After eight years of being child-free, Sawyer Castillo was diagnosed with cancer.
That same day, he slept with a woman his parents had arranged for him.
Every time after he was with her, he would scrub his skin raw in the shower, slap himself in the face and beg for my forgiveness.
Eventually, the woman got pregnant.
Sawyer hugged me and cried bitterly, "Honey, I have repaid my parents' kindness in raising me. From now on, I will only belong to you."
Four years later, at the Castillos' residence.
I stumbled upon that same woman surrounded by everyone, like a star.
By her side stood a little boy, her belly swollen high with another child.
Sawyer shielded her, flustered as he tried to explain. "Honey, Mom and Dad just wanted a son and a daughter to make our family complete. Once Rosalie safely delivers this baby, I'll send her away immediately."
"You didn't want to have a child, so Rosalie carried this one for you. It'll be adopted by you later. Honey, I just love you too much; I was afraid no one would be with you after I died."
I nodded and didn't cry or make a fuss.
Sawyer didn't know.
I came today to share the good news.
Unfortunately, this child was destined not to be born.
——
"Honey, you have always been sensible and considerate. Today is Rosalie's birthday, so my parents let her come to the family residence for a meal. It will not affect your status."
Rosalie hid behind him, delicately grasping his hand.
The dazzling sea blue heart diamond ring flashed on the exposed slender ring finger.
That was the birthday gift that Sawyer promised to give me.
Noticing my gaze, Sawyer guiltily pulled her hand away.
Rosalie pointed her head out and timidly said, "Christy, the necklace on your neck is so pretty."
Sawyer was anxious to say something, but I smiled.
I took off the necklace and handed it to her. "It is pretty. After all, it came as a free gift with that ring you're wearing. Here, take it. Now you've got the full set."
Her eyes suddenly reddened and her voice choked with tears. "I'm sorry, Christy. I said the wrong thing. Please don't be angry. I'm willing to be hit or scolded, just please don't hurt my baby."
Sawyer immediately frowned.
"Christy, Rosalie doesn't know anything. Why are you bullying her?"
"It's just a ring. I can buy you another one."
I forced a smile and felt that my heart was suffocated by the dense pain.
The mistress was standing in front of me and I didn't beat or scold her, but I became the villain.
Sawyer's phone rang just then. He squeezed my hand and softly coaxed, "Don't throw a tantrum. We'll talk about everything when we get back."
After that, he turned and walked towards the door.
Rosalie glanced over, then approached with a hand on her belly and a sly smile.
"Christy, today's my birthday and Sawyer specially ordered my favorite chestnut cake for me. Why don't you have some too?"
The moment I heard the word chestnut, panic shot through me. I instinctively stepped back, but she grabbed a big chunk of the cake and shoved it toward my mouth.
A car hit my mother on her way to buy chestnuts for me.
Every chestnut that day was stained with blood, scattered all over the ground, piercing my eyes and becoming a lifelong nightmare.
Since then, just seeing chestnuts made me tremble and break out in a cold sweat. In severe cases, I vomit violently or even lose control of my emotions.
Rosalie's nails dug into my flesh fiercely, with such strength that it didn't seem like a pregnant woman.
"I won't eat it!"
I anxiously swatted her hand away, not with much force, but she shrieked and fell backwards.
"Ah!"
The nanny just came out of the kitchen carrying a steaming hot bowl of soup.
When she dodged, the soup in her hand splashed all over me.
Sawyer rushed in when he heard the commotion, only to see Rosalie fall on the floor, weeping uncontrollably.
