Chapter 1

Sixth wedding anniversary.

My husband, Liam, promised me a big surprise.

That night, he brought home his foster sister, Ava.

"Ava is unexpectedly pregnant with my child."

"You can't have children. This child will be adopted under your name, so we can have a child."

Ava strutted into the house confidently.

"After all, the Johnson Family was originally my home! You're the outsider!"

Liam quickly tried to console me.

"Ava is my sister, she's spoiled. Don't mind her."

But he seemed to forget,

I once saved her life.

If I wanted, I could take it back at any time.

...

When Liam brought Ava home, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were right behind him.

I thought they were coming to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary,

so I welcomed them with a smile until Liam spoke coldly.

"Ava is pregnant with my child, and I've decided to keep it."

The smile on my face froze instantly.

I stared at Liam in shock, unable to believe what I was hearing.

Liam gently helped Ava to the sofa and turned to me.

"Nora, you can't have children. This child will be adopted under your name."

What shocked me wasn't that he let his foster sister get pregnant but that he knew why I couldn't have children,

yet still chose to bring Ava home.

Before I could respond, Ava sat on the sofa as if claiming her territory.

"Bro, I helped you pick out this villa when you turned eighteen, right?"

"I even said I wanted to move in with you. You said it was your wedding house. But hey, now I'm living here anyway."

Mr. Johnson took the central seat, looking at Ava with affection.

"Ava, your brother's house is your house. You could always come and go as you please."

Mrs. Johnson chimed in,

"Exactly! We're family! We can't become distant just because Nora came in!"

I remained silent. Mrs. Johnson's words implied I was ruining their family harmony.

Liam saw my silence and pulled me aside to comfort me softly.

"Honey, I've talked to Ava. She'll move out once the baby is born."

"Can you get along during this time? For my sake."

Before I could refuse, Ava started pretending.

"Oh! My stomach hurts! Bro, where did you go?!"

Liam immediately let go of me and rushed to Ava.

"What's wrong, Ava? Where does it hurt? Let me massage it for you."

Not only Liam, but even Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were fussing over her, massaging her legs and back.

Ava looked at me with eyes full of provocation.

"The baby is kicking me. It only stops when you touch my belly, Bro."

Liam looked at her indulgently and said,

"You're talking nonsense! The baby is too small to kick. I think you just want me to touch you!"

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson looked at them happily and joked.

"A bit of fuss is good! Must be a boy!"

"Ava, work hard to give the Johnson Family a son. We can't let someone end our lineage!"

They glanced at me as if I couldn't understand the sarcasm.

Ava laughed heartily.

"I think a daughter is great too. I'll have a daughter this time and a son next. The son will have a sister to care for him!"

The couple was amused, clapping happily.

"Sis-in-law, I'm a bit thirsty. Can you pour me a glass of milk?"

"It's not me who wants to drink, it's the baby."

Ava looked at me smugly, as if she hadn't humiliated me enough.

I stood still, coldly staring at Liam, surprised he allowed Ava's behavior.

"Honey, could you please get Ava a glass of milk?"

I didn't move or speak, just stared at Liam, showing my dissatisfaction.

We stood like this until Liam finally gave in, sighed, and stood up.

"I'll get Ava the milk."

He turned and headed to the kitchen.

Ava began her mocking again.

"Sis-in-law is really the spoiled princess, can't even pour a glass of water."

"Seems like my brother does all the housework."

I watched her coldly, not bothering to refute. Knowing there were servants, she still spoke such nonsense.

Not wanting to see their fake family harmony anymore,

I decided to take a bath to calm down.

But the scene I saw after coming out of the bath,

made it impossible to stay calm.

Ava was lying openly on my and Liam's bed!