Chapter 2

Sara POV

I put down my phone and looked at the dark moon outside the window, remembering when Lucas held me and said.

"I wish I could take you to the moon. Then it would be just the two of us."

My heart felt crushed by an invisible hand. Suddenly, a strong wave of nausea surged up. I rushed to the bathroom.

Five minutes later, I stared at the pregnancy test in my hand showing two lines, frozen on the toilet.

We'd used protection every time. How could I be pregnant?

"Sara, when we get married, let's have two children. A boy who looks like me and a girl who looks like you, okay?"

I remembered Lucas lying on my stomach, looking at me with eyes full of hope, planning our future together.

But given the current situation, this child's timing couldn't be worse.

I gently touched my stomach but ultimately couldn't bring myself to be cruel. I decided to give Lucas one more chance.

That evening, Lucas came home from outside. The kiss marks on his neck painfully stabbed my heart.

"Lucas, explain this to me."

I pushed my phone in front of him, showing news about the Knight and Rivers families' upcoming partnership.

Lucas was silent for a moment, then stepped forward to hold me, his voice full of helplessness.

"Sara, I have no choice. Mom's condition has gotten worse. Marriage is her last wish."

"Then how do you explain this?"

I pointed at the red marks on his neck.

"The company business requires some socializing. I couldn't avoid it."

I pulled myself out of Lucas's embrace, my eyes scrutinizing the man before me.

Lucas thought I was just angry. He smiled and ruffled my hair with the same indulgent smile as always.

"Are you mad? Tell me what I need to do to make you feel better."

My heart grew colder. I felt like I'd never truly known this man. His acting was terrifyingly good.

"Take me to Meredith's birthday party tomorrow. Then I'll believe you."

I'd seen the news online that he would make a high-profile appearance at Meredith's birthday celebration tomorrow.

All those past moments weren't fake. Lucas wasn't completely without feelings for me. But if he had to choose between me and Meredith, who would he pick?

A secret hope rose in my heart. I couldn't believe these five years had left no mark on him.

Lucas was silent for a few seconds but finally agreed.

The next day, I wore a formal dress I'd never worn before and arrived at the evening party.

As soon as Lucas entered, he became the center of attention. The Rivers family called him over to greet guests with Meredith.

I, his date, could only stand awkwardly in a corner, enduring curious, scrutinizing, and malicious glances from all directions.

I watched the two of them dancing a waltz in the ballroom. The man was tall and handsome, the woman charming and beautiful. The pain in my heart kept churning.

I turned to leave, but Meredith's group of friends blocked my path.

"Isn't this Lucas's mistress? How dare she attend Meredith's birthday party?"

I didn't want to deal with them. I silently tried to walk around them, but someone grabbed my arm.

"Don't rush off. Lucas and our Meredith are getting engaged. If you know what's good for you, get out of the Knight family."

Everyone around noticed the commotion. Countless eyes swept over.

"I've never seen this girl before. Lucas's new woman?"

"Another one trying to climb the social ladder. I wonder how her parents raised her. No shame at all."

Harsh voices flooded my ears. I jerked my arm free from Linda's grip.

"Get lost! My relationship with Lucas is none of your business!"

"You bitch, how dare you talk to me like that?"

Linda raised her hand and slapped my face. She used all her strength. I was knocked to the ground, hitting a nearby table. Red wine spilled all over me.

I looked for Lucas to help me, but couldn't find him anywhere.

The slap left me dizzy. Through blurred vision, I saw Meredith walking elegantly toward me.

"Miss Sara, I'm sorry. Linda and the others didn't know about your relationship with Lucas. I apologize on their behalf."

I looked up, finding Meredith's smile unbearably glaring.

"What, are you admitting to being the mistress?"

Meredith froze.

"It's normal for men to have some affairs before marriage. Lucas has promised he'll only love me from now on."

As she spoke, Meredith bent down to help me up. When the two of us got close, she whispered in my ear.

"Don't you think you and I actually look quite alike?"

So I'd been Meredith's substitute all along!

Endless jealous rage burned away my rationality. I flipped over and straddled Meredith.

Just as my hand was about to strike down, Lucas burst out from the crowd and shoved me away.

My lower back slammed hard against the table edge. Excruciating pain shot through me from behind. I could only use all my strength to protect my stomach.

"Sara, what are you doing!"

Lucas comforted Meredith in his arms while shouting angrily at me.

Seeing Meredith with tears in her eyes, forcing herself to endure the pain, the heartache in Lucas's eyes quickly dissipated. When he looked at me again, his eyes were ice cold.

"Sara, I thought you'd be sensible. I didn't expect you to attack Meredith at the party. Those who make mistakes must be punished."

Lucas raised his hand to signal the bodyguards.

"Kneel outside until the party ends. Consider it your apology to Meredith."

I opened my mouth but found I couldn't make a sound because of the pain.

A flash of heartache crossed Lucas's eyes. He was about to stand and check my injuries when Meredith spoke from his arms.

"Lucas, I'm in so much pain. Should I not have come back?"

The bodyguards lifted me by my arms. I watched Lucas carry Meredith away. I wanted to say something but ultimately chose silence.

Light rain began falling outside the banquet hall. I shivered in the rain.

But the cold on my body was nothing compared to the bone-chilling cold in my heart.

I was wrong. I shouldn't have had any expectations of Lucas.

I'm sorry, baby. I might not be able to bring you into this world.