BOOK1–Chapter 1%
Lucas Turner’s lover, Lily Shaw, was kidnapped while filming on location. She vanished for three days and nights.
Two months later, she stood on a rooftop, sobbing over the phone. “Lucas, I’m pregnant! The media’s hounding me! I don’t want to live anymore!”
He rushed to the rooftop and, in front of all the cameras, declared, “The child is mine.”
Overnight, I became the laughingstock of Beijing’s entire social circle.
That night, Lucas knelt in front of me, eyes red, voice trembling. “Nina, Lily is suffering from depression. If I don’t help her, she’ll fall apart. Just let her have the baby, and once everything’s over, I’ll make it up to you. Please?“%
I loved him so much, so I swallowed my pride and agreed through clenched teeth.}
But the next day, the internet exploded.
The woman in the blurred–out photo was obviously me.
I found Lucas shaking all over. He pulled me into a hug, trembling.
“The news couldn’t be contained,” he whispered. “Nina, you rarely appear in public. Just bear with it for now.“”
He tried to hold me, but his next words froze my blood.§
“Or… you can terminate the pregnancy. We can try again later.”
In that moment, something in me broke.§
I brushed away my tears and dialed a number I hadn’t called in years.
The man on the other end answered with a low, dangerous chuckle. “So, you’ve finally come to beg me?“}
“What… what did you say?” My voice shook.
“Lily’s kidnapping can’t be exposed,” Lucas had told me coldly earlier. “She just signed a major international endorsement. If this leaks, it’s over for her. But you–your name’s not out there. If you admit it happened to you, the public will move on quickly.”
I stared at the man I had loved for so many years. “Lucas… do you even hear yourself?“}
“You wanted to acknowledge Lily’s child, and I let you. Now I’m just asking for one more thing.“}
“You want me to pretend I was the one kidnapped and raped?“}
“Nina,” he said gently. “Please help me.“}
“You want me to destroy my reputation for her?” I asked, my voice cracked.}
“Lily can’t handle this. Her depression is serious,” he pleaded. “But you–you’re strong. You can take it.“}
“So I should be the one to suffer?” I forced the words out.
“It’s not suffering. It’s temporary,” he said, softening his tone. “Nina… can you… have the abortion first?“} My world crumbled.}
“Lucas,” I said in a broken voice. “This is your child, too.“}]
“I know!” he snapped, losing control. “But Lily can’t take any stress right now!”
I went still, stunned.§
Then I laughed bitterly as the tears fell. “Fine. I’ll do it.“}
He opened his mouth to speak, but his phone rang.
From the other end, a soft cry rang out. “Lucas, I had a nightmare… I’m scared. What if people find out about me?” Lily’s frail voice made him melt. His tone softened instantly. “Don’t worry, Lily. I’ll protect you. No one will hurt you.” When he hung up, he turned away without another word and left.
I went to the hospital.}
A nurse handed me a form, her expression full of pity.”
“Mrs. Turner, are you sure you want the surgery?“}
I looked down. Lucas’s signature was already on the consent form.
He had planned this all along.}
