Chapter 1

“I’m sorry, Ms. Reed,” the doctor trailed off, “you’ve missed the optimal timeframe for your surgery…”

Evelyn Reed clutched her medical report, the diagnosis of cervical cancer stark on the page. After considerable deliberation, she contacted Lucas Grant’s assistant, Michael Pine.

The phone rang for a long time before Michael answered, his tone as indifferent as ever. “Mrs. Grant, do you need something?”

Curling her stiff fingers, Evelyn asked, “Where’s Lucas? I need to speak with him.”

“Mr. Grant is busy,” he replied.

“Could you ask him to answer the phone?”

Before Michael could respond, Evelyn heard a woman’s gentle voice. “Lucas, what surprise do you have for me? Why the mystery?”

“Look up,” he replied.

Evelyn recognized his deep voice, the gentleness a stark contrast to the coldness she always received. Then, Michael abruptly ended the call.

Simultaneously, a loud explosion echoed from across the harbor. Looking up, Evelyn paled. Fireworks erupted into the night sky, their vibrant colors a breathtaking spectacle.

The hospital entrance was crowded.

“I heard the president of Bluezen, Mr. Grant, put on this firework show for his girlfriend. Twenty million dollars, apparently!”

“His girlfriend is Tiffany Moore. A Valtech doctorate, sought after by top corporations, stunning, accomplished, from a prominent family. And her boyfriend is handsome and successful.”

“No wonder he loves her! She’s remarkable!”

Evelyn watched the fireworks for a long time before releasing her medical report. The thin paper fluttered to the ground as she turned to leave.

Well past midnight, Lucas arrived home to find Evelyn sitting in the darkened living room.

Frowning, he switched on the lights. “Why aren’t you asleep?”

She looked up. His coat draped over his arm, his dark eyes fixed on her with the same detached indifference. Once, she believed his coldness was innate. Now, she knew it was reserved solely for her. His warmth, his passion, belonged to another.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she said softly. “I went to the hospital today.”

He tossed his jacket onto the sofa, unconcerned. “What did the doctor say?”

Evelyn had complained of stomach discomfort; he’d promised, then repeatedly postponed, accompanying her for a checkup. A billion-dollar contract, then critical company issues—always something. He’d promised yesterday, but Tiffany’s surprise birthday celebration had taken precedence. The firework display was a hastily arranged afterthought. His promise to Evelyn had completely slipped his mind.

“It’s nothing. It’ll pass,” she murmured, lowering her gaze. “Why are you home tonight?”

Lucas froze, then moved closer, pulling her into his embrace. His breath hitched against her neck. “You’re ovulating,” he rasped. “For the Grant family’s heir, you requested we sleep together every month during this time. What’s wrong? Forgotten?”

The overpowering scent of a woman’s perfume—a sharp sting to Evelyn’s pride. He’d been cold throughout their three-year marriage, reluctantly sleeping with her only when his grandmother insisted on continuing the family line.

A wave of dizziness washed over her. A child? Impossible now.

Evelyn was gentle, obedient, compromising. But now, she refused to compromise any longer.

“Lucas, aren’t you worried your girlfriend will be jealous if you sleep with me now?” Her eyes glittered in the darkness, a small beast finally baring its fangs.

He saw her seriousness, his eyes immediately hardening. A long pause, then a chuckle—the smile at odds with his gaze.

“Why should I be afraid? Our marriage is a secret. You’re the one who won’t stand by me. Since you’re my… side piece, don't ask for too much.”