Chapter 1

Two weeks after the IVF procedure, the doctor finally called to tell me it had worked..

I couldn't wait to tell Michael the good news.

But at the door of the private room on the second floor, I heard the conversation inside.

"Mr. Johnson, you're really something! That engagement party two years ago—you planned it perfectly." His subordinate laughed flatteringly. "Drugging her, catching them in the act, getting the Smith family to kick Olivia out, and Henry turning around to get engaged to Emily right away... Olivia actually thought you'd take responsibility for her reputation. So naively adorable."

My footsteps froze on the stairs.

I was theOlivia who got kicked out by the Smith family.

Two years ago, at the Smiths and Phillips' engagement party, someone slipped something into my drink. I ended up in bed with Michael, completely out of it, and my parents and Henry walked in and caught us.

My father publicly disowned me, and Henry immediately got engaged to my sister Emily.

Only Michael stood by me, promising he would marry me.

"Back then, everyone was surprised you married Olivia. Now that Emily has been found unable to have kids, you can have Olivia be her surrogate. Guess you really planned ahead!"

"Henry's sperm quality is indeed excellent—succeeded on the first try." Michael's voice was casual, with a hint of pride. "Once the baby is born, Emily can secure her position in the Phillips family."

My world collapsed in that moment.

The baby in my belly... was my brother-in-law's?

"Women are easy to fool." Michael continued, "Henry wants the Smith family's connections. Emily can't have children, so her sister will. Either way, it's still the Smith and Phillips bloodlines—it doesn't matter who gives birth."

Tears gradually blurred my vision. I turned to go downstairs.

"Mrs. Johnson?"

A subordinate carrying drinks came up from below, looking surprised to see me standing on the stairs.

The conversation in the room stopped abruptly.

The door was flung open.

Michael strode out, his eyes falling on my tear-stained face.

He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Olivia? Why are you crying?"

After living with him for two years, I knew he was suspicious.

He was wondering whether I'd heard their conversation.

Thinking fast, I said, "Just now... someone bumped into me on the stairs. I twisted my ankle. I tried to tough it out, but..." I bit my lip, tears still streaming down my face. "It really hurts."

Michael's eyes darkened. "It hurts that much?"

He walked toward me. I stood still, suppressing my urge to back away.

The next second, he swept me up in his arms. "Come on, let's go down and find out who bumped into you."

He carried me downstairs. In the bustling first-floor hall, guests parted to make way, and dozens of subordinates immediately gathered around.

"Who bumped into my wife?" Michael's voice was cold as ice. The entire banquet hall fell silent instantly.

My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would explode.

Just point at someone randomly. This marriage was built on lies anyway—what's one more lie?

I raised my hand, trembling, and pointed at a young subordinate in the crowd.

His face turned deathly pale. "Mr... Mr. Johnson, I didn't..."

Michael pulled out a gun with one hand, the dark barrel aimed at the man's head.

Guests screamed and backed away, but no one dared to leave.

"No!" I grabbed his arm, pushing the gun barrel down. "Forget it, I was just careless..."

"Baby." Michael turned to look at me, his eyes dangerous like a viper's. "Getting bullied and still not daring to strike back—that's not like my woman."

My body went rigid.

He set me down on the ground, then pressed the gun into my hand. "Since he's the one who bumped into you... then you shoot him yourself."

The cold metal pressed against my palm.

I started trembling.

His breath fell on my ear, like a snake hissing beside me: "What’s wrong? Too scared to pull the trigger? Were you lying to me?"