Chapter 1
At the marriage certificate ceremony, Edie’s brother-in-law sent a paternity test report. She left me without hesitation and took her brother-in-law home to take care of her. Then, she posted a close photo of the two of them, with our bedroom in the background. Then, Edie sent a message: [I drank too much at the celebration party that night. The child is Russ’s. He wants to move in to take care of me all the time. I originally wanted to give birth to the child without telling him.] She continued: [He is still so young and will become a top cardiac surgeon in the country in the future… I can’t ruin him, nor can I give up this innocent life. Don’t you want to have a child as soon as possible? After I give birth, he will go abroad for further studies and the child will be raised by you. In the future, he will only recognize you as his father.] Seeing that I didn’t reply, she added: [The marriage certificate may have to be re-arranged after I give birth.] I stared at the phone screen, laughing with red eyes. Did she think that she was the only heir to Asobert’s? I called Naomi directly, “Get the certificate. Are you coming?” —— After getting the certificate, Naomi rushed to the airport cursing. She was originally waiting at the airport for a business meeting in Igadon, but was dragged to the City Hall by a phone call from me. Thinking of her gritting her teeth just now, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. “Lionel, did I owe you in my previous life? I chased you for eight years and didn’t even look at you and now you want to get the certificate?” I glanced at the clock. “It’s almost time to get off work. Are you going to get it or not?” She instantly wilted. “Get it! I brought the certificate, the flight was rescheduled and my parents also knew about it. It would be a waste if I didn’t get it.” When she knew I didn’t respond, Edie finally called. Her voice was a little anxious. “Lionel, don’t think too much. I only have you in my heart. I just admire Russ. That night was really just an accident.” “Well, I understand.” My voice was calm and without any cracks. “It’s inevitable.” There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds and I heard her take a deep breath. “Where are you now? I’ll send a driver to pick you up. I’m having morning sickness now and I really can’t leave…” I interrupted her, “No need.” Her voice suddenly turned cold. “Lionel, are you angry with me? I’ve explained clearly that Russ will leave after I give birth to the baby. What else do you want from me?” My heart felt stuffy and I unconsciously clenched the marriage certificate in my hand, trying to keep my voice steady. “Edie, let’s break up.” She was stunned for a moment, then sneered at herself. “Don’t you know how I treated you over the years? Yes, I made a mistake, but which woman doesn’t make mistakes? I’m already making up for it, why do you have to be so aggressive?” I pursed my lips and said nothing. Seeing that I remained silent, her patience finally ran out. “Okay! It’s up to you, break up if you want! You have to come back to me crying in less than half an hour!” The phone was hung up rudely and there was only a busy tone in my ears. I took a taxi and returned to the home that once belonged to us. I didn’t want to find her, but wanted to pack up and leave. When I opened the door, Edie was wearing an apron and the table was full of carefully prepared dishes. She sat opposite Russ, eating and laughing. She gently picked up food for him and even carefully fed him. I naively thought that such a gentle look belonged only to me.