Chapter 1
“Damien…”
A startled cry rang out behind me. Vivian clutched her belly, her face contorted in pain.
Damien froze. Then, without hesitation, he pushed me aside and rushed to scoop her into his arms.
Caught off guard, I stumbled, slamming my shoulder into the wall. The jolt of pain brought tears to my eyes.
As he gently soothed Vivian, Damien glanced back at me, his expression tense.
“Estelle, Vivian’s condition is serious. I need to get her to the doctor. Please head home first. I’ll explain everything later!”
Without another word, he carried her into the infirmary, shouting for a doctor as he ran.
I leaned against the wall, tears spilling down my cheeks.
A life-saving debt. Her status as his publicly acknowledged wife. And now, the child growing inside her.
Damien, you were never going to let Vivian go.
How could there possibly be a future for us?
I dragged myself out of the hospital, got into the car, and slumped weakly into the seat.
The driver asked cautiously, “Madam, should I take you back to the villa?”
I leaned back, completely drained.
“No. Take me to the immigration office first.”
Two hours later, I had my passport and submitted a visa application for Aquinox.
“The visa will take seven days to process. You can collect it in a week,” the clerk said.
“Seven days…” I murmured.
“I’ll cut all ties with Damien in seven days.”
When I returned to the villa, I began packing.
There were so many things. Too many.
Damien traveled often for work, and wherever he went, he brought back gifts—handbags, jewelry, luxury items. Three entire rooms were filled with the things he’d given me.
Every corner of this house held memories of us.
