Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 1 - Chapitre 5

ELENA“There are only two choices, Elena. We either get divorced… or you sleep with another man and give me an heir.”Edward didn’t even look at me when he said it. His eyes remained fixed on the documents in his hands, as though he were discussing an ordinary business meeting instead of destroying his wife’s dignity piece by piece.My breath caught in my throat.“W-What?”“You heard me clearly, Elena.” Edward’s voice was far too calm for a man who had just shattered his own wife. “I want an heir. And only you can give me one.”My fingers curled tightly against my lap.“Edward… does it really have to be this way?”For the first time that night, he finally lifted his head and looked straight at me.“You know I’m infertile.” His jaw tightened. “And the Ashford family needs a successor.”“There has to be another way—”“I’m not using another man’s sperm,” he cut in coldly. “My pride hasn’t sunk that low.”A bitter laugh almost escaped me.“And what about my dignity, Edward?” I asked quiet

ELENAIt was already six in the evening when I finally returned from the hospital.The moment I stepped into the bedroom, the first thing I saw was that dress. I picked it up slowly. The fabric was thin and light, revealing far more skin than I was ever comfortable showing.Edward hadn’t only given me a dress. There were shoes too. And a black mask that covered only part of my face. My fingers tightened around it before I carried everything into the bathroom. After showering, I changed into the outfit and stared at my reflection in the mirror. But the woman staring back at me no longer felt like someone I recognized.After drying my hair and brushing a little lipstick across my lips, I slipped on the black mask, letting it hide part of my face. Then I grabbed a coat hanging near the door to cover my bare shoulders. The thick fabric wrapped around me instantly, offering the illusion of protection that didn’t truly exist.I tightened the belt around my waist. Then slowly, I walked out o

ELENAThe next morning, the Ashford mansion felt far livelier than usual.Several maids moved back and forth through the dining room, placing dishes one after another onto the long table. The rich aroma of food filled the air, yet somehow it only made my stomach turn again.I took a slow breath before finally sitting down with the others.“So, you two finally made it,” Erika Ashford greeted warmly, her gaze shifting between Edward and me. As always, she looked perfectly elegant, wearing the kind of polished smile that always seemed pleasant on the surface. “Sit down. We’ve been waiting for you.”I gave a small nod.“Sorry for making everyone wait.”My eyes instinctively found Cedric sitting at the far end of the table.He wore a simple black shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows. Compared to Edward and Brian Ashford—who already looked as though they were attending an important board meeting even during a family breakfast—Cedric appeared far more relaxed.But the second ou