out after Grandmother struck me. She must have been really angry to have hit me that hard.‘Does she despise me this much?’Grandmother was the matriarch of the family, and everyone wanted to be on her good side, including me. I've tried for years to gain her approval, but for some reason, she never seemed to like me. But when my sister came back, they fawned over her, including grandmother.‘What makes people like my sister more than me? What draws them to her and makes them hate me instead? Why does everyone prefer her over me?’“So you’re finally awake.”I heard my husband’s voice and immediately looked in his direction. He stood by the door.‘Was he the one who brought me to the hospital?’ I wondered. ‘Did he turn back and bring me here instead of my sister?’He walked over to me, “Seriously, Stella? What are you doing here?” he asked.‘What was I doing here?’I scoffed. So he wasn’t the one w

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STELLA POV “You can’t do this to me, Devon!” I cried as several men dragged me down the hallway. “Please, I beg you. Don’t kill our baby...”Devon stood there unmoved with Estelle clinging to his arm.“Don’t kill our child, Devon” I sobbed. “please!”Devon remained resolute.They began shoving me into another room but I held the edge of the door firmly before I was fully inside. I can't protect my baby. That realization hit me hard. Tears streamed down my face as my body shook violently, I had no one backing so while forcing me to abort my child is illegal, as long as Devon King, the CEO of King int. Corp. ordered it, I'm helpless.My vision had gotten blurry now that it's hard to see clearly.“If you want, I’ll sign the divorce papers.” This was the remaining solution I had, while I don't want to break up my family, for my child, I have no other option. “I promise. I won’t take anything, I’ll leave quietly. You can be with Estelle for as long as you want just please… don’t kill my

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Semua Bab No Longer A Substitute : Bab 1 - Bab 5

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