Chapter 1

My husband died suddenly, and then his visibly pregnant first love showed up with his will, ready to claim her inheritance.

My daughter wanted me to stand my ground, to fight that homewrecker tooth and nail!

But my in-laws told me, "Just let her have it. After all, she's carrying our family's bloodline. Even though our son wronged you, our family can't be without an heir."

I nodded, agreeing to my in-laws' demand. Ignoring my daughter's furious objections, I took her and moved abroad.

When my daughter fumed at my apparent weakness, I stayed silent. But when I received that familiar call, I smiled with satisfaction…

Julian's funeral drew a sizable crowd. Besides his family and friends, there were also many of his colleagues and business partners.

When they saw Luna, Julian's first love, show up visibly pregnant, clutching a will, their faces flickered with a myriad of expressions – it was quite a show.

Many of them discreetly watched me, silent, seemingly waiting to see my reaction. It looked like everyone was ready for some drama.

"Sarah, I know Julian and I both wronged you, but… I'm carrying his child. I have to live for this baby, right? I know what I did wasn't right, but this is the last gift Julian left for me and our child. You can't be so cruel as to strip us of our rights, can you?"

"Ugh! You utterly shameless witch! You secretly hooked up with my dad behind my mom's back! And now you have the nerve to show up pregnant, demanding an inheritance? I've never seen anyone as brazen as you!" My daughter, Mia, screamed at Luna. Her face was crimson with fury, veins throbbing in her neck, as if she wanted to tear Luna limb from limb.

"Mia! Do you have no manners? I don't remember your mother raising you to be such a wild banshee!" It was Mrs. Davies, my mother-in-law, who spoke. She shot me a glare. "How have you been raising this child?"

"She ruined my parents' relationship, she came between my mom and dad. If you won't help my mom, fine, but now you're siding with an outsider to accuse Mom and me? What do we even mean to you?!" Mia, usually so compliant, transformed. She shielded me like a mama bear protecting her cub, which touched me deeply, though it also filled me with shame.

Mrs. Davies was stunned by Mia's outburst, then her expression turned to anger. "This is outrageous! This little girl is starting to lecture her elders?! The adults in this family are still alive; it's not your place to speak, young lady!" She turned back to me. "I always said daughters were useless!"

Mr. Davies, my father-in-law, stepped forward. "This is adult business, Mia! Don't you dare interrupt! If you don't behave, don't blame me for getting rough with you!" He finished, giving Mia a harsh glare.

Mr. Davies then looked at Luna, then back at me. "Sarah, I know you've been married into our family for thirteen years. We've seen your character, and we've always treated you as one of our own. I hope you can consider our feelings now."

Listening to Mr. Davies, I calmly asked, "What do you mean?"

"It's just…" Mr. Davies hesitated, then continued, "Luna told us the baby is a boy. Our family has only ever had one son per generation, and we truly hope she gives birth. But now Julian is gone, and it will be difficult for Luna to raise a child alone. We hope you won't contest the inheritance with her."