The woman that man had longed for returned.

And I, Imogen Reese, along with my child, were abandoned.

That day, I came back from shopping only to find that my favorite swimming pool had been filled in, and the mermaid statue modeled after me was shattered into several pieces.

The matriarch directed the workers with a triumphant smile. "I've always clashed with water. Filling in this pool will not only bring me financial luck but will also ensure the Hawthorne family's fortune keeps rolling in."

"Remove this eyesore of a mermaid statue too. Yes, take it all away."

"Let's plant a garden full of peonies here. Both I and Lian like them."

Lian Rivers is my husband Evan's true love, known for her beauty and talent, and a top-tier heiress.

After graduating high school, her family moved abroad, and she pursued further studies there, leaving Evan, who adored her.

I was fortunate to be with my husband. I should thank her for that.

I heard that Lian's mother and the matriarch were close friends, both being the other women who rose to prominence, truly birds of a feather.

Years ago, the matriarch favored Lian as the daughter-in-law, and now that Lian had returned, she disliked me even more.

Grandpa Hawthorne, while alive, protected me and disapproved of the matriarch.

After Grandpa Hawthorne passed away, the matriarch took over and often did as she pleased.

She saw me returning with a bunch of luxury shopping bags, envy apparent in her eyes. "Spending Evan's money again? Even though I'm not his real mother, I feel sorry for him. What else do you do besides spend money?"

I walked in boldly, holding my purchases and smiling. "Yes, you and I both like spending money, but while you like to fuss around at home, I prefer to go shopping."

Her face changed color. "You only gained your status by clinging to the Hawthorne family. Now that Lian is back, just wait and see."

"If I were you, I'd consider what Evan wants first." I pointed at the buried pool and continued, "After all, Evan likes to swim too."

Her lips trembled. She was about to speak but stopped, her cheeks turning the color of a liver in anger.

I smiled and went upstairs on my own.

On the nightstand in the bedroom, there was an album filled with photos of Lian from her childhood to every significant moment.

Beneath each photo were notes in Evan's handwriting.

It felt like someone was choking me, and I struggled to breathe.

My stomach churned, and I rushed to the bathroom to vomit.

When I leaned against the doorframe, coming out, I was already faint.

When I felt unwell again, I suddenly realized something.

My period was over half a month late. Could it be...

Indeed, I was pregnant.

I remembered Evan wasn't fond of children.

While I was tossing and turning in bed, a call from my good friend Lily Bell came through. "Imogen, your husband and Lian Rivers came off the plane together. They haven't been together all this time, have they?"