Chapter 1 Chapter 1

After returning from the Sonovan family's residence, my daughter, Molly Sonovan, considerately went back to her room. Through the crack of the door, I saw her curled up under the blanket, small and trembling. I felt like my heart was being cut by a knife. I wearily called my parents who were abroad and agreed to their request for me to immigrate. "Dad, Mom, I've thought it through." In a week, Molly and I would leave this place. And that day also happened to be the tenth anniversary of my meeting with Andrew Sonovan. I sat alone in the living room all night, crying until I had no more tears left. The living room light turned on with a snap. Andrew walked over quickly and pulled me into his arms. "Why didn't you wait for me in the bedroom? It's cold here. Be careful not to catch a cold." Instinctively, I pulled away from his embrace. He froze for a moment, then chuckled softly. "You really have a sharp nose. You can even smell it even when someone else smokes." I hated the smell of smoke. But even after I gave birth to Molly, he still hadn't quit smoking. It wasn't until half a year ago that he suddenly made up his mind to quit, but it was for someone else. Andrew kissed my forehead and habitually slipped his hand inside my clothes. Over the past six months, his desire for me had grown increasingly urgent. I thought it was because our feelings for each other were deepening. But in reality, it was because the woman he truly cared about was pregnant, and he was simply taking out all his pent-up passion on me. What was I to him, then? I only felt waves of nausea and pushed him away instinctively. Andrew paused, a helpless look flashing across his face. "Alright, alright, I'll go take a shower. Go wait for me in the bedroom. I miss you so much, darling." I watched his tall, commanding figure as he walked into the bathroom. He still carried himself with the same effortless elegance and composure, without a trace of the heaviness or weariness typical of a man in middle age. Six years ago, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. "Mia, trust me. I'll definitely make you happy for the rest of your life." But in just six years, everything had changed. The phone Andrew left on the table suddenly rang. The ringtone was an unfamiliar song. Just as I was about to pick it up, he snatched it away with wet hands. "What? Kasey's not feeling well? Okay, I'll be right there." He was frowning, clearly worried sick. He hastily wiped the water off his body with a towel and quickly changed into his clothes. "Kasey? What happened to her?" Andrew stiffened. He immediately turned his head to explain, "After Harry passed away, Kasey has never been able to move on. You know how it is with my family's traditions, so my parents want me to take on both households." He paused, then turned around and held my shoulders, gazing at me with deep affection. "But you're the only one I love, Mia. Even if I have to go against my whole family, I'll still give you the formal, public recognition you deserve as my wife." It was only after he proposed that he told me his family had a tradition of husbands and wives living apart together. Thus, we only registered the marriage and didn't have a wedding. Our families never even met. I thought loving someone meant respecting them. So for six years, I bore everything alone. But he shouldn't have lied to me. Watching him turn and leave, I couldn't help but speak up. "Andrew, you—""Mia, you should be more understanding. I've already gone against my family's norms for you. What more do you want?" I swallowed down the rest of my words. Looking at this impatient face, I said softly, "Tomorrow is Molly's birthday." Andrew froze for a moment, and his expression shifted to one of guilt. "Alright, I got it." I didn't know what he meant by that. But both Molly and I didn't want him anymore.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

The next morning, Molly sat in the living room, obediently waiting for Andrew. But just like before, he didn't show up at all. To cheer Molly up, I took her to the amusement park, and we played all day. But she wasn't happy. She kept glancing toward the park's entrance. I knew, just like me, she was waiting for someone who wouldn't show up. In the evening, I carried my sleeping daughter back home. But to my surprise, as soon as we reached the doorsteps, someone insisted on taking us to the Sonovan family's residence. "Is there something you need?" It was the first time in six years I had seen Andrew's mother, Erica Hull. Erica merely shot me a cold glance before saying haughtily, "Huh, as expected from someone of low birth—you have no manners at all. Don't you even know how to greet your elders when you see them?" I knew that in the eyes of the Sonovan family, I was nothing more than an ordinary country girl. Their family was wealthy and powerful, so of course, I must have been the kind of woman who clung to her son. In the six years since she was born, Molly had never met her paternal grandmother. I didn't want to wake my daughter, so I covered her ears while Erica sat on the couch, looking at me with contempt. "Kasey is pregnant, and the baby in the belly is the first grandson of our family." My heart felt like it was ripped open. At that moment, a man's gentle voice came from upstairs. "Kasey, slow down. Be careful with the baby in your belly." Andrew and Kasey Jordan descended from the second floor, looking every bit like a truly loving couple. When Andrew saw me in the living room, his expression changed. But he still carefully helped Kasey down the stairs. Erica went to greet them with a smile. She affectionately rubbed Kasey's tummy, saying, "Our family's grandson must be of pure blood, not a brat with mixed blood." Erica glanced at me with disdain, as if I were some kind of trash. "Andrew, since you and Kasey are together now, it's time to get rid of anyone who shouldn't be here." Andrew's face showed a hint of hesitation as he grabbed Erica's hand. "Mom, didn't you promise me—" Kasey looked at him weakly with soft, tear-filled eyes. Andrew hesitated instantly. Knowing what his choice would be, I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat. "Molly is my daughter—she has nothing to do with your family." Molly, who was still in my arms, woke up from the noise. Sleepily, she reached up with her small hand to touch my red-rimmed eyes. "Mommy, don't cry. I'll be a good girl." I held her tightly in my arms and kissed her little face. "Molly, from now on, you don't have a daddy anymore. You only have mommy, okay?" Andrew opened his mouth, wanting to explain. But I didn't look at him. He knew I had a stubborn temper, but he never expected me to agree so easily to Erica's request. It was just like back then, when I loved him so much that I disregarded everyone's opposition and resolutely stayed in the country for him. Molly was still confused, but I could see the sadness in her eyes. I didn't want my daughter to be hurt any further, but as I was about to leave, Kasey blocked my way. "Andrew, how could you be honest with Mia?" Kasey asked. I looked at Andrew, who averted his gaze. "After I got pregnant, I couldn't sleep well. But Andrew said your courtyard house is very quiet, so I'd like to move there to rest and focus on the pregnancy," Kasey said.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

I glared at Andrew. "That's my house! Who gave you the right to give it to someone else?" Kasey leaned weakly into Andrew's embrace, and he instinctively wrapped his arm around her, gently supporting her slightly rounded belly. This child, even before being born, already had 100% of his father's love. But what about Molly? From the day we learned of her existence, Andrew had never shown up. It turned out the signs were there all along. Andrew hesitated, but seeing the misty tears in Kasey's eyes, he gritted his teeth and spoke up. "It's just for a few months until the baby is born." But my grandmother, Tanya Cohen, had left the house to me. At that time, Andrew had knelt beside Grandma's sickbed, gripping my hand tightly, promising that he would love me for life. Oh, well. I pinched my fingers, trying my best to keep my emotions in check. "If you want to live there, fine. I'll sell it to you for three million dollars." Kasey's smile froze. I turned around without even looking at them. "I'm sure the great Sonovan family wouldn't stoop to taking advantage of a country girl like me, right? You can move in once I get the money. Otherwise, you can forget all about it.""Alright, I'll transfer the money to you right away," Andrew said without hesitation. But I quickly walked out of the Sonovan family's residence with Molly in my arms. We would never come back here again. On the way home, realization dawned on Molly as she gradually woke up. She pressed herself tightly against my chest. By the time I noticed, her eyes had already become red from all the crying. "Molly, how about we go visit your grandpa and grandma?" Sobbing, Molly asked, "What about Daddy?" I didn't know how to answer, but I still chose to tell her the truth. "Your daddy is going to be another kid's daddy now. So, we don't want him anymore. Is that okay?" I didn't want Molly to sacrifice herself, doing whatever her father wanted, just because she yearned for his love. Molly pressed her lips together and hugged her doll tighter. "But I also want Daddy to hold me up high." At the amusement park, all the children were being carried on their fathers' shoulders. But Molly could only watch with envy. I simply couldn't bear to see Molly upset, so I agreed to her request. "I'll give you anything you want, Molly." When we got home, I saw the messages Andrew had sent me. I didn't have the patience to read them one by one. I just replied with two sentences, "The day after tomorrow is the kindergarten open day. Come spend the day with Molly, and I'll transfer the house deed to you." Andrew replied quickly, "Mia, I know all of this is my fault. But I have my reasons too. Don't worry, I'll definitely be there the day after tomorrow." On the third morning, Molly put on her prettiest princess dress. "Mommy, Daddy's coming today! I'm going to be the happiest little girl in the world!" I nodded with a smile and kissed her cheek. But when we got to the kindergarten, I still didn't see Andrew. After handing Molly over to the teacher, I called Andrew several times, but no one answered. I watched as Molly's joy slowly turned into disappointment. "Mommy, all the other kids' daddies are here." Doing her best to hold back her tears, she comforted me, "But I have the best mommy in the world. I only need Mommy." My daughter, at just six years old, had been forced to accept the reality of not having a father. She shouldn't have to bear this pain. I couldn't hold back my anger any longer. Molly hadn't done anything wrong, so why? But at that moment, I received a message from Andrew. "I'm at Cloudalis."

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

The old courtyard house Grandma left me was in Cloudalis. I let out a sigh of relief. Andrew hadn't forgotten at all—he just wanted to make it up to Molly. "Molly, Daddy's waiting for us at your great-grandma's place." Molly jumped with excitement, proudly announcing to the kids around her. "My daddy's waiting for me!" I hurriedly took Molly to Cloudalis. But as soon as we reached the house, I noticed something was wrong—why were there so many luxury cars parked outside? When we walked in, I saw that one side of the wall had been knocked down. A gold champagne tower stood in the yard, and everything had been decorated grandly. Yet, none of it had anything to do with what Molly liked. Still, Molly was overjoyed. She kept shouting "Daddy" as she sprinted inside. Before I could stop her, she had already thrown herself into Andrew's embrace and wrapped her tiny arms around his legs. "Daddy, I've missed you so much!" Andrew's expression stiffened, and he instinctively pushed Molly away. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Molly fell to the ground. The well-dressed guests around them began whispering and staring at her. "Is that Mr. Sonovan's illegitimate daughter?""I don't think so? Isn't Kasey his only fiancée?""Stuff like this is normal! It's probably just some woman trying to climb her way up." Molly didn't understand what they were saying. Frightened, she reached her tiny hands toward Andrew. "Daddy…""Don't call me that!" Andrew reprimanded coldly, his eyes darting around in a panic. Molly blinked with confusion as she struggled to stand up. "Then, sir, can you hold me up high?" she asked. "No, he can't." Kasey smiled sweetly at Molly, but her words were venomous. "He's the daddy of the baby in my tummy. He'll only love my baby and hold my baby up high. Little illegitimate brats like you will never compare to my baby." She wasn't speaking very loudly, but everyone could hear her clearly. I rushed over immediately and scooped Molly up. Then, I roared furiously, "Andrew Sonovan, tell them who's the real illegitimate brat here!" Molly was clearly a child born in wedlock. But Andrew turned his head away, not daring to meet my eyes. "Mia, don't make a scene. Kasey is the one I'm going to marry." In that instant, it felt like a knife had sliced my heart to pieces. Kasey let out a soft sigh, then maliciously threw even more dirt on my name. "Andrew already gave you so much money, but I guess your greed knows no limits. Did you really think a country orphan like you could marry into the Sonovan family with your dirty tricks?" Among the crowd, the wives of wealthy men laughed mockingly at me, calling me a wretch. And the men looked at me like I was nothing more than a plaything. I was shaking with rage. Without thinking, I kicked the champagne tower over. "This is my house! All of you—get out!"

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

With a crash, the champagne tower shattered into pieces. The guests around us gasped and quickly stepped back. Andrew was only focused on protecting Kasey and the baby in her belly. He looked at me with disappointment. Molly let out a wail and clung to my neck. Only in my embrace could my precious daughter release all the frustration she had been holding inside. I patted Molly's back, my gaze icy as I looked at Andrew. "This is my private property. You've occupied my yard without my consent, and I'll definitely call the police to get justice!" But to my surprise, Andrew knocked my phone out of my hand. He lowered his voice and warned me, "Don't cause a scene here, Mia. Today's really important to me, so just bear with it for now." He gripped my wrist tightly and tried to pull me into the house. But unexpectedly, Kasey stepped in front of me and glared at me venomously. "Andrew, she has ruined our special day! I want her to kneel and apologize!" Andrew didn't dare to lay a hand on me, but his family nearby grabbed hold of me and pinned me violently to the ground. Afraid of Molly getting hurt, I desperately shielded her in my arms. My hands, face, and body were cut and bleeding from the glass shards, the pain searing through me. Molly clung tightly to my neck, trying to protect me with her tiny body. "Don't hit my mommy! Please, don't hit my mommy!" I couldn't hold back the tears when I heard Molly's fearful voice. It was my fault! I shouldn't have let love blind me, thinking that as long as I tried hard enough, the Sonovan family would accept me. Andrew looked at me through the crowd. But the moment our eyes met, he turned away. The pain in my heart was a hundred times worse than the physical agony. I had to remember this feeling. From now on, I would sever all ties with Andrew. We would have nothing to do with each other anymore! Molly broke free from my arms and ran to the Sonovan family, clinging to their legs and begging them. "This is all my fault. I was the one who wanted to come here. Please don't hit my mommy anymore. If you want to hit anyone, hit me!" But the Sonovan family kicked Molly away. "Molly!" Both Andrew and I cried out in shock. Molly crashed heavily into the wall. Andrew reached her before me, and he scooped her up. "Sir, hit me. Don't hit Mommy anymore." I grabbed a handful of broken glass and shoved my way through the crowd like a madwoman, snatching Molly back into my arms. "Molly! Molly, this is all my fault. I'm taking you to the doctor. Molly!" Andrew saw me stumbling away and instinctively started to come after us, but Kasey grabbed his hand. I didn't look back. I would never forgive anyone who hurt my daughter, not even her own father. Thankfully, Molly's injuries were only superficial. None of her vital organs had been harmed. The day Molly was discharged from the hospital happened to be the day before we were set to leave. Andrew never came to visit. He only sent someone to return my phone. "Mia, I really have my reasons. Wait for me. I promise I'll give you and Molly an explanation." But his so-called explanation was nothing more than the news of his marriage alliance of the century with Kasey. Even though I hadn't been paying attention to their situation, the news still managed to reach me from all directions. On the day we were leaving, I had the place we had been living in cleaned and sold at the fastest speed. I sat in the airport lounge, holding Molly in my arms. Just then, after days of silence, Andrew called. I hung up on him several times, but he kept calling back. Just as I was about to turn off my phone, I accidentally hit the answer button. "Mia, you finally picked up—" Before he could finish, the airport announcement blared over the speaker. "Mia, where are you and Molly going? Please, listen to me. I can explain. I—" I cut him off. "Andrew, we're done. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other anymore." After saying that, I turned off my phone.