Chapter 1

Everyone said Jerald Lucas, the cold-faced CEO, only loved his wife, Clara Rernald.

But on their seventh wedding anniversary, Jerald was drugged and ended up in bed with someone else.

When Clara arrived at the scene, she smelled the romantic air in the room and saw torn lingerie lay scattered across the floor.

Jerald knelt before her, stabbing his own chest seven times, swearing he would never betray her again.

From that day, Jerald went mad trying to make it up to her. Yet, deep down, Clara knew there was no going back for them. Until a photograph appeared in their mail box that prompted Clara to decide to leave him for good.

1.

In the photo, Jerald was cautiously supporting Cecilia Lewis, and it seemed they were at the obstetrics department of a hospital.

In the mailbox, there was an envelope with an address on it, which was a newly built posh-mansion community in Hallen, the city where they were living and also home to the most elite figures in the city. Jerald had bought Mansion No. 1 in the community for Clara.

And the address she was reading now was No. 2.

Clara had a strange premonition.

She grabbed the keys and drove to the address. She found the door of the mansion ajar when she arrived.

She saw Jerald was in the house. His face was still clouded. Beside him stood his good friend Nathan Riley.

Nathan surveyed the house then spoke with a hint of displeasure in his voice. "Is this your secret hideaway for a lover? A new home for you? Aren't you worry that Clara would find out?"

Jerald frowned at Nathan's barrage of questions

"She won't. Clara loves me. Even if she finds out, she'll forgive me."

Clara couldn't help but let out a cold laugh at his words.

"And Cecilia is pregnant. My father said if I don't have an heir soon, he'll take care of Clara.

So an heir is what I need. I can't abandon this child. When Cecilia gives birth, the child will be Clara's and mine. He'll be the future leader of our family."

Nathan puzzled, "Can't you and Clara just have one yourselves? Why have another woman involved in this?"

Jerald shook his head. "Clara is unable to conceive, so this child must stay. Or I wouldn't have orchestrated the drugging incident. Cecilia's background is clean, perfect to bear this child for Clara."

Besides, I've found Cecilia is a nice girl during this time. Maybe I could continue this relationship with her."

Listening to their conspiracy, Clara felt a chill run through her heart.

As she retreated, a fragrance wafted from behind. Cecilia, with her pregnant belly, bumped into her defiantly.

Everything was clear. Cecilia wanted Clara to witness it, betting she wouldn't forgive Jerald as easily as last time.

Clara turned and left.

She heard Jerald's caring voice behind her, "You're pregnant. Just tell the assistants to handle everything."

That evening, Jerald suddenly cook a big meal himself.

He looked like Clara's dog when he tried to please her.

"Clara, sorry I've been busy lately and haven't had time for you. Try it. See if I'm still a good cook."

Clara ate with her head down, a cold smile lingering in her heart. So this was how a man compensated his wife for his wrongdoing.

Suddenly they heard hurried footsteps outside the dining room.

Jerald's assistant appeared. He was sweating profusely and looked troubled.

"Sir. Ma'am," he said respectfully.

"Sir, your father has sent a message to you that he'll announce the heir at his birthday banquet this year."

Jerald was slightly impatient. "I got it."

Everyone knew Jerald's father held significant influence over Hallen. Jerald was his youngest son. For years, a successor to take over Lucas Group, the company of their family, had not been chosen.

Though finishing his words, the assistant did not retreat but edged forward. His throat trembled nervously before he dared to utter the second half of the message, "Mr. Lucas said... said the heir must be the child of you and Mrs. Lucas here. If by the end of the year, she's not pregnant, he'll consider other relatives."

Clara scoffed. Everyone knew Jerald's father cherished him. How could he hand over the Lucas Group to others?

Clara's gaze fell on the assistant's shifting eyes, and she chuckled softly. What was the point for making such a scene like this?

Three years ago, she had severely injured her back protecting Jerald, and the doctor warned her then that pregnancy would be ten times riskier for her than for other women.

Over the years, Jerald forbade anyone from mentioning anything about a child, even reprimanding the maid for uttering a word about it in her presence.

Sure enough, Jerald suddenly turned to the assistant, with the ruthlessness of a CEO flashing in his eyes. "What does Dad want?"

Seeing the assistant shrink back in fear, Jerald suddenly sighed in relief and turned to hold Clara in his arms. "Don't listen to them."

He rested his chin on her hair, "I don't care about our family's business. We could live a humble life. As for children, Father shouldn't even consider it. I can't stand the thought of you being in pain."

Buried in his arms, Clara felt only a chilling coldness. He was lying. He wanted to make her suggest he go find someone else to have a child.

As she expected, lying in bed that night, he wrapped around her from behind and suddenly chuckled softly, "Actually, I think children are quite adorable."

Clara's back stiffened.

"If they had your eyes, they'd be the most beautiful kids."

He buried his face in her neck, trying to please her with his breath brushing her skin.

Clara spoke softly, "Jerald, do you really want a child so badly?"

Jerald paused, then explained, "No... What I was saying... Never mind. Just sleep."

Clara didn't catch the rest of his words. She just turned over. And stayed sleepless all night.

Jerald had been burdened with the mission of being the Lucas family's heir since birth. For someone from a wealthy family, love was probably the least significant thing in their life.

Even now, he hadn't thought to be honest with her.

Every word was paving the way for the child in Cecilia's belly.

Having loved him for seven years, having spent her time with him for seven years, she ultimately could not escape the fate of ending their marriage.