Chapter 2

Ethan didn't come home that night.

The next morning, before I fully woke up, I heard him on the phone.

"...Have all the news about the wedding been taken care of? Lily absolutely cannot find out."

When I opened my eyes, he was already sitting by the bed, full of concern.

"You're awake? How do you feel?"

"Our child is gone," I said, my voice trembling, my eyes hollow.

He hugged me tightly: "Don't worry. Even if you can't have children, you'll always be the one I love most, a part of the Lewis family."

"I love you. That will never change."

If I hadn't already known the truth, I might have believed these sweet words.

Now, I only felt waves of nausea.

I quickly withdrew my hand, pushing him away. Ethan was stunned for a moment but quickly regained his gentle demeanor.

"I've contacted an orphanage. Didn't you always want a child? We can adopt one."

He finally revealed his true intentions impatiently.

I regretted being so blind before, unable to see through his disguise.

If that's the case, I'll play along with his game.

On the day of discharge, Ethan carefully carried me to the car, appearing loving to onlookers.

At the orphanage, a little boy ran towards us energetically, innocently saying to Ethan:

"Uncle Ethan, are you here to take me home? Will the new mom like Tommy? I'll be very, very good!"

"See how adorable Tommy is," Ethan said gently. "Shall we take him home?"

The boy's features resembled Ethan's, with traces of Olivia as well.

"Of course," I smiled faintly.

Ethan visibly relaxed, crouching down to hold Tommy's hand: "From today on, this is your new mom."

I looked directly into Ethan's eyes. Those eyes that once made my heart flutter now held only hypocrisy.

I recalled the conversation I had overheard on the hospital bed, and a chill ran through me.

Thinking back to Ethan and Olivia's conspiracy, to the child they had mercilessly killed, I excused myself to the restroom to escape the scene.

Outside, I overheard staff members talking:

"Mr. Lewis really went to great lengths. To bring his own son home legitimately, he came up with this plan."

"Indeed, willing to sacrifice his wife's child to protect the one born by his mistress."

"We rehearsed with Tommy many times for this performance. Thankfully, it went perfectly..."

I turned on the faucet, using the sound of water to mask my sobs.

Leaving the restroom, I saw Olivia already standing beside Ethan.

The family of three looked blissful.

Tommy boasted proudly: "Dad, did I act well?"

"As long as we fool Aunt Lily, you can spend more time with me and mom, right?"

Ethan lovingly tapped his nose: "Our Tommy is so clever."

He then smiled at Olivia: "What does Mom think of Tommy's performance?"

Noticing me approaching, Ethan hurriedly stood up:

"Lily, don't misunderstand. Olivia often visits Tommy at the orphanage. He's used to calling her mom and hasn't broken the habit yet."

Olivia also put on a pitiful expression:

"Sister-in-law, please don't think too much. I just came to help my brother check on the child. This boy is really lovable. He'll surely be filial to you both."

I suddenly felt absurdly amused.

To have their child call me "mom" and enter the Lewis family openly, they didn't hesitate to kill my child and deprive me of my ability to have children.

After doing all these terrible things, they still pretend to be innocent in front of me?

I shook my head slightly: "It's fine. I won't overthink it. Let's go handle the paperwork. I agree to bring this child into our family."