Chapter 1 Chapter 1

“I’ve explained this to you a thousand times—Beverly has cancer and only a year left. Her biggest wish is to leave her family with a child. She saved my life once, and now I have to help her fulfill this wish!” I’d heard this script from Dominic Pearson countless times over the past two weeks. When he first proposed the idea, I’d shut it down immediately. But he wouldn’t drop it, nagging me daily. His tone had shifted too—from tentative pleading to righteous anger, as if I were the villain for refusing. Since when did repaying a life debt require fathering a child? Consistent arguments had drained me. I no longer had the energy to reason with him. Instead, I stared at the man I’d loved for five years and asked, voice trembling, “Dominic, our wedding is in two weeks. Now you want to have a baby with another woman? What am I to you?” For the first time, Dominic seemed to notice the storm cloud of despair hanging over me. His tone softened slightly. “Jane, I know this is hard… but I’m the only one who can help Beverly. I can’t let her die with this regret. “It’s just IVF—nothing will happen between us. “If you love me, you’ll understand.” My heart plummeted. It was clear he’d already made up his mind. My feelings were irrelevant. Dominic opened his mouth to continue, but a phone ring cut him off. He glanced at the screen and stepped onto the balcony. Watching his retreating figure, I smiled bitterly. Dominic and I had grown up together—same classes since elementary school, same college. I’d loved him silently for years, but he’d never noticed… until graduation, when he finally acknowledged my devotion and agreed to date. You’d think after 20 years, we’d trust each other completely. Yet in five years as a couple, I’d never once touched his phone. He took every call in secret. Once, while he lay feverish in bed, his phone buzzed nonstop. I tried to mute it, but the moment my finger grazed the screen, he woke up and accused me of snooping. No explanation helped. I spent that night alone on the couch. I told myself it was just his guarded nature—that someday, I’d earn his trust. But five years changed nothing. Now he wanted a child with another woman, indifferent to how his actual fiancée might feel. When Dominic returned, he was grinning. He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. “I need to go. Think about what I said.” His hurried footsteps echoed. Only one person made him rush like that: Beverly. Sure enough, minutes later, Beverly sent a photo. When I zoomed in, my legs nearly gave out.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

It was a prenatal report—and the patient’s name was Beverly. The listed conception date made my head spin. Three weeks pregnant. Which meant Dominic and Beverly had undergone IVF over a month ago. He’d never planned to discuss this with me—never intended to ask for my consent. So why had he hounded me about it daily? To absolve his guilt? What did I even mean to him? My legs buckled, and I sank to the floor. I felt my heart clenched, strangling every breath. No wonder Dominic had rushed out earlier, grinning like a fool after that call. He’d known. They did a good job. Beverly was pregnant. He was probably at the hospital with her now, clinking champagne glasses over their twisted “miracle.” I pressed my palms against my eyelids, but the image of that report burned brighter. How could the man I’d loved for decades become another woman’s child’s father? Two months ago, he’d tearfully accepted my proposal. I’d booked the cathedral and chosen a lace gown for our wedding. I’d

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Dominic didn’t come home that night, and I didn’t call to ask where he was. I’d already seen Beverly’s social media updates. After leaving the hospital, they’d rushed to her family’s house to announce the pregnancy. In the photos, Beverly’s grandmother clasped Dominic’s hand warmly while he rested his other palm on Beverly’s belly, smiling like a doting husband. For five years together, Dominic had only visited my family once—after accepting my proposal. Despite living just 30 minutes away, he’d never bothered before, claiming he “felt awkward around elders.” Even that single visit had been stiffly polite, nothing like the tender ease he showed with Beverly’s family. I swallowed the bitterness and turned off my phone. The next day, I met friends to break the news about canceling the wedding. Dominic had always hated ceremonies, calling them “pointless pomp.” I’d fought to keep ours small—just close family and friends. Now, their shocked reactions stung: “You’ve loved him for dec

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

“I can't take wedding photos with you tomorrow.” My eyes flicked to the calendar where “PHOTOSHOOT” glared under tomorrow’s date. I had no idea why Dominic wanted to cancel. Honestly, I didn't want to get married anyway. Even if Dominic hadn't said anything, I would have found an excuse to call it off. His suggestion was a huge relief. I nodded. "Okay, I'll call the photographer and cancel it." The words were barely out when Dominic's eyes widened. He hadn't expected such a quick, easy agreement. He'd probably anticipated questions, a whole interrogation. After all, I'd meticulously planned every detail of the wedding, spending ages researching. Even the photographer for the shoot was a pricey last-minute addition, secured only after I'd significantly increased the fee to jump the queue. He'd expected a fight. Instead, I was calm. Dominic looked at me, his expression a confusing mix of emotions. "Don't cancel," he said. "Beverly said she'll probably never

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

For a whole week, Dominic didn't come home. But I knew exactly what he was up to. Beverly, bless her heart, posted everything on social media. It was impossible to miss. Hot springs trips, ocean views, sunrise selfies… My social media feed was flooded with a completely different Dominic. He could be a normal, loving boyfriend. Just not with me. I didn't dwell on their daily adventures; I'd glance, then quickly scroll past. I wasn't idle, though. The apartment was overflowing, and it took days to completely clear it out. I even squeezed in a trip home, telling my parents I was heading to the lab soon and wouldn't have much contact with the outside world for a while. My dad looked surprised. "You're practically married to Dominic. Won't you be living apart?" Mom's eyes were filled with worry. She took my hand. "Jane, honey, think this through. You and Dominic have come so far. If you go to the lab, he might not agree, and the wedding…" I understood the

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

Countdown, day five. I submitted my resignation to the university. Initially, to be with Dominic, I'd turned down my advisor's offer to continue research, choosing instead to follow Dominic to Concordia University and become a teacher. My colleagues were surprised by my resignation. "Why are you leaving, Jane?""I heard you were getting married. Going to be a stay-at-home wife? Dominic's a lucky guy!" one colleague joked. I smiled, holding my boxes. "No, the wedding's off." When I got home, I found Dominic and Beverly sitting on the couch—my first sight of Dominic in a week. He saw my boxes. "What are you doing with all those things?" I improvised. "Just stuff I don't need anymore." Dominic nodded, surveying the apartment. "I've only been gone a week. It seems like a lot less stuff is here." I took the boxes to the bedroom, calmly replying, "I just cleaned out some unnecessary junk." Dominic started to speak, but Beverly interrupted. "Jane, Dominic w

Chapter 7 Chapter 7

Dominic heard the last few words after he put Beverly in the car. Realizing he hadn't heard the beginning, I made up an excuse. "A friend of mine is leaving soon." Dominic nodded, asking no further questions. Countdown, day four. Dominic brought home his and Beverly's wedding photos. He video-chatted with Beverly on his phone while showing her the framed pictures, his eyes full of tenderness. "Beverly, our wedding photos are ready. The staff said they came out great." I happened to be getting water when he said that. A flicker of embarrassment crossed Dominic's face. He seemed about to say something. I glanced at the photo and commented, "They really are nice." I'd paid a high price for this photographer, hoping to capture the most loving moments between Dominic and me. I'd imagined feeling immense happiness when I saw the finished photos. Dominic, in his suit, was exactly as handsome as I'd envisioned. The only difference was the bride wasn't me.

Chapter 8 Chapter 8

Dominic's accusations made me laugh in anger. "Me apologize? Check the security footage yourself and see if I should apologize!" I hadn't expected Dominic to assume I'd tried to push Beverly down the stairs without even checking the footage. "Beverly is a patient, a pregnant woman. Would she deliberately harm herself?" A flicker of panic crossed Beverly's face. "Forget it, Dominic. Jane's anger is understandable. Let's go." But Dominic refused. "No, she has to apologize to you today!" I wouldn't back down. I wouldn't admit to something I hadn't done. Beverly, fearing Dominic would check the security footage and expose her, clutched her stomach, feigning discomfort. Dominic's furious expression instantly turned to worry. He scooped Beverly into his arms and rushed to find a doctor. Watching them leave, I felt a bitter taste spread through me. Twenty years of company, five years of dating, and I couldn't earn Dominic's trust. Thankfully, I'd woken up and could leave.