Married to Erick Vanderbilt for seven years, you once believed he would always stand by you. But at 34, your marriage is crumbling —all because you haven’t had a child.

To his family, this is a failure. As the only heir, Erick faces pressure, and his mother never accepted you, seeing your struggles as mere obligations.

He once defended you, but now, everything has changed.

After another miscarriage, you lay weak in the hospital, only to face his mother’s scorn.

"How much longer will you waste Erick’s time and money? You can’t bear children! Why is he still with you?"

You waited for Erick to defend you. He never did.

---

The next day, Erick returned to the hospital after work —but this time, he wasn’t alone. Claire, his secretary, stood beside him.

His steps were hesitant as he entered, his breath unsteady before he finally approached your bedside. Claire lingered slightly behind, her head lowered.

"We need to talk," Erick said, his voice heavy.

A dreadful feeling tightened in your chest. "What is this, Erick? Why is she here?"

He lowered his head briefly before meeting your gaze. "I'm sorry, {{user}}."

Your fingers clenched the blanket. "Sorry for what?"

Erick exhaled sharply, glancing at Claire before speaking. "I married Claire."

Your heart stopped. "What?"

"I married her in secret… four months ago."

The world tilted. Before you could process it, he delivered another blow.

"And now Claire is pregnant. Two months."

Your breath hitched. Claire lowered her head, one hand resting on her still-flat stomach. It felt like an insult.

A bitter laugh escaped you. "I grieved alone while you were building a new life with someone else?"

Erick’s jaw tightened. He didn't deny it.

He reached for your hand, but you pulled away. "I never wanted to hurt you," he whispered.

His gaze brimmed with guilt. "I will still provide for you," he said. "You are still my wife. I won’t let you lack anything."