Chapter 2

"What did you say?" My voice trembled violently.

"Seraphina's kidnapping can't be exposed. She just signed a major international brand endorsement. If it comes out, her career will be ruined," Dominic Thorne's tone was calm, almost cruel. "But you're different. You rarely appear in public. As long as you take the blame for this, the public outrage will quickly pass."

I stared intently at the man I had loved for years. "Dominic Thorne, do you know what you're saying?"

"Before, you wanted me to claim paternity for Seraphina Monroe's baby, and I agreed."

"Now, you want me to admit to being kidnapped and… assaulted for her?!"

His voice was low. "Elara, I'm begging you."

"Begging me?" I laughed, but tears streamed down my face. "For her, you want me to ruin my own reputation?"

"Seraphina can't handle this kind of blow. She already has depression," he said urgently. "But you're different. You've always been strong."

"So I'm just disposable?" I practically hissed through clenched teeth.

"It's not a sacrifice, just a temporary solution." He paused, his tone softening. "Elara, could you… get rid of the baby first?"

My world shattered in an instant.

"Dominic Thorne," my voice was hoarse. "That's your baby too!!!"

"I know!" His voice suddenly became agitated. "But Seraphina can't handle any stress right now!"

My breath hitched for a second.

I laughed, tears streaming down my face. "Fine, I agree."

He was about to say something else when his phone suddenly rang.

From the other end of the line, I heard a crying sound.

"Waaah! Dominic, I had a nightmare! I'm so scared! Will they tell everyone about what happened to me?" Seraphina Monroe's delicate voice whined.

Dominic Thorne's tone instantly changed. He cooed softly, "Don't worry, Seraphina, I won't let anyone hurt you."

The call ended, and he turned and left without a moment's hesitation.

I went to the hospital.

The nurse handed me a form, her eyes filled with pity.

"Mrs. Thorne, are you sure you want to proceed with the surgery?"

I looked down at the paper. Dominic Thorne's name was already signed.

He had already arranged all of this.

I nodded numbly. "Yes."

The doctor pushed up her glasses, her voice calm. "Your physical condition is special. This abortion could lead to permanent infertility. Are you sure you want to risk it?"

I snapped my head up. "Permanent infertility?"

"Yes, your uterine lining is thin. If you force this abortion, it might be very difficult to get pregnant again in the future…"

My fingers trembled slightly.

Dominic Thorne, you knew about this, and you still want me to abort this baby! All for Seraphina Monroe.

I bit my lip so hard until the taste of blood spread in my mouth.

Suddenly, a strange flutter came from my abdomen, like a tiny butterfly fluttering its wings a few times.

I grabbed the doctor's wrist. "Stop! I'm not doing it!"

The doctor frowned. "Mrs. Thorne, your husband specifically instructed…"

"I said I'm not doing it!" I yelled, sitting up from the operating table and tearing off the surgical gown. "I'm keeping this baby!"

When I walked out of the hospital, the sunlight was blinding.

I opened my phone. The top trending headline boldly read:

\#DominicThorneSeraphinaMonroeSweetOutingAtLuxuryBabyStore\#

The accompanying photo showed my husband's hand carefully placed on Seraphina Monroe's lower back as she gently caressed her visibly rounded belly.

The comment section was full of praise:

"This is a match made in heaven! A dazzling actress and a prominent mogul from the city's elite – a perfect couple!"

"Seraphina Monroe's belly is already so big. How can Dominic's wife still cling to her position?"

"I heard that woman got pregnant with a bastard after disappearing for a few days, and Mr. Thorne was kind enough not to divorce her on the spot!"

"Who knows if she was really missing or faking it? Maybe she was secretly meeting with another man!"

My nails dug deep into my palms, but I felt nothing, only a profound numbness.

"Don't be scared, baby," I whispered, touching my abdomen. "Mommy will protect you."

I turned and went to a law firm to draft divorce papers.