Chapter 1 Congratulations, You're Pregnant

"Ms. Wright, congratulations! Your baby's very healthy."

Jenessa Wright walked out of the hospital in a daze, clutching the pregnancy test result close to her chest.

Looking down, she absentmindedly caressed her still-flat belly and broke into a smile.

She was pregnant with Ryan's baby!

Grinning like silly, Jenessa hurriedly took out her phone to call Ryan Haynes, her husband, excited to share the wonderful news. However, just as she was about to dial his number, her phone buzzed. Speak of the devil-it was a message from Ryan.

It read, "Come to Imodon Hotel right now."

Imodon Hotel? Why'd he want her to go there all of a sudden? Jenessa was puzzled, but she didn't hesitate for long. She hailed a cab and headed straight to the hotel.

Since Ryan wanted to see her, she figured she might as well tell him the good news in person.

In the backseat of the cab, she smiled to herself, wondering idly how Ryan would react to the news of her pregnancy.

With her heart pounding in anticipation, Jenessa arrived at the hotel. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she noticed the lobby was adorned with flowers and a brand-new red carpet, clearly prepared for a celebration.

Jenessa paused, momentarily stunned, before remembering that today was their wedding anniversary.

Could it be that Ryan had asked her to come here to surprise her?

The hotel lobby was bustling with guests, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Jenessa wove her way through the crowd, her plain attire blending into the festive scene unnoticed.

It didn't take long for her to spot the dazzlingly handsome man, who easily stood out among the crowd.

He was none other than her husband, Ryan Haynes, the father of their child.

Just as a smile started to form on her lips, she spotted the woman standing next to Ryan, and her smile froze.

That woman was Ryan's first love, Maisie Powell!

Since when was Maisie back in town?

Jenessa stood glued to her spot, paralyzed as she watched Ryan and Maisie entertain the guests like a perfect couple.

Friends surrounded the two, and they seemed to be offering them their congratulations.

"Maisie, you're finally home. This deserves a toast!"

"Ryan, after all these years, you and Maisie have finally reunited. Doesn't that call for a celebratory drink?"

Gradually, the teasing grew louder.

Maisie, dressed to the nines in a sexy red dress and exquisite makeup, chuckled graciously. "Quit teasing us, you guys. Ryan already has a wife."

At the mention of Jenessa, the people around showed disdain.

"Jenessa? Please! Ryan only married her to appease his grandma!"

"Exactly! Ryan has always wanted to marry you. Right, Ryan?"

Ryan, looking like a prince in his custom-tailored suit, radiated a cool, unique charisma.

"Alright, enough already; stop teasing Maisie," he said coolly. "She can't drink; let me drink on her behalf."

As soon as he said this, his friends' laughter and teasing grew even more intense.

"Hey, Ryan, what the heck? You're being so protective of her, aren't you? Fine! If she can't drink, then you'll have to drink her share! And you're not allowed to leave until you've finished!"

Amidst the boisterous teasing, Ryan remained cool and collected, but there was an unmistakable hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Next to him, Maisie lowered her head and blushed shyly.

This loving scene was so glaring that it pierced Jenessa's heart.

She didn't know when or how, but she somehow ended up outside the hotel, only realizing it when the cold raindrops hit her face.

The chilly wind and drizzling rain enveloped her, and in no time, a fierce storm broke out, soaking her to her bones.

Still, she didn't move an inch and simply stared blankly at the rain. Why had Ryan called her over? Was this all just a ploy to make her witness their affection and gracefully surrender her place as his wife to his beloved Maisie?

Jenessa's breathing grew heavy. Looking around in a daze, she figured there was nothing she could do but leave this wretched place.

With stiff, deliberate steps, she trudged home in the rain. Standing at the doorway, she gazed at the familiar house, her thoughts drifting.

Two years ago, when her family was on the brink of bankruptcy, they tried salvaging their situation by marrying her off into the Haynes family.

Ryan was initially unwilling, but because his gravely ill grandma kept pressuring him, he reluctantly agreed to the arranged marriage.

Now that his grandma's health had improved and Maisie was back from abroad, Jenessa thought maybe it was time for her to pack her things and leave Ryan.

Jenessa didn't know how long she stood in front of the house before the sound of a car engine reached her ears.

Then, Ryan's deep voice spoke beside her. "Jenessa, why are you standing here, out in the rain?"