Chapter 1I Set Her Free to Have Another Man's Child

When my wife, who once mutually agreed with me to be child-free, has to give birth abroad, I book her a plane ticket.

To ensure her baby can be legally registered under the father's family, I suggest we get divorced. She signs the papers and even tries to console me. "Once I've had Diego's baby, I'll come back for you."

I nod and watch her board the plane. Then, I buy a ticket in the opposite direction and take off.

In my previous life, I've been foolish enough to believe I could ever matter more to her than Diego Ford. I've even threatened to kill myself to make her stay.

Until the very last desperate moment of my life, all I ever see is her back as she walks away.

Given a second chance at life, I swear not to use my life to hold a woman hostage again when I'm clearly dispensable to her.

Six years later, we unexpectedly cross paths at a kindergarten sports day. She struggles to believe I'm no longer in love with her.

* * *

I never wanted to send my son, Tyler Cooper, to a kindergarten open exclusively to children from powerful, influential families.

Unfortunately, the school belonged to my wife, Alaia Johnston. As her husband, I had no choice but to support her.

I stood under the bright sun and watched Tyler put on his little knight's helmet. As he climbed onto his horse for the race, I got to my feet, ready to cheer him on.

Then, there she was, standing across from me. I froze.

Six years had passed. Jane Lawson had gone from a tall, graceful model to a noticeably heavier woman. Even the delicate skin around her eyes had begun to show faint wrinkles.

As for me, I was dressed in a custom-made tracksuit, and everything from my posture to the way I carried myself spoke of someone accustomed to being a leader.

"Conrad? What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, glancing around nervously, then pulled me into a secluded corner.

"Didn't I tell you I'd come back for you when I'm ready? Do you have no idea where this is? How did someone like you even barge in?"

Someone like me? Was I not allowed at the kindergarten my wife had invested in for our son?

When she saw me staring blankly at her, panic flashed across Jane's face. "How did you find out Diego's kid goes here? I'm warning you. Don't you dare lay a hand on our child."

At the mention of Diego Ford, the worry in her eyes looked almost reminiscent of the past.

Back then, when Jane learned that Diego's mother's dying wish was to see her grandson born, she gave up her decision to remain childfree and flew all the way to Astoria to have a baby with him.

Ironically, by the time the baby was born, Diego's mother was still very much alive.

I was about to say something when realization suddenly dawned on Jane.

"I know I've neglected you all these years because I've been taking care of Diego and the kids, but you know this was his mother's dying wish. You understand that, don't you?"

I did—very much. That was why I had booked her a ticket to Astoria and suggested that we get a divorce. Wasn't that understanding enough?

I sighed and was just about to explain that I was here to cheer on Tyler when an unwelcome guest appeared at the end of the hallway. He carried a girl in his arms, who looked about two to three years old.

"Mommy!"

The girl's soft voice instantly changed Jane's expression. She shot me a warning look before taking the girl into her arms. "Did you miss Mommy, Tilly?"

Diego casually glanced at me, then wrapped an arm around them. "Let's go cheer for your brother, okay? Let's see how Ansel defeats that monster!"

No father would be happy to hear anyone call his own son a monster. Still, I simply said, "Please show some respect to the other kid."