Not Your Double: I'm His Bride Now

Three years ago, my father marries me off to Evan Blackwell, the CEO of Blackwell Group, for the family's interests. Everyone thinks I'm done for because Evan is known for being ruthless and cruel. Yet, he's nothing but gentle to me, and he never raises his voice at me. He even has my initials, SH, tattooed on his chest. Every year on our anniversary, fireworks bloom across the city right on the dot. They spell out my name and the loving words he dedicates to me. On our third anniversary, the fireworks suddenly replace my name, Selena Holloway, with Serena Harroway. Before I can ask about it, Evan immediately calls his subordinates and tears into them. "What's going on? How could you mess up my wife's name? Do you want to lose your jobs?" I hastily tell him it's fine and that the thought is what truly matters. In the end, he lets them off the hook. However, he pushes me until my legs are shaking and my voice is gone that night. When I wake from the night that leaves my whole body humming, he's already seated at his desk and buried in work. He asks me to grab a folder for him, yet I open the wrong drawer and stumble upon an old photo album. It contains intimate photos of him and a young woman who looks strikingly like me. There's a confession on the back of every single picture. "I miss you so much, Serena." Chapter 1 Selena's Point of View While I was bringing some documents to my CEO husband, I accidentally stumbled upon his secret. It seemed another woman had always lived in his heart. So, that was it. My hand trembled as I held the photo. "Selena? Did you not find the documents?" Evan Blackwell's voice rang out from outside the room. I came back to my senses, put the photo album back in the drawer, and pulled out the documents from the correct one. When I handed them to Evan, he kissed the back of my hand like he always did. Yet, I couldn't force a smile. I simply left the room in silence. Evan froze for a moment. He wanted to chase after me, but after glancing at his watch, he stopped in his tracks. I was well aware of the reason he hesitated. Serena Harroway was returning to the country that day. I saw the last sentence in the photo album. "Serena, you're finally back. I won't let go of your hand again." He had written a promise about a future with someone else on the day of our third wedding anniversary. I felt a dull ache in my chest, and I immediately asked my lawyer to draft a divorce agreement. After hanging up, I ran into Evan, who was hurrying out the door. He had changed into a bespoke suit and was tugging anxiously at his tie. I had never seen him like this. He looked like a teen who was getting ready for his first movie date with his girlfriend. The entire Blackwell residence was in a frenzy. The estate had never been this lively. "Why does Mr. Blackwell suddenly want the whole yard planted with lavender? Doesn't Mrs. Blackwell like white roses?" "Right? Mr. Blackwell even ordered us to prepare crab tonight. Do you remember how Mrs. Blackwell had an allergic reaction last time after consuming crab? Mr. Blackwell nearly drove us mad." "What's going on? Does Mr. Blackwell not care about Mrs. Blackwell anymore?" The housekeepers whispered among themselves until Evan's secretary, Gale Larson, chuckled. "It's not that Mr. Blackwell doesn't care about Mrs. Blackwell anymore. It's because the real lady of the Blackwell family is back. If Ms. Harroway hadn't insisted on studying abroad and if she hadn't dumped Mr. Blackwell right before she left, he wouldn't have been so devastated that he traveled the world looking for a substitute. "Mrs. Blackwell still has no idea that Mr. Blackwell was the one who approached her father back then. He only wanted her because she resembled Ms. Harroway. They might've called it a marriage alliance, but in truth, he was selling his own daughter." He sighed before continuing, "To be honest, Mrs. Blackwell has her own charms; she's gentle and sweet, but she's not Mr. Blackwell's type. He doesn't want a woman who centers her entire life around love. Ms. Harroway's the only woman who can rouse his desire to conquer. "The moment he heard she was coming back, he panicked and started preparing everything. Why don't we make a bet? How many days after Ms. Harroway returns do you think it'll take for Mr. Blackwell to kick Mrs. Blackwell to the curb?" No one knew the full story, but everyone perked up at once. "I'm betting three days!" "One day!" "A month!" Leaning against the wall, the light slowly drained from my eyes. All of a sudden, the sound of an engine came to life outside. Evan was getting ready to leave. I let out a heavy sigh before walking toward him with the freshly printed divorce agreement in my hand. "This is a gown order form. I need your signature." Without taking a look at it, Evan signed his name. He did it so fast that I couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to read it first, Evan?" He patted my shoulder. "I don't need to. I already told you that you can buy whatever you want. I can afford it." With that, he got into his car and sped away. I had devised numerous ways to trick Evan into signing the divorce agreement, because he had always been such a cautious man. I hadn't expected things to be so easy. Serena really was his exception. The thick exhaust fumes burned my nose, and I found myself clutching the divorce agreement even tighter. After returning to our room, I packed all of the gifts Evan had given me over the years, as well as the love letters he had ever written to me, into a box. Gale said Evan didn't like women who lived only for love. However, he was sorely mistaken. I loved Evan, but that didn't mean I didn't know when to walk away. I was capable of giving my all and letting go when I had to. By the time I finished packing, night had already fallen. All of a sudden, a car horn blared downstairs. I looked out the window just in time to see Evan step out and hurry to the other side of the car to open the door for a woman. Her red dress shone brightly in the night. Chapter 2 Serena walked inside like she was the lady of the house, and the housekeepers around her couldn't help but lower their heads in her presence. Evan led her to me and introduced us. "This is an old friend of mine, Serena Harroway. She'll be staying with us for a few days." "An old friend of yours?" I chuckled. "Why have you never mentioned her?" He froze for a second. Before he could respond, Serena's expression darkened. Lifting her chin arrogantly, she said, "It looks like I'm not welcome here, Mrs. Blackwell. In that case, I won't impose. There are plenty of places in Amarille that would be happy to take me in." Right after saying that, she turned to leave. Instinctively, he grasped her arm. Then, he looked at me with a frown. "Why are you asking so many questions today, Selena? I was just introducing her. I don't need your approval." My heart, which had been calm a moment ago, suddenly felt as though someone had driven a blade straight through it. I had only asked a simple, ordinary question. Yet, he turned around and reprimanded me just because Serena was displeased. Evan had never raised his voice at me in the three years we had been married. I tried my best to compose myself, but my voice was still shaky. "Don't get the wrong idea, Ms. Harroway. My husband is the owner of this estate, so you can stay as long as you like." Serena's lips curled into a triumphant smile before she brushed past me and strutted toward the dining room. Evan watched her with a helpless smile before following right after her. The housekeepers' eyes were all on me, filled with mockery and disbelief. The couple chatted animatedly at the dining table. Evan asked about her years studying abroad. Their conversation didn't cross any lines, but the glint in his eyes was impossible for me to miss. "Why aren't you eating, Mrs. Blackwell? Is my presence ruining your appetite?" Serena picked up a piece of crab and placed it on my plate. Before I could respond, Evan took it and placed it on his plate. "She's allergic to crab." "Oh? Is that so?" Serena stiffened before letting out a soft chuckle. "You're still as attentive as ever, Evan. Don't tell me you've made another little notebook listing all her likes and habits. I still have the one you wrote for me back then. "You're so lucky, Mrs. Blackwell. I'm sure that, after three years of marriage, that notebook must be filled by now." Without saying a word, I lowered my head because Evan had kept a notebook about me. The atmosphere became painfully awkward. I couldn't take it anymore, so I set my cutlery down and said coldly, "Please carry on without me. I don't feel so well." Evan nodded. "I'll have our family physician check on you later." Serena sneered, "She'll probably spring back to life once I'm gone. I can't believe she's so petty. I'm only staying a few days." "That's enough, Serena," Evan cut her off. "After all this time, you still talk without a filter." He then turned to me. "Don't mind her, Selena. She's always been this blunt." I wanted to answer him, but a wave of dizziness washed over me. I merely nodded and turned to leave, steadying myself against the wall. However, I didn't get far. After taking a couple of steps, I collapsed, clutching my neck and gasping for air, my face turning a frightening shade of purple. "Selena!" Evan immediately rushed over. The family physician surrounded me with his staff. "Mrs. Blackwell is having a severe allergic reaction, Mr. Blackwell. She needs to be rushed to the hospital right away, or she may suffocate." "But she didn't eat any crab!" Evan bellowed. The chef hurried over and explained, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Blackwell! You specifically mentioned that the guest liked crab, so I used crab oil to season some of the other dishes…" Evan was furious, yet he didn't have time to punish the chef. He scooped me into his arms and bolted out. Serena sighed. "It looks like I'll be spending my first night back in the country on my own. I wonder who promised he'd stay with me tonight and listen to everything I've been through in the car earlier." After hearing that, Evan stopped dead in his tracks. "Don't worry about me. Go ahead. She's your wife, after all. I have plenty of friends in Amarille anyway." With that, she picked up her bag and turned to leave. However, as she walked past Evan, he grasped her tightly. He placed me into Gale's arms. "Get her to the hospital. I'll come over later." Through my hazy consciousness, I saw Evan snatch Serena's bag and walk upstairs with her. My body burned with an unbearable itchiness, yet it was nothing compared to the pain in my chest. Gale couldn't help but sigh on the way to the hospital. "Poor Mrs. Blackwell… Mr. Blackwell loves Ms. Harroway even more than I imagined." … When we arrived at the hospital, I was rushed to the emergency room. The doctor said I would've been in grave danger if I had been brought in any later. "How could you have been so careless? I can't believe you'd let a pregnant woman near something she's allergic to. You almost caused her to lose her baby!" Gale and I shot up in disbelief. "I'm pregnant?" "She's pregnant?" "Yep, you're about a month along. Didn't you know?" I had no idea. At that moment, my emotions were all over the place. It felt as though the universe was toying with me. Why did this have to happen now, right when I'd made up my mind to leave Evan? "This is wonderful news. Mr. Blackwell will be thrilled!" Gale immediately pulled out his phone. I snatched it from him. "Don't tell him." He seemed puzzled. "Why not? Mr. Blackwell will be overjoyed. After all, he was previously injured, and the doctors said it would be difficult for him to have children. "The baby you're carrying is a miracle. If you tell him, he will give you anything you want! Even if you want him to leave Ms. Harroway—" His voice stopped cold as he realized what he'd just said. I merely lowered my head and smiled. "I'll tell him. If any of you tell him before I do, I won't let you off the hook!" After he left, I rested my hand on my stomach and got lost in thought. All of a sudden, I remembered the day I'd first met Evan. I had been in a foul mood because my father had forced me into an arranged marriage, and I had assumed that anyone with such a fortune would be a graying businessman twice my age. However, the moment I had looked up, I had frozen in place. He had been young and handsome, sitting on a black leather couch with a cigarette between his fingers, looking at me coldly. "Come here." He had curled his fingers at me. At that moment, for some reason unbeknownst to me, I had walked up to him as if I'd been tugged by a chain. He had pulled me onto his lap, his fingers brushing through my hair as he murmured against my ear, "Has anyone ever told you you're beautiful?" Before I could answer, he had cupped my face and kissed me. It had been my first kiss with a man I had just met. Yet, that kiss had somehow been the most breathtaking moment of my life. I felt a pang in my chest as I thought about all that. I couldn't help but lift my hand to touch my dry, chapped lips. Those three sweet years were gone in the blink of an eye. I wasn't beautiful; I just happened to look like her. After what felt like forever, I let out a shaky breath and called the doctor. "I'd like to book an abortion." Chapter 3 After scheduling the abortion, I submitted my application to Wyrmvale University. Ever since my mother passed, my father had stopped treating me like his daughter. He never supported anything I wanted to do and only cared about marrying me off for money. After leaving Evan, I had no home to return to. Fortunately, he had given me enough over the years to live comfortably for the rest of my life. After doing all that, I received a photo from Serena. It was a photo of Evan, who was sound asleep. His chest was bare, and her hand rested on the spot where he had tattooed SH. "Judging from how you reacted today, you probably already know what happened between Evan and me. So, I'll drop the act. Do yourself a favor and leave him. "He's mine. If you refuse, I'll have him throw you out. Don't believe me? Just wait and see." How could I not believe her? We had just met, and I had already lost everything. I had even come close to losing my child. I replied, "Oh? What exactly are you going to do?" Serena responded almost immediately, "First, I'll kick you out of his house. After all, Evan and I can't do anything while you're around. Trust me, if I tell him I don't want to see you, he won't let you through the door; you'll rot in that hospital for the rest of your life!" I ignored her. To be honest, the feeling was mutual. I didn't want to see them either. However, I thought it was ridiculous for me to be thrown out. … Early the next morning, Evan came to visit me with several bags of things. He gently caressed the red marks on my neck. "Don't worry. I've already fired those chefs. I won't let anyone or anything hurt you again." I merely hummed in response. Instinctively, I dodged his touch. Realizing I wasn't happy, he comforted me softly. "Serena is a friend of mine. She just returned to the country, so I need to look after her a little. Don't be mad at me, okay, honey?" Any other woman would have melted the moment the CEO of Blackwell Group swallowed his pride and apologized to them. Yet, I merely turned my head away and hummed in response. Evan sighed. "I'm going to be busy for the next few days. I don't trust the housekeepers to look after you, so stay in the hospital and get some rest. I'll assign the best doctors to you." I turned around and smiled at him. "You merely don't want me home, do you?" His brows drew together, and his patience thinned. "What are you on about? I'm worried about your health. You've been way too sensitive lately, Selena. You were never this unreasonable." Right after saying that, he took a look at his wristwatch. "That's settled, then. I have something to attend to, so I'll be taking my leave." I watched him hurry out the door with a bitter smile. It didn't take long before my smile crumbled into tears. … In the days that followed, Serena kept sending me messages. Evan didn't leave home. Instead, he spent his nights tangled up with her in his room, climbing into my bed and leaving their marks all over it. Serena held up my nightgown in one video. "Isn't this the brand I used to love? I can't believe he missed me so much." Then, she sent me a lot of photos. Clothes, jewelry, perfume—everything was from the brands she used to adore. In the end, she laughed. "Selena, you're like a doll made just for me." I closed my phone and exhaled long and slow to calm myself. Most of the things I owned had been bought by Evan. I had always believed he bought them for me out of love, but as it turned out, he was just remaking me into Serena. No wonder he lost interest when I wore my own clothes. No wonder he pushed me away when I tried a new perfume. It was because I didn't resemble her anymore. I opened my palm, took off my wedding ring, earrings, and necklace, and threw them all into the trash. All of a sudden, everything he had ever given me felt unbearably disgusting. Ignoring the doctor's protests, I rushed back home. Evan's brows knitted together when he saw me. "Why are you back? I told you to stay in the hospital." I looked him straight in the eye. "What about you? Weren't you supposed to be busy with work?" Serena scoffed as she stepped out from behind him. "Mrs. Blackwell, he's the CEO of Blackwell Group. Even if you are his wife, you don't have the right to question him like that." "You're right. I don't." Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at Serena. "But what right do you have to force your way into our marriage?" "That's enough!" Evan bellowed. The living room went dead silent. No one dared say a word. He massaged his temples. "Serena is just a good friend of mine, Selena. Don't get the wrong idea. If you want to come home, you can do so." "Evan!" Serena immediately called out, displeased. "This is my home, and she's the lady of the household; what she says goes." Serena stared at him in disbelief before storming out. Evan immediately chased after her, but he ultimately came to an abrupt halt. Then, he turned around and ruffled my hair. "Don't be upset. I'll ask Talia to make you something good." He kept putting food on my plate at the dining table. Then, he noticed my bare neck. "Why aren't you wearing any jewelry? Do you not like them anymore? I can order a couple more sets for you." I shook my head and told him that wasn't necessary. Just then, a wave of nausea hit me, and I sprinted to the bathroom, puking my guts out. "What's going on? Did you guys put something she's allergic to in the food again?" The housekeepers looked at each other, insisting they had no idea. Evan immediately crouched down beside me, patting my back. His voice was incredibly gentle as he said, "It's okay… You're going to be okay… Just let it all out. Don't just stand there; go get the doctor!" "It's alright. I'm fine." Clutching my stomach, I slowly pushed myself to my feet. "That won't do. You threw up; you need a doctor!" Evan immediately started toward the door. I gripped his hand. "I told you I'm fine. I just returned from the hospital, remember? The doctor said this is a side effect of the allergy. I'll be fine." Evan finally relaxed. Right then, his phone rang. He took a look at it before turning to the housekeepers and ordering, "Take good care of her. If I come home and she's still unwell, all of you are done!" The housekeepers nodded frantically. After he left, they couldn't help but whisper among themselves. "It looks like Mr. Blackwell still cares a lot about Mrs. Blackwell. We'd better be careful." "It looks like we're losing this bet. Mr. Blackwell kicked Ms. Harroway out and is so attentive to Mrs. Blackwell, after all." The corners of my lips curled into a derisive smile as I listened. I, too, thought I had won when Serena left. However, the caller ID "Serena" flashing on his phone was far too obvious, and the way he turned around was far too decisive. In the end, I was still the one who lost. Chapter 4 Evan disappeared for seven whole days. During that time, he didn't contact me once. Serena's smug voice rang through my phone again. "How does it feel to guard an empty bedroom, Selena? So what if you're the lady of the Blackwell family? The real lady of the house is the one sharing the man's bed! "Van bought me a huge villa. We've been going at it in the bedroom, the kitchen, and even the balcony. He told me that once I become pregnant with his child, he'll divorce you and replace you with me. "So, you'd better pray that doesn't happen. After all, we do it every single day. It won't be long before I become pregnant!" I chuckled. "In that case, let me congratulate you in advance, Mrs. Blackwell." Serena was caught off guard. Staring at me in disbelief, she snarled, "What game are you playing, Selena? Why aren't you angry? Do you think I'm lying? Here, I'll send you a few videos so you can see it for yourself!" In a flash, several videos appeared in our chat box. Evan had her pinned against the headboard, murmuring over and over, "Darling, does it hurt? I'll go easy on you." I thought my heart had gone completely numb, but it still tightened for a second. Serena seemed pleased by my silence. "I thought you didn't care anymore. Turns out, you were just pretending," she scoffed. I hung up on her and immediately blocked her. Silence settled over the room. Just then, a housekeeper knocked on the door. She walked in with a cup of coffee and left. Then, I immediately heard whispers and giggles outside the door. "Look at her; she looks utterly miserable. We were worried for nothing. Mr. Blackwell obviously doesn't love her anymore." "Exactly. So what if she lives here? Home is wherever Mr. Blackwell is. I bet we'll be moving into Ms. Harroway's place in no time." I kicked the door open and slapped one of them across the face. "Get down on your knees!" Both of them dropped to their knees, shaking uncontrollably. "I was wrong, Mrs. Blackwell. We shouldn't have talked about you behind your back. Please forgive me. I'm begging you…" The other housekeeper clung to my leg. "We're only following Ms. Harroway's orders, Mrs. Blackwell. She said if we could upset you, she would reward us handsomely once she became the lady of the house…" I froze for a second. Then, it hit me. No wonder these usually cautious housekeepers had been talking about me right in front of my face, provoking me. I kicked the housekeeper aside. "Spit it out. What else has she ordered you to do? Tell me everything!" The housekeeper was about to come clean when the front door flew open. Evan appeared at the doorway with a hardened expression. "What are you doing, Selena?" I scoffed. "Perfect timing. Why don't you listen to how your housekeepers have been mistreating me? Go on! Tell him exactly what you just told me!" The housekeepers immediately turned to him, trembling all over. Tears cascaded down their faces as they choked out, "Please save us, Mr. Blackwell. Mrs. Blackwell has been in a terrible mood since you left; she's been breaking things, yelling, and hitting us. We genuinely can't take it anymore!" "Mrs. Blackwell insisted on going into Ms. Harroway's room, but you told us no one could enter without your permission. Yet, she forced us to break the door… When we refused, she kicked and punched us. If you'd shown up a little later, we'd probably be dead…" The smile on my face froze, and I stared at them in disbelief. Evan's forehead creased as he looked at me coldly. "You've seriously let me down, Selena." For a moment, I was at a loss for words. Rather than being hurt, I wanted to laugh; I wanted to laugh at myself for having loved him for three long years. Lowering my gaze, I suppressed my emotions. "Evan, we've been married for so many years. Do you still not know what kind of person I am? I don't care if you believe me or not, but I didn't yell or hit them. Is it wrong for me, as the lady of the house, to discipline housekeepers who cross the line?" Perhaps I was too calm, because doubt flickered in his eyes. Still, when he looked at the housekeepers, who were on their knees, they immediately burst into tears, acting as if I had done something unforgivable. "I was only gone for a few days, and the house is already a circus." All of a sudden, Serena walked in. After hearing the housekeeper's cries, she chuckled. "You wanted to go to my bedroom? That's hardly worth fighting over. If you wanted a tour, I could have taken you myself. Why'd you beat up the housekeepers?" Her words cemented their lie. Evan immediately said, "Serena, you don't have to indulge her. That's your room. She has no right to enter." Serena, however, ignored him. "It's just a room. I don't want these innocent people to get hurt because of me." Then, she walked up to me, linked her arm with mine, and led me to her bedroom. I couldn't take it anymore and shook her off. I hadn't used much force, but she still ended up tumbling down the stairs. Chapter 5 "Serena!" Evan gasped. I, too, was startled. Instinctively, I blurted out, "It wasn't me… I had only shaken her off… She deliberately fell down…" "Selena Holloway!" Evan snarled, his eyes blazing with anger. I had never seen him look at me that way before. His gaze was filled with fury, disbelief, and hatred. He scooped Serena up and said icily, "You've seriously crossed the line, Selena. From now on, unless I say otherwise, you are not allowed to take a single step out of your bedroom!" He then looked over his shoulder at the housekeepers on the floor. "All of you will keep an eye on her. If she acts up again, go straight to Gale. Don't worry about her status. Deal with her according to the rules. Is that clear?" "Y-Yes, Mr. Blackwell," the housekeepers responded in unison. After he left, the housekeepers turned around and looked at me with disdain. "Ms. Harroway was right. Life will be easier if we stick with her." "Why break our backs when we can follow someone who can give us a better future?" "What are you waiting for, Mrs. Blackwell? Get back to your bedroom!" The housekeepers shoved me toward my bedroom. Instinctively, I pushed them away, but one of them let out a derisive chuckle. "Are you sure you want to fight us? Careful, or we'll tell Mr. Larson. I'm sure you know what will happen then." Of course, I knew. If I were lucky, I'd walk away with a beating. If not, I'd end up in the dungeon and be put through hell. For the sake of the baby in my belly, I held myself back and walked into my room obediently. The door slammed shut behind me. Looking at the empty room, all the frustration I had bottled up broke loose. Clutching my face, I burst into tears. Evan's anxious demeanor as he carried Serena away flashed through my mind again, as did the disappointed, impatient tone he used on me. I hadn't done anything… Why didn't he believe me? My face was flushed, and I was struggling to breathe between sobs when a stabbing pain suddenly gripped my stomach. I curled up on the floor, sweat beading across my forehead. "Help! My stomach hurts… Go get a doctor…" My weak cries filled the room, but no one responded. Desperate, I dragged my aching body inch by inch to the door and pounded on it. "Open the door! Get me a doctor! I'm experiencing cramps…" "You were only locked up for a few minutes, and you already want out? Cramps? I can't believe you'd come up with such an absurd lie!" The housekeeper scoffed. "You had better behave, or I'll toss your dinner straight into the trash later!" I begged them for a while more, but they simply ignored me. Left with no other option, I called Evan. He picked up almost immediately, but his voice was thick with annoyance. "What do you want?" I let out a shaky breath, but the pain kept cutting my words apart. "It… Hurts… My stomach hurts…" "Selena, are you seriously copying Serena right now, pretending to be in pain just to get my attention?" "No… It's not like that… I really can't take it anymore…" He was silent for a moment before spitting out, "I'm done believing you, Selena. You're on your own now." "I'm not lying, Evan. I'm pregnant—" The call was disconnected. Everything I wanted to tell him was stuck in my throat, making it hard to breathe. Tears trickled down my cheeks wordlessly. At that moment, I realized I no longer loved Evan. I would never expect anything from him again. After who knows how long, a housekeeper pushed the door open. She took a look at me, who was lying motionless on the floor, and sneered, "You sure are a good actress." Right after saying that, she kicked me hard. "Get up. If you don't, I'll pour your dinner down your face!" However, I kept my eyes shut, and I was completely unresponsive. The housekeeper frowned and crouched down to check on me. Just then, her hand landed on a pool of blood beneath me, and she froze. "M-Mrs. Blackwell… Mrs. Blackwell, wake up!" Her whole body trembled as she pulled out her phone to call Evan. Her voice was shaking violently as she said, "This is bad, Mr. Blackwell. Mrs. Blackwell fainted! And she's bleeding a lot… You need to hurry back right now!" Chapter 6 When I came to, the first thing that came into view was Evan's anxious and shaken face. Clutching my hand tightly, he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant, Selena?" I wanted to tell him that I had. Yet, he had hung up on me before I could even finish my sentence. However, I was so weak I couldn't even open my eyes. Noticing my aloofness, he panicked for once. "This is all my fault, Selena. I didn't believe you. Thank God the baby is alright… Or else I'd never be able to forgive myself! "No wonder you've been emotional lately. It's because you're pregnant. If you had told me earlier, I wouldn't have punished you for yelling at the housekeepers." In the end, he still believed I had lied to him. The frustration in my chest reached its limit. I used all the strength I had to pull my hand out of his. My voice was hoarse and low as I demanded, "Get out. I don't want to see your face." Evan froze for a moment. He seemed hurt as he stared at his empty hand and fell silent for a while. Ultimately, he turned to leave. Before walking out, he warned the doctor. "Take good care of my wife. If anything happens to her or our baby, this hospital can shut its doors for good." He left in a hurry. I later learned he had rushed home to punish the housekeepers. The doctor told him that if I had been rushed over any later, not only would our baby have been lost, but I might have died as well. Rumor had it that the housekeepers were beaten within an inch of their lives. Even at death's door, they begged for mercy on their knees. "Mr. Blackwell, we were only following Ms. Harroway's orders! She forced us to do it!" "Nonsense!" Evan snapped. "Serena's been in the hospital this whole time. How could she possibly force you to do anything? How dare you slander her? "Mr. Larson, rip their tongues out and throw them out!" "No! We're telling the truth, Mr. Blackwell! It was Ms. H—" Blood splattered across the floor as Evan dropped the blade in his hand. His eyes were filled with murderous intent as he declared, "From now on, anyone who dares to slander Serena will end up just like this!" Before he left, he instructed Gale, "Don't breathe a word of this to my wife. Understood?" Gale hurriedly nodded. Yet, I still found out. Serena paused the video and stood beside my hospital bed, looking down at me with a triumphant smile. "I never imagined someone like you would be the first to get pregnant. But what does it matter? Evan loves only me. "See? No matter what anyone says, he always believes me. You, on the other hand, were punished, locked in a room, and ended up so upset you almost lost your baby! "I was worried for a moment, but after watching this, I think your baby will die sooner or later. It's what happens when the mother isn't even loved!" I watched her crow over me and chuckled. "Are you scared, Serena?" The smile on her face stiffened, while the amusement in my eyes deepened. "Aren't you telling me all these things to reassure yourself? If you were genuinely that sure of yourself, why did you rush over here as soon as you received that video? You didn't even change out of your hospital gown." "You're… unbelievable!" Serena looked completely rattled, as though I had hit a nerve. "Don't get ahead of yourself! It's just a baby. I'll be pregnant soon enough!" I kept a straight face as I responded softly, "In that case, I wish you luck. I hope you get knocked up on your first attempt." My flippant demeanor enraged Serena. So, she raised her hand to slap me. Just then, Evan pushed the door open and walked in. "What are you doing here, Serena?" Serena hurriedly withdrew her hand and forced a smile. "I heard Mrs. Blackwell almost had a miscarriage, so I came to check on her." He nodded. Looking at her thin hospital gown, he couldn't help but comment, "It's chilly today. You should head back to your room soon." Serena froze. In the past, he would've draped his coat over her shoulders and personally walked her back. The thought made her shoot daggers at me. Her gaze ultimately landed on my abdomen, her eyes filled with resentment. However, she still plastered a smile on her face and walked out the door as if she didn't care. Evan turned around and gazed at her for a moment before spinning on his heel and sitting beside my bed. Everything between them played in slow motion before my eyes, and I could see the worry and reluctance in his eyes clearly. He stayed, not because he no longer loved Serena, but because my pregnancy forced him to. "What should we name our baby, Selena?" He asked gently as he poked my belly. I looked out the window and pondered for a moment before responding softly, "Let's call him… Rene." "Rene?" "Yeah. It means to let go of the past." Evan stiffened for a moment before breaking into a smile. "True. Your father wasn't good to you. It's better for you to forget him." I turned around to see him resting his cheek against my belly. "Rene, you have to grow up safe and healthy. Daddy can't wait to meet you!" His profile had returned to its familiar tenderness. In the past, I would've been moved to tears. Now, it only stung. Evan, when I said I wanted to let go of my past, I wasn't referring to my childhood; I was referring to the three years I was married to you. My father failed me, but you weren't any better. … That evening, he stayed by my side until I fell asleep. Then, he stepped out onto the balcony. "I'm not going back to you tonight, Serena. Go to bed without me." "Tonight? What about tomorrow? Will you come back tomorrow? So long as that baby is still in her belly, you won't ever come back to me, right, Van? "Don't you dare forget that Selena is just my substitute! The baby she's carrying is a substitute, too! Besides, I can give you one as well!" Serena was so emotional that her voice echoed through the glass window. Evan immediately turned to check if I had woken up. Noticing that my eyes were still shut, he continued, "Calm down, Serena. We had already lost each other once. I promise I'll give you the happiness you deserve this time. "Selena, on the other hand, is a mistake I made in the past, and I have to take responsibility for her. Do you understand? "Also, don't call her a substitute right in her face. If she finds out about us and gets upset, it could affect the baby. It'll be a disaster then." "She's the only one you care about; you don't care about me at all! In that case, I'll leave. That way, she and her precious baby will be just fine!" Sobs echoed from her end of the call. Evan sighed exasperatedly. "Alright, Serena. Stop crying. I'll go and be with you, okay?" He spent a long while comforting her on the phone before grabbing his coat from the couch and rushing out. Before he left, he planted a kiss on my forehead. The moment the door clicked shut, I opened my eyes and wiped that kiss off my skin. I sat up and pulled out my phone. I had received a new email notification. Wyrmvale University had sent me an acceptance letter. So, I immediately booked a flight to Bellerose. "Evan, from this day on, I don't ever want to see you again," I thought to myself. Chapter 7 Evan didn't return until noon the following day, and there were several hickeys on his neck. He looked exhausted. Obviously, he had been worn down by Serena. All of a sudden, Gale pushed the door open and walked in. "Things have gotten out of hand in the underground district again, Mr. Blackwell. A company called Luminary Corp has been stirring up trouble." Evan frowned. "Luminary Corp?" "Yes. It's the corporation that took over a huge share of the market shortly after it was founded. Their CEO claimed he'd shut our company down within a month." "He'd shut us down in a month?" Evan sneered. His expression darkened drastically. "That's a bold claim." He tossed the folder to Gale. "Get the car ready. I want to meet this CEO myself and see what he's capable of." Evan turned around and ruffled my hair. The murderous intent in his eyes melted into warmth. "Get some rest, Selena. I need to take care of a few pests." After he left, I immediately started packing my belongings. I threw all the baby toys he had purchased into a box. When I was done, I looked at the bodyguards, who were stationed outside the door. "Help me take this box back to Mr. Blackwell." They exchanged puzzled looks. "Mr. Blackwell told us not to take a single step out of this room, Mrs. Blackwell." My expression hardened in an instant, and I said icily, "He also said I'm the one in charge here. Now, go!" I left no room for refusal. The bodyguards took the box and left. I hopped into a cab, and I was headed to the airport when I suddenly received a call from the hospital. "Ms. Holloway, you scheduled a miscarriage procedure with us a few days ago, but you never showed up. Do you still want to go through with it?" When I didn't respond, the nurse repeated herself. "Ms. Holloway?" I checked the time. It was 1:00 pm, and my flight wasn't until 9:00 pm. "I'll go through with it. Sir, please turn around and take me to General Hospital." I needed to say goodbye to the only thing that was keeping me here. From here on, I would be facing the world alone. Before I knew it, my hand found its way onto my belly. "This is where we say goodbye, my child," I brooded. All of a sudden, I noticed we were getting farther and farther away from the hospital. This cab… was heading in a completely different direction. My brows drew together as I looked at the driver. "You're going the wrong way. I'm going to General Hospital." Ignoring me, the driver stepped on the gas and sped toward the outskirts of the city. I immediately tried to put up a fight, but he pulled out a knife and stabbed me in the shoulder. "Miss, you'd better behave, or I can't promise you'll leave this car alive." Clutching my bleeding shoulder, my gaze landed on the knife handle, and my pupils dilated. There was a small star engraved on it. It was Luminary Corp… The company Evan had just talked about. Before I could process what was going on, the car came to a stop beside an abandoned building. I was thrown out, tied up like cargo. Just then, another car pulled up and dumped a young woman on the ground as well. "Who are you people? How dare you kidnap me? My husband is Evan Blackwell, the CEO of Blackwell Group! Do you all have a death wish? Untie me right now! Let me go!" The driver slapped Serena across the face. "Finally, peace and quiet." I let out a mirthless chuckle and looked at the woman with pure disdain. Considering the situation we were in, all we could do was wait and see how things unfolded. I looked around, scanning my surroundings. When I spotted the star symbol carved into the wall, I figured this must be one of Luminary Corp's factories. While I was lost in thought, a man in a purple suit walked toward us. His hat was pulled low, hiding his face, but his voice alone was enough to make people uneasy. He took a look at me, then at Serena, and lifted the corner of his lips. "I told you to bring me the lady of the Blackwell family. Why are there two of them?" The driver hurriedly explained, "We asked the mole we planted inside the Blackwell residence which one she was, but he couldn't give us a straight answer. I heard Mr. Blackwell goes back and forth between the two women every day and spoils them both." "Oh? Is that so?" The man arched his brow and chuckled. "Mr. Blackwell sure knows how to enjoy life. Oh well, that just makes things more interesting." He walked up to us. "Which one of you is the lady of the Blackwell family?" "It's her!" Serena shrieked. "Of course, it's her; she's the one who married Mr. Blackwell, so you kidnapped the wrong person. Hurry up and let me go!" The man looked at Serena, who was trembling all over, with disdain. Then, he shifted his gaze onto me and stiffened for a second because I wore a poker face. There was not a trace of fear in my eyes as I admitted, "I'm the lady of the Blackwell family." Everyone was caught off guard. No one expected me to admit it so easily. After all, that would make me a hostage. The man's gaze lit up with interest. "Aren't you afraid?" His tone was ice-cold, but I remained calm. "I'm afraid, but fear won't save my life." After hearing that, the man burst out laughing and even clapped his hands. "Interesting. How interesting. You're so entertaining, I almost don't want to kill you. "But you don't get to decide who the lady of the Blackwell family is. The one who can control Evan… is the real lady of the Blackwell family." With that, he curled his fingers. In an instant, a large camera was pointed at me, and Evan appeared onscreen. "Van, save me! Save me!" Serena hurled herself at the camera as soon as she saw him, only to be kicked aside and gagged. I, on the other hand, didn't move a muscle. I merely gazed at the man on the screen coldly. Evan seemed frantic, his expression dark enough to kill. "Kai Lanchester, you'd better let my women go before I wipe your company off the map!" he gritted out. "Let your women go? Sure." Kai smirked. "But I can only release one of them. Make your choice." "Kai!" Evan completely lost it. Kai, however, didn't seem to mind. "Call my name one more time, and I'll think you're into me. Hurry up and choose. I'm sure you know I'm not a patient man." Serena hurriedly shuffled in front of the camera, tears streaming down her cheeks. Evan looked heartbroken as he took in the state she was in. I watched this scene quietly before lifting my head to the darkening sky. The plane that was supposed to take me away would take off soon. All of a sudden, Gale's voice came through the video call. "Mr. Blackwell, you have to save Mrs. Blackwell; she's carrying your baby. She can't handle any stress right now. Considering your injury, this might be the only child you'll ever have!" "That's right, Mr. Blackwell. This child is crucial to your family. He must be protected at all costs. "Ms. Harroway's not your wife, and she's not pregnant. It's only right to sacrifice her!" Evan looked conflicted. "Are you having a hard time deciding? In that case, let me help you." "What are you planning to do to them?" Kai didn't answer him. Just then, two men walked over to Serena and me with a small knife. "Give me the land on the outskirts, and I'll release one of them." The cold blade pressed against my skin, but I glared back fearlessly. Serena, on the other hand, was completely petrified. She screamed and thrashed so wildly that blood streaked her face. Blood streamed down her porcelain skin. The sight was downright horrific. "V-Van… Help me… It hurts…" Ignoring her, Kai's gaze landed on my calm face. "Are you seriously not afraid?" I paid him no mind. In reality, I was taking a gamble. Judging from the way he acted earlier, he struck me as the kind of guy who only respected those who didn't crumble under duress. Noticing my silence, the glint in his eyes shimmered. He dragged the knife along my cheek and murmured, "But I don't believe you… There has never been a woman who wasn't afraid of me, let alone a pregnant one." "Unhand me, you bitch! Van will never forgive you if you hurt me!" Serena was so terrified she started spouting nonsense. "Shut up!" Kai slashed her face. Clutching her bleeding cheek, she burst into tears. "I choose Serena! Hurry up and let her go!" Evan blurted out. I wasn't hurt, yet it still felt like a blade had pierced my heart. I thought… our baby would tip the scales in my favor. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Without saying a word, I lowered my head as the light drained from my eyes. "Selena…" "Selena…" I didn't look up, but I had a feeling Evan's eyes were on me. "Don't worry, Selena. I'll save you, even if it costs me my life! You're my wife. They wouldn't dare—" Right then, a razor-thin cut opened on my skin, and Kai smeared it with his fingers, grinning devilishly. "Kai Lanchester! What the hell are you doing to my wife?" Evan's voice was shaking violently. Yet, Kai hung up on him. "Get that woman out of here. Don't hand her over until the land transfer contract has been signed. Also, call the family physician. Have him wait in my bedroom." His subordinates exchanged puzzled looks. "Mr. Lanchester, are you feeling unwell?" Kai shook his head and pulled out a silk handkerchief, gently pressing it to the cut on my neck. "I'm fine, but there's a little pregnant lady here who needs my attention." I looked up at him, surprised. At last, I see his face clearly. His deep blue eyes stared back at me, as though he were ready to swallow me whole. "You're… not going to kill me?" He let out a soft chuckle. "That's illegal. I'm a law-abiding citizen. But… If the one who stayed behind had been that other woman, she might already be dead by now. "Too bad you were the one who was left behind. Besides, you're far too interesting for me to kill." To my surprise, he actually let me go after treating my wounds. Because I had missed my flight, he even sent me to Bellerose in his private helicopter. And all he asked for in return was my phone number. Looking at the unfamiliar profile picture on my phone and touching the bandage on my neck, I felt an indescribable feeling. No matter what, I had left. Evan, thank you… for giving me the final push to give up on you completely.