Chapter 1

I have been married to Declan for three years, but he refuses to sleep in the same bed as me.

This is all because his female friend, Daphne, cannot have children.

"Daphne's health is poor. Do you really want her to watch us live happily as a family of three? That's too cruel!"

I kept compromising until Daphne's birthday, when Declan, after drinking, suggested we sleep together.

I was overjoyed, and for three whole days and nights, my body bore the marks of our passion.

Not long after, I discovered I was pregnant.

Excitedly, I took the report to show him, only to find them watching a short video, and the woman in the video was me!

"Declan, how could you be so callous?"

"Declan, you're unbelievably generous."

This was all part of a bet proposed by Daphne. Whoever's child I conceived first would have to buy her a diamond ring worth millions.

Their attitude made me furious. The next day, Declan received a letter.

I’m pregnant. Looking at the ultrasound report, I was overwhelmed with joy.

This was our first child after three years of marriage.

Declan had never wanted to share a bed with me, let alone have a child. Now that we had this love's fruit, I thought he’d be happy too.

I quickly dialed his number, but it was busy. As I wondered why, the phone rang again. When I answered, I heard Declan's slightly breathless voice.

"What’s up?"

He sounded displeased, as if I had interrupted something important.

"I just left the hospital. I have good news to share."

"Whatever it is, tell me at home."

He was in a hurry, and I could hear a soft female voice in the background.

"Are you with Daphne?"

I frowned and asked.

A long silence followed, and then Declan finally responded.

"No, Theo and the others are here."

I let out a small "oh," feeling somewhat annoyed. Declan didn’t seem to care about my matters, not even asking why I went to the hospital.

"Alright, I’ve got to go. We have something to discuss."

Before I could say more, he hastily hung up.

Gripping the report, I skeptically took a cab to his company.

Before marrying me, Declan had a close-knit circle of friends for ten years, from high school till now.

Theo and Daphne were part of it. I remember Daphne well because Declan wouldn’t have kids with me because of her.

Daphne, due to her reckless youth and multiple abortions, was nearly infertile. The group vowed not to have kids to accommodate her.

I vaguely recall arguing with Declan about kids, and he always mentioned her.

"I don’t understand. Why does Daphne’s inability to have kids concern you?"

"Daphne’s health is poor. Do you really want her to watch us live happily as a family of three? That’s too cruel!"

Declan spoke firmly and decisively. No matter how much I pleased him after marriage, he remained indifferent, even sleeping in separate rooms from me.

As a woman, I understood Daphne’s feelings. She liked Declan.

Because of her poor background and unclean past, the Declan family would never allow her in, so she was jealous and even hated me.

I only learned this after marrying Declan. I loved him, so I chose to compromise for our marriage.

"Ma'am, we've arrived," the driver’s gentle voice brought me back to reality. I protected my belly and prepared to get out.

Before reaching Declan’s office, I heard laughter inside.

"Look at this part. It's too intense, like she's trying to please us."

"You don't get it. The best part is when she's on top. The way she moves is incredible."

I frowned, listening to their banter, and heard faint moans mixed in their laughter.

My ears burned with anger. In broad daylight, they were watching short videos in the office!

I was about to push the door open when a clear voice interrupted.

"Stop watching. It's just Genevieve. What's so interesting?"

I stopped. It was Daphne’s voice, familiar because she often called Declan late at night.

"You have to admit, Genevieve has a great figure! No wonder so many chased after her."

"So what? In the end, she still ended up with us. But Declan, you're generous to share your wife."

My expression froze, mouth agape in disbelief, like a plaster statue struck by lightning, even my eyelashes trembling in shock.

I stiffly turned my eyes, peeking through the blinds. The woman in the video they played was me!