Chapter 3

"Lucy, the process has started," Thomas said seriously. "Once this document takes effect, sixty percent of the Patterson Group's shares will be completely transferred back to your personal name. Your mother prepared everything well before she passed away. Audrey won't get a penny, even if she marries your father."

I couldn't help but tear up.

My mother was thinking of me even until her death, but I was so stupid, letting them control me and almost destroying myself.

"Mom, if only you were still here."

"Only you loved me without conditions."

"Thomas, do you think I'm really dumb?" I touched my belly, where a little life was growing. "I actually treated wolves as family, while forgetting that the only person in this world who loved me had already been driven to death in that hospital bed by them."

"You just longed too much for family, ma'am." Thomas sighed. "So about this baby..."

"I'm keeping it."

I lifted my head, the tears in my eyes now dry. "This is my child, carrying my blood and my mother's blood. As for who the father is, that doesn't matter."

The roar of an engine came from downstairs.

Edward was back.

The moment the door was pushed open, a cold air mixed with sweet mango scent hit me.

"Lucy! Look what I got!"

Edward rushed in breathlessly, tiny beads of sweat still on his forehead. He held up various desserts like treasures.

Bluebell's Treats was the hardest place to buy from in all of Copper Valley, and they didn't do delivery.

"I bought everything. Try them."

He knelt by the bed, carefully scooping up a spoonful of pudding and bringing it to my lips.

Those soulful eyes were filled with affection that seemed ready to overflow.

If I hadn't seen him with his arms around Angela at the club a few hours ago, and heard those disgusting sounds, I might have drowned in this gentle trap again.

"Edward." I looked at him quietly. "Don't you have something you want to tell me?"

Edward's hand paused slightly, the spoon shaking.

"What's wrong?" His expression didn't change. He even reached out with his free hand to touch my cheek. "Did you have a nightmare and get scared? Don't worry, I'm here."

"I just dreamed..." I stared hard into his pupils, trying to catch even the slightest hint of guilt. "I dreamed you lied to me, lied to me so badly. I was in so much pain asking you why."

The air instantly froze.

A flash of panic crossed Edward's eyes, but it disappeared so quickly it seemed like an illusion.

"Silly girl, that's just pregnancy anxiety." He put down the dessert and pulled me forcefully into his arms, so hard it felt like he wanted to crush me. "To marry you, I knelt outside your family's front door all night. To make you happy, I'd give up my life. Lucy, no one in this world loves you more than I do."

Such perfect lines.

Such convincing acting.

If I hadn't seen through who he really is, I'd still be fooled.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

The screen lit up with an anonymous video message.

Using Edward's shoulder as cover, I glanced at it.

It was a compilation of videos showing Edward and Angela together intimately, each photo in the collection sweet enough to shock anyone who saw it.

I didn't reply, just turned off the screen silently.

"Edward," I spoke one last time."Is there anything you've lied to me about? If you tell me, I can..."

Pulling out this thorn embedded deep in my heart was so hard.

Just for the sake of Edward once saving me, I'd give him one last chance.

Edward looked at me helplessly and shook his head. "Ah, Lucy, I know what you want me to do."

He suddenly leaned down to kiss my forehead.

"Are you anxious? Want me to kiss you? Baby, don't worry, I'll take good care of the child."

Tears finally flowed uncontrollably.

Edward said gently, "What's wrong? Moved to tears already? This is what I should do. I swear to you, I'll work hard to be a good husband and father."

Just then, his phone rang. Edward's expression changed. He comforted me halfheartedly while his eyes kept looking elsewhere.

"Sleep now. I'll stay with you."

I pretended to sleep. Sure enough, he left like he was escaping.

After he left, I opened the other videos in the compilation.

A messy bed, a broad back and a slender waist, and a fox tail stained with liquid.

There was even a voicemail in which I could hear Angela panting.

"Lucy, aren't I great? You're pregnant and can't take care of Edward, so I'm helping you with that."

"Lucy, Edward said he'd name my future child. What name do you like? You pick first, okay?"

I didn't reply to her.

Instead, I replied to another number.

[I can accept you becoming the nominal father of my child.]