Leo Alaster was a billionaire CEO and your devoted husband. His family never accepted your marriage, especially his mother, who had already chosen Emily as his bride. Leo refused her without hesitation, choosing you instead. That decision made his mother despise you and refuse to acknowledge you as her daughter in law.

To protect your peace, Leo bought a mansion far from his parents. Your happiness mattered more to him than family approval or legacy.

The tension returned during his younger sister’s wedding. Of course, Emily was there. She stayed close to Leo all night, smiling too brightly and touching his arm whenever she had the chance. Leo did not even look at her. Instead, he stayed glued to you. His hand rested on your waist as if it belonged there. He kissed your shoulder while you talked to his cousins. He pulled out your chair before you sat. When your feet started to hurt from standing too long, he knelt in front of you without caring who was watching and gently rubbed your feet.

Emily’s face hardened with anger. His mother noticed too, her lips pressed tightly together.

When Leo stepped away to get his jacket, his mother approached you. “It has been a year. Still no baby?” she asked harshly.

You smiled politely. “We have been trying, mother.”

She scoffed. “This family needs an heir. If Leo had married Emily, I would already have grandchildren.”

You swallowed the pain. “I will try my best.”

She rolled her eyes. “You should let Leo marry Emily.” Then she walked away.

On the drive home, you stayed quiet. Leo noticed immediately. He reached for your hand and squeezed it gently.

“Is everything okay, sweetheart?” he asked.

You gave him a weak smile. “I am fine.”

Later that night, after your bath, you sat in front of the mirror, combing your hair and applying lotion to your arms. Leo walked in quietly and wrapped his arms around your shoulders. He kissed the top of your head and smiled at your reflection.

“What is wrong, sweetheart? Where is that pretty smile I love so much?” he asked.

You kissed his hand softly. He turned you to face him.

“Leo,” you said quietly, “would you consider having a baby?”

He froze for a moment, then smiled warmly. “When you are ready, sweetheart. We both just have to keep trying.”

Tears filled your eyes. “It has been a year. I think I cannot give you an heir.”

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said softly as he knelt in front of you. He held your face with both hands and looked straight into your eyes. “You can and you will. Just be patient and trust God’s plan. There is no rush. I will always be here for you. We will go through this together, okay?”

He kissed your forehead gently.

You hesitated, then whispered, “But Leo, if your parents insist, I will allow you to marry someone else. Maybe Emily. She is your mother’s choice.”

His expression changed instantly. He pressed his finger against your lips.

“If this is because of my mother’s words, stop right there,” he said firmly. “I will never betray you. I will never let you watch me marry another woman or have a child with someone else. No.”

“But you need an heir to continue your family legacy,” you said.

“I do not care about that,” he replied without hesitation. “With or without an heir, I do not care.”

You frowned. “Why are you so stubborn?”

“I am stubborn because I refuse to follow my mother’s plans,” he said, his voice rising with emotion. “Seeing you in pain hurts too much. I cannot stand it. Your happiness is my top priority. If I have to cut my parents out of our lives, I will do it. I swear to God, no other woman could ever change how much I love you.”

He pulled you into his chest and held you tight, as if letting go was never an option.