Chapter 1
Three hours before my wedding, my fiancé called to say he wasn’t coming. Instead, he went off and mamed Tania at city hall
I endured the whispers and stares of our guests, my cheeks burning with humiliation. But then the grand doors of the hotel burst open, and in strode Garrett Morgan–my fiancé’s uncle.
He arrived at the head of a dazzling motorcade, bearing armfuls of roses–so many roses, nearly ten thousand. Kneeling before me, he declared he’d loved me in secret for years, that he’d dreamed of marrying me every night
Overwhelmed by his gesture and desperate for rescue, I said yes.I
We married that same day.
Over the next three years, I lost seven pregnancies. Finally, against all odds, I managed to get pregnant again.
Garrett was overjoyed. He swung me around in his arms, telling me to rest as much as I needed. Take care of yourself and our baby, he said. “Td give my life for you both.“2
But three months into the pregnancy, I overheard a conversation between Garrett and his private physician:
“Mr. Morgan, just like the last seven times, the medication has been mixed into your wife’s milk.”
The doctor hesitated, then asked, “I don’t understand. Tania can carry your child to term–why can’t your wife?”
Garrett let out a hollow laugh. “Only the one who gives birth to an heir will inherit the company. Sampson Morgan, my nephew, can’t have children. But I can’t let Tania suffer for it.”
So all those heartfelt vows had been nothing but lies.
If that’s the case, then I have no reason to stay.%
“You realize you’re not only giving up your shot at becoming the next CEO, but also seven children you could have had with your wife,” the doctor said quietly. “You’ve asked me to falsify Sampson’s medical records–he still doesn’t know he’s sterile. When the baby is bor, he won’t even call you Dad Is it really worth it?” Garrett’s face was caught between longing and sorrow. “What does it matter? If I couldn’t have Tania as my wife, I’ll at least protect her happiness for the rest of her life. No one will ruin that for her–not even me, or Renee’s children.2
The doctor hesitated. “But your wife’s body is fragile. She’s miscared seven times. If it happens again, she may never be able to have children.”
Garrett pressed his lips together, silent for a long moment. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll take care of her for the rest of my life, no matter what
My knuckles whitened around the study door handle, veins standing out on the back of my hand as I struggled to stay upright. I fled before Garrett could notice me, stumbling back to our bedroom and sinking to the floor in a daze.
All this time, I’d blamed my own weak constitution for the miscarriages. Seven times in three years–each one chipping away at my health and spirit. I never complained, not once. I even felt guilty, thinking I was holding Garrett back from his ambitions.
But the truth was far crueler. Garrett’s father had made it clear, whichever son or grandson produced an heir would become the next head of the family business. My repeated losses had left me frail, but I never suspected anything–never imagined the man I married was the architect of my pain. He’d even refused to use protection, just to keep up appearances and preserve the illusion.
To him, my body–and the children I’d lost–were nothing but obstacles on Tania’s path to happiness.
“Renee? Why are you sitting on the floor?” Garrett asked, entering the bedroom and rushing to help me up, concern written across his face.
“I’m fine, I lied, forcing a smile. “Just a little moming sickness.“2
He gently rubbed my back, trying to soothe me. “Sweetheart, you’re working too hard. Next time you feel sick, call me, okay? I can’t stand to see you suffer.
He smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “You haven’t been sleeping well since you got pregnant. When the baby comes, I’ll have to give them a talking–to for treating their mom so badly.“2
“Here, have some warm milk. It’ll help you sleep,” he said, handing me a steaming glass.
I stared at the milk, a fresh ache blooming in my chest. Would there really be a next time??
Every time I miscarried, it was the same–Garrett fussing over me, bringing me midnight snacks or making my favorite fruit salad with his own hands. Now, all I could taste was betrayal.%