His Hidden Family, My Ruined Marriage Free Preview

"Mrs. Locke, congratulations, you're pregnant."

Liana Keane walked out of the hospital, feeling sweet to the bone.

Clutching the positive pregnancy test report, she got into her car with joy.

He's on a business trip right now. Should I fly over and surprise him?

They had been trying for a baby these past two months—finally, they'd made it.

Starting the car, she dialed his number. His pleasant voice came through immediately.

"Liana, I'm in a meeting."

"Ah, sorry."

Liana hung up quickly. Just hearing his voice made her feel like she was living in a jar of honey.

They'd been married for two years. At first, he was completely absorbed in building his business and had no time for her. Recently, he'd finally had a little breathing room. With the elders pressuring them for a child, they had put it on the agenda.

And their feelings heated up fast.

Her phone rang again. Seeing the word "Hubby" on the screen, sweetness overflowed from her throat. "Hello?"

"My flight back is tomorrow evening. What gift do you want? I'll get it for you."

His voice was low, warm, and full of reassurance.

"Elian, is the baby's formula ready?"

A woman's voice cut in—shattering the perfect little bubble.

The smile on Liana's face froze solid.

What did I just hear?

Baby?

She couldn't hear what he said next. The world seemed to spin; she felt dizzy and lightheaded.

Two years ago, her mother was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. Her biggest worry was Liana's marriage. Liana had had a boyfriend then, but he broke up with her the moment he heard about her mother's illness, afraid of being dragged down.

Thrown into the dating market, she met Elian Locke—ditched, just like her.

Elian walked up to her and frankly explained his situation. His sincerity moved her, and they clicked—got the marriage license the same day.

Elian said he traveled frequently for work and wouldn't have much time to spend with her. He met her cancer-stricken mother at the hospital once and then left.

It was only a while after the wedding that she found out he was that business tycoon.

Seeing her shock, he gently reassured her, "You married me, a living person, not just a name."

He had pinched her cheek comfortingly. "Isn't it enough that I treat you well?"

For a while, Liana felt like she'd won the lottery, afraid she'd wake up to find it was all a dream.

But these past two months, they'd been inseparable every night.

They say it for a reason—the more you get physical in a relationship, the deeper the love gets. If you hit pause on that, and it all goes flat.

But she'd just heard a woman say "baby" to him.

He had a woman outside?

She had never been part of his social circle. He said that scene was too murky, not suitable for a pure little lily like her who stayed unsullied.

By the time Liana snapped back to reality, her whole body had been drenched in sweat. The cold air from the AC seeped into her bones, a chilling, aching cold.

She returned home but stood at the entrance, unable to step inside. Her fingers absently brushed the side table nearby—they had made love right there just the other day.

Remembering how he'd pressed against her neck, his voice hoarse as he called her "baby" in the heat of passion, she pulled her hand back.

A wave of nausea hit her. She quickly went upstairs to pack.

This wasn't her place anymore. But just as she was almost done packing, a figure blocked the light above her.

"Business trip?"

"No. I'm moving out."

Liana looked up at him, her vision blurring uncontrollably.

He was supposed to be away—how'd he get back so fast?

Or maybe... he never left.

A suffocating rage surged within Liana's chest. She held back with all her might, refusing to throw a tantrum like some dumped teenager.

She simply watched him quietly.

The warm, orange-hued indoor light accentuated his sharp features—thick brows, cool eyes, and those thin lips that somehow made him look refined.

There were always rumors outside about the head of the Locke Group keeping a woman outside—maybe a kid, too. Her best friend told her not to buy into it. People love to gossip about the rich to kill time and balance their own frustrations.

She hadn't believed them. She'd trusted his character.

But today...

She steadied herself against the suitcase and stood up. Reminding herself she was a grown woman, she spoke as calmly as possible, "Elian, do you have—"

His phone rang. He glanced at it, his brows tightening slightly before he looked back at her. "Let me take this call first."

Liana dug her nails into her palms. Watching his retreating back, she called out firmly.

"Do you have a home outside?"

He had the phone to his ear but turned to look back at her.

"Which one?"

Which one?

Are there many?

Liana was speechless with anger. Tears welled up in her eyes.

She'd always known rich folks played dirty—but this was next-level chaos.

He'd treated her so well these two years.

A bitter taste filled Liana's mouth. She took a deep breath and stated firmly, "Let's get a divorce."

She was just an ordinary person, but that didn't mean she had to accept her husband having another home elsewhere.

"I have something to handle. I'll be there later."

He hung up the phone. In a few long strides, he was before her, looking down from his height. "I advise you to think this through carefully."

"I already have. I want a divorce."

If he had told her on their wedding day that he had a home outside, she might still have married him.

Her mother's greatest wish was to see her settled. To give her mother peace of mind for her treatment, she could have accepted a marriage of convenience.

But he never breathed a word of it.

Liana had always thought she was a lucky Cinderella, favored by her prince.

Now it seemed clear—there were no fairy tales. It was all a lie!

She even began to suspect now—back at the start of their marriage, when he was "traveling for work" all the time, was he actually with that other woman? Was she pregnant then? Or giving birth?

Liana's heart clenched with pain again. Dmn it—she'd fallen in love with him.

He had played his part too well these two years, feeding her large bowlfuls of sweet illusions.

She had almost started to believe she was truly lucky, that he was really going to cherish her like a treasure.

But it turned out he was that kind of man—charming and refreshing from a distance, but rotten to the core up close.

"If you can't accept it, then let's divorce."

He didn't mention the baby, but he was admitting to it.

Liana immediately tried to leave but was stopped as strong hands gripped her shoulders, holding her in place.

Elian knew exactly why she suddenly wanted a divorce. But were two years of marriage really just going to blow apart?

Hadn't he treated her well enough? From head to toe, wasn't everything she had bought with his money? Not to mention her mother's exorbitant medical bills.

"But Liana," he said, his voice low, "I keep paying for your mother's treatments because I'm your husband. If we divorce, I'll have nothing more to do with your mother's affairs."

Liana was instantly stunned into silence.

He was currently looking for someone to develop a new targeted cancer drug.

The chances were slim, but what if?

If that new drug were developed, her mother could get better. Would she be personally cutting off her mother's hope for survival?

Liana opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Her courage failed her.

As Elian saw her helpless expression, a strange pang shot through his heart. He lowered his eyes to avoid hers, then accidentally caught sight of the faint blush where her collarbones met beneath her shirt. His Adam's apple bobbed on instinct.

"Call me when you've thought it through."

He wiped her tears, kissed her forehead with an air of confident control, and left.

Liana remained standing there quietly, finally understanding how laughable these past two years of marriage had been.

The vast house was empty, leaving only her in its silence and loneliness.

She thought back to how good he'd been to her these past two years.

Turns out, men are all the same.

Her father had divorced her mother before Liana was even born.

Relying on his father-in-law's connections, he had climbed to a high position, now had a son and a daughter, a picture-perfect family.

That evening, Liana sat on the sofa with her civil service exam books for over two hours. She didn't read a single word.

When she woke again, it was already the next morning. She was in bed.

She opened her eyes drowsily. Elian's firm, sculpted back came into view right beside her.

He had an incredible physique, far better than that of the top models. The kind of man who'd look good in a potato sack.

And he always wore the finest fabrics.

Liana wasn't surprised she'd fallen for him. The first time he undressed in front of her, she'd been stunned speechless.

Who could look at a six-foot-three, perfectly built man like that and not fall in love?

Besides, he knew exactly how to seduce her in bed.

He put on his shirt, glanced back at her as he buttoned it. "Awake?"

For a moment, Liana forgot yesterday's events. As she saw his solid chest, her face flushed without her realizing it.

Elian half-lay beside her, gently stroking her cheek. His voice was soft. "It's Friday. Dinner at the Manor with the elders tonight. Don't forget."

Something nagged at the back of Liana's mind. It wasn't until he pinched her chin, leaning in for a kiss, that yesterday's memories flooded back. She jerked away abruptly.

He frowned at the sudden distance, thick brows knitting. A large hand immediately cupped the back of her neck, pulling her forward until she was forced against him. His voice dropped low. "You'd really divorce me, disregarding your mother's life?"

Liana instantly stilled.

Elian's deep eyes fixed on her obedient expression. He placed a light kiss on her lips. "Tonight, we continue our baby-making plans."

"But you already have a child."

The words were out before Liana even realized she'd spoken.

Elian chuckled, his fingers stroking the sensitive skin at her nape lazily. "Only the child you give me will be the Locke family's firstborn grandson.

"I have to get to the office. See you tonight."

He kissed her forehead again and left.

Liana lay there for a long time, unable to move.

The sensation of his kiss on her forehead hadn't faded when a wave of nausea suddenly churned in her stomach. She scrambled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom.

She didn't know if it was the pregnancy or his kiss.

But one thing was clear in her heart—she wouldn't tell him she was carrying his child. Not yet.

...

That evening, the family driver picked her up and took her to the Locke Manor. As she got out of the car, her phone rang. "Hello?"

"Did you know Elian's ex is back?"

"Huh? No, I didn't know."

Was it the ex who dumped him, the one who made him go to the matchmaking service out of spite?

Those business trips these past two years—was he actually trying to win her back?

That child...

Was it theirs?

Then why hadn't he filed for divorce?

"We ran into your husband and his friends at dinner. The woman introduced herself as his ex. Liana, whatever happens, don't be afraid. You've got me—and all of us from work."

The man on the phone tried to comfort her.

"Yeah. Thank you."

Liana felt the summer wind, thick and stifling, making it hard to breathe.

A car pulled up behind her quickly. Its warm headlights hit her back, blinding her.

The tall, imposing figure got out, locked the car, and gradually became visible as the light faded.

He approached, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His gaze was as tender as ever. "Whose call?"

"Quentin."

Liana never hid such things from him.

In truth, she had held nothing back from him.

It was all just her own foolish, one-sided devotion.

"Don't answer his calls again. Don't meet him privately. Or I'll make sure he loses his position as Dean."

Elian slid his hands into his pockets, speaking casually. His eyes unconsciously roamed over her slender figure.

Yeah—only he knew how wild she was under those prim clothes. And only he ever would.

Thinking this, he instinctively reached for her hand.

Liana quickly moved both hands behind her back.

Elian chuckled, his charming eyes narrowing as he stared at her. "Still on about that divorce, Mrs. Locke?"

"Even if we don't divorce, we don't have to hold hands."

"If Grandma sees you like this, she'll think we're fighting. Your mother is already confined to the hospital. We can't have a second person in the family in that state."

He firmly grasped her hand.

Liana tried to pull away, but his grip tightened suddenly. The next second, she was yanked against his chest.

Elian held her, his other hand pressing against her forehead. His voice turned serious. "Why are you so cold on a hot day like this?"

"The AC in the car was too strong."

The sudden warmth on her forehead made her heart pound. She tried to pull back, but he held her firmly in place.

Soon, the nausea rose again. She was sure it was because he was too close.

"Mr. Locke, Mrs. Locke, it's about to rain. Please come inside."

The butler came out, seeing them holding hands intimately, and urged them warmly.

Elian pulled her along, hand in hand, as they walked in. He told the butler, "Fetch me a thermometer."

"Oh? Is Mrs. Locke unwell? Should I call the doctor?"

The butler took a closer look at Liana, noticing her pale complexion.

"No need for a doctor. It's just a slight chill. I'll have some cold medicine later."

At "doctor," Liana panicked—if a doctor came, the pregnancy might come out. She shut it down fast.

Elian glanced back at her, seeing her stubbornness. "Do as she says."

"Okay."

The butler assumed it was due to the erratic weather and didn't press further.

As soon as they entered the living room, both generations looked their way. The spacious room suddenly buzzed with warmth.

Elian's grandmother, Rosalind Locke, beamed. "Oh, my dear Liana! Come here! Guess what wonderful dream I had last night?"

"Do we need to guess? You probably dreamed of becoming a great-grandmother."

Before Liana could be pulled to Rosalind's side, Elian wrapped an arm around her shoulder, guiding her to sit right next to him. He sat down and punctured Rosalind's eager riddle.

"You brat! Always so clever. But what's the use of being so clever? Tall as a lamppost, looks the part, but you still can't even manage to give our Liana a baby!"

Rosalind glared at her grandson, not amused.

Elian looked at Liana and said calmly, "Having a baby isn't a one-person job."

Liana couldn't help but glance at him. Does he really not plan to tell the elders about the child he already has?

"Stay here tonight. I've prepared a surprise for you."

Rosalind shot her grandson another look but turned a doting face to Liana.

Rosalind wasn't joking. After dinner, when the couple went upstairs, Liana saw the sexy lingerie laid out on the bed. Lace, no less. Rosalind was really trying to give their baby-making efforts a boost. But...

"We shouldn't disappoint the elders' thoughtful intentions."

She was still lost in thought when an arm wrapped around her waist from behind. The intense, masculine scent of him lingered at her neck and ear.

"Go shower first."

Liana suddenly felt uncomfortable with his embrace, even physically repelled.

Elian's tall, imposing frame stood behind her. His deep eyes fixed on her delicate skin, ready to kiss her neck. Liana immediately turned her head away.

He didn't push it, just watched her quietly.

After the wedding, his desire had spiked. He used to think sex wasn't a big deal—until their first time. Then he couldn't get enough.

But the way she was acting now...

Elian's gaze was dark, intense enough to swallow her whole.

Sensing his displeasure, Liana didn't dare avoid him again.

She didn't know why she looked at him, but when she did, she felt so small.

Her once gentle, caring husband had suddenly transformed into a cold man on a throne. It felt as if she resisted now, her cancer-stricken mother would be thrown out of the hospital, her life ending instantly.

She quickly found her place. A bitter taste filled her heart, but her voice was soft and coaxing. "Could you go shower first?"

At least tonight, she didn't want another woman's perfume on him.

"Together."

Her delicate, obedient tone stirred something in him. He swiftly scooped her up from the floor, carrying her toward the bathroom.

Liana couldn't resist. She looked at his sharply defined features, bitterness spreading through her. She lowered her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes.

In just two days, he'd gone from a doting husband who gave her the world to a domineering oppressor.

He set her on the bathroom counter, cupping half her face with one hand, his kisses descending on her lips, possessive and demanding.

It felt different this time. This kiss made her heart ache. Instinctively, she tried to push him away. He stopped, his deep eyes boring into her, scrutinizing.

Liana kept her eyes downcast, her hands slowly going limp. But Elian lifted her chin, his command low. "Mrs. Locke, look at your husband."

Forced to meet his gaze, Liana forgot to breathe.

She loved him.

She'd given him her whole heart, holding nothing back.

Why hadn't he mentioned a word about his other family? How was this different from fraud?

Her heart felt like it was being battered by a tidal wave, but she couldn't utter a single question.

Elian claimed her mouth again, his warm fingers deftly slipping beneath her clothes.

She used to love his touch. Now, it just made her feel sick.

His kisses trailed from her lips to her neck. Just as she was about to gag, he suddenly stopped.

His phone rang.

Liana's breath hitched at the sound. Elian's kisses halted.

He pulled the phone from his pocket, glanced at it, his brows furrowing. His fingers, still resting on her skin, idly traced patterns as he put the phone to his ear. "What's wrong?"

"Elian, the baby won't stop crying for Daddy."

The woman's voice on the other end was soft and sweet. They were so close, Liana heard it clearly.

"I'm on my way."

Elian hung up quickly, withdrew his hand from her clothes, and habitually smoothed her outfit.

But when he looked down, he caught a flicker of relief in her eyes. Irritation flashed through him. He cupped her face, forcing her to look at him. "Want me to leave?"

"No."

She lied, afraid to anger him.

"The kid's been running a high fever. The doctor said he needs to stay calm. I have to go soothe him," he explained.

Liana watched his calm expression. A tide of bitterness welled up inside, threatening to overflow.

He could state the child's existence so casually, without a hint of guilt toward her.

"Okay."

What else could she say?

She didn't know why he wouldn't divorce her, but one thing was crystal clear—he absolutely, undeniably, had a child with someone else.

"Don't rush the civil service exam. Get some rest."

Out of habit, Elian kissed her forehead before leaving.

Liana sat quietly on the bathroom counter, not moving a muscle.

People always said the wealthy were masters of time management. She never believed it. Now she did.

Slowly, she looked toward the door. He was gone. Soon, she heard the soft click of the door closing.

Just like their marriage. Quiet on the surface.

After he left, heavy rain poured all night.

He didn't return, of course. Her alarm woke her at 6:30 the next morning.

In his parents' house, sleeping in wasn't an option.

After breakfast, Liana hurried to the hospital. The cancer had wasted her mother away to under ninety pounds. She lay weakly in the hospital bed.

"Have a baby soon. It'll distract you. Stop fussing over a dying woman like me."

Her mom, Jane Keane, stroked her gaunt face, aching for her.

"Mom, I—"

"Elian's here."

Before Liana could finish, Jane looked past her with a smile.

Jane had always been very pleased with Elian.

"Yes. Brought you some soup."

Elian held a thermos and slipped a hand over Liana's thin shoulder. "Has it been a while since your last period?"

"Really? Liana, are you pregnant?"

Remembering her daughter's unfinished sentence, Jane grew excited.

Liana's heart pounded heavily for two beats, but she quickly said, "My period just ended a couple of days ago."

"Hey now, you've been trying for two-three months. What if something's wrong? Since you're both at the hospital, why not get checked?"

Hearing her daughter had just finished her period, Jane sighed, a little disappointed.

"Maybe the timing's just off," Elian said humbly, releasing Liana's shoulder to turn and pour the soup for Jane.

But just as he unscrewed the lid, before he could pour, Liana's stomach churned violently. Her face flushed, then paled. She covered her mouth and bolted from the room.

Elian stopped pouring, his gaze following Liana's retreating figure.

"What's wrong with her?" Jane asked, concerned.

Liana found she couldn't stand the smell of meat lately. She retched until her stomach was empty. A familiar handkerchief appeared in front of her. She glanced at it, then took it to wipe her mouth. "Thanks."

"How long?" he stared at her pale face, asking seriously.

Liana's heart jolted. Her eyes widened involuntarily.

Did he know about the pregnancy?

No, impossible. I'd thrown the test away.

She forced herself to stay calm, replying evenly, "How long for what?"

"Excuse me, is Mr. Locke here?"

Before she got an answer, a woman's voice came from outside.

Elian walked out first.

Though confused, Liana felt a sliver of relief at the interruption.

Jane's private room was the best in the Locke Group's private hospital, complete with a kitchen and bathroom. The woman stood at the doorway, quietly observing the room.

"And you are?"

Jane looked at the elegant young woman who had appeared.

"I'm Anya Forrest, Mr. Locke's new secretary. You must be Mrs. Keane. Pleasure to meet you. I'm here to remind him of the meeting. The car is waiting downstairs. He—"

"Wait downstairs." Elian emerged from the bathroom, his tone flat as he looked at her.

Liana stood right behind him, her heart leaping into her throat.

That is Anya?

The one who dumped him?

Liana stared at the woman's eyes, so similar to her own, and her breath caught.

No wonder he'd picked her two years ago. Had he made her a stand-in?

Anya wore a simple professional dress, her hair a chic chin-length bob, with low-heeled pumps matching her outfit. Simple, yet stunningly beautiful.

Sensing Elian's displeasure, Anya glanced at Liana, giving a polite nod. "Of course, Mr. Locke. I'll wait for you downstairs."

Though shocked, Liana knew Anya's appearance today was no accident.

When Elian was leaving, Liana walked him out herself. He turned to face her at the door, waiting for her to speak.

Seeing that he seemed to see right through her, Liana went straight to the point. "Is it her? The baby's mother?"

"It could be. Or not."

That was Elian's ambiguous answer before he left.

...

After Elian and Anya left, Jane asked her daughter, "You know Elian has a new secretary, right?"

The large private room fell silent. Liana handed her mother the soup. "Yes. He mentioned it before."

"He has always been sincere with you. But with a secretary that beautiful, you should keep an eye out."

Her mother accepted the bowl with a warning.

Would that even help?

They already have a child together.

The thought made Liana's entire body tremble, as if she might shatter.

Her mother murmured again after a while, "Liana, does that Ms. Forrest look a bit familiar to you?"

"Familiar? No, not really."

Liana's mind was numb, but she wouldn't burden her mother with this. It would only worsen her condition.

She changed the subject, chatting until her mother fell asleep. She then sat beside the bed, reading.

A text lit up her phone, "Tonight. Starlight Hotel. Room 5002."

She currently taught ninth-grade math at Summit High. The department dinner had been planned days ago.

She arrived just before 7:30 PM. The night was beautiful, full of stars.

And under that starry sky, she saw them again—Anya and Elian.

Anya's hand rested on the car roof and smiled, "Watch your head, Mr. Locke."

Elian, buttoning his suit jacket, smiled back as he stepped out.

The sharp, black suit accentuated his tall, imposing frame, adding a touch of mystery.

His smile was intoxicating. But the moment he saw Liana, the warmth vanished from his eyes.

Anya, standing beside him, also seemed to notice Liana just then. She asked softly, "Want me to go explain? She looks like she got the wrong idea."

"No need." Elian's reply was flat. He turned and walked away.

The wind was strong tonight, billowing his suit jacket back, revealing his trim waist, a sight that made any onlooker pause.

Anya gave Liana a polite nod before hurrying after Elian, the picture of a professional subordinate.

"Liana! Wow, you look absolutely stunning tonight."

Her colleagues arrived. Quentin Conrad, stepping out of the first car, reached her first.

She wore a simple white dress, looking fresh and ethereal, like a fairy.

Well, at least in his eyes.

Flustered by the compliment, Liana looked down but offered a polite smile.

Elian stopped the moment someone called out to his wife. His sharp eyes caught the way the man was looking at her. He suddenly turned back.

Anya stopped too. "Mr. Locke, everyone is waiting."

"You go ahead."

With a terse command, Elian strode back to the entrance, stopping beside Liana.

Before Liana could process it, her hand was in his.

She looked reflexively at their joined hands, then up at him in confusion.

Hasn't he already gone inside?

"Mr. Conrad. Long time no see."

Elian extended a hand toward Quentin.

Man to man, Quentin sensed the hostility, but he reached out. Before their fingers could touch, Elian withdrew his hand.

The colleagues gathered around could feel the tense undercurrents but wisely stayed quiet.

"Seems you've been quite busy lately, Mr. Locke."

Noticing Liana's dazed, hurt look, Quentin addressed Elian.

"Indeed. My wife and I have been quite focused on trying for a baby."

Elian looked down at Liana as he said this, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. He kissed her forehead, then deliberately lowered his voice beside her ear, his tone intimate. "Don't worry, darling. I'll do my best to stay sober tonight. For the baby's sake."

Liana looked at him. She never knew he was such a good actor.

What did he care about the "quality" of the baby in her belly? The moment she learned about his child with someone else, she knew her own child would never be connected to him.

They would divorce eventually.

A man with another family—whoever wanted him could have him. She certainly didn't anymore.

Elian wasn't bothered by her silence. He gave her shoulder a squeeze and addressed the group. "Tonight's on me. Please don't hold back. My wife relies on all of you for support at work."

Anya watched them walk in hand-in-hand. She made a call. "Bring the baby to the Starlight now."

She hung up quickly, waiting for Elian by the elevator.

As Elian approached, she held the door open. He instructed, "Make sure the bill for my wife's table is taken care of."

"Yes."

Anya followed him in, the elevator doors closing.

Just before they shut, her gaze lifted, seeing Liana and her colleagues across the distance. A flash of calculation passed through her eyes.

Liana and her group were moved to a much better private room. The drinks were all premium, priced in the tens of thousands.

Her colleague and longtime best friend, Lily Clark, sat beside her. "Hey, why the long face? Don't tell me you're upset we're spending your husband's money?"

Husband? Not for long.

"Not at all. Order more."

Liana smiled faintly, encouraging everyone to indulge.

He was using her mother as leverage. Deep down, resentment simmered. Two years married, peaceful and warm—she'd genuinely thought he was all gentleman.

She thought she'd struck gold, married the perfect man. Turns out, in her twenties, she was still naive, mistaking manipulation for love.

"Hey, Liana, with booze this pricey, you gotta drink more than us, or we'll feel bad." A handsome colleague poured her a glass.

The others joined in, urging her to drink.

"I've had a stomach bug these last couple of days. The doctor said no alcohol. It'd be a shame to waste it—you all have to drink your fill."

Liana didn't want to ruin the mood.

Halfway through the meal, two plates of lobster were served. She couldn't stand the smell and hurried out.

Lily, sensing something was off, followed. "Are you pregnant?"

After vomiting, Liana's eyes were red. It took her a moment to catch her breath. She gave Lily a helpless smile, silently confirming it.

"Does Elian know?" Lily asked, concerned, seeing the tears in Liana's eyes.

"I don't plan on telling him. I want a divorce." Liana turned, leaning against the sink, her voice low.

The taste in her mouth was awful. She turned to rinse.

"That secretary of his... is there something between them?"

Lily recalled the scene at the hotel entrance. They seemed closer than mere boss and subordinate.

It was as if Anya wasn't really his secretary, just a lover playing a role.

Even if they were divorcing, Liana wouldn't gossip about matters Elian hadn't made public. She shook her head and walked out with Lily.

"Oh, I don't know what's up with our boy—he's burning up, poor thing."

The words reached them just as they exited the restroom. Not far away, at the entrance to another private room, Anya held a child, her face etched with worry.

Elian looked even more anxious, taking the boy. "Let's get him to the hospital."

As the family of three turned, their gazes collided with Liana's across the hallway.

"Get him to the car first."

"Okay."

Elian handed the child back to Anya. Once she had him, he walked toward Liana.

Liana stood perfectly still. Her heart was shattered, and with that came a cold calm.

A bleak thought crossed her mind. So he had another family and didn't tell me. So what?

If not for him these past two years, her mother might have already passed away.

Everything had its price.

"Is the baby sick?" she asked as he approached, her tone deceptively calm.

She felt she had to learn acceptance. Not acceptance of her husband having a child with another woman, but acceptance of the fact. She needed to stay calm, learn to cope, and then...

Someday, she would walk away without a backward glance.

"Yes."

Surprise flickered in Elian's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by concern. "You don't look well."

Seeing Elian's unflappable composure, Lily suddenly felt that all his concern for Liana was fake. She confronted him directly, "Mr. Locke, whose child is that?"

"Mine," Elian replied.

No evasion. Brutal honesty.

Pain lanced through Liana's chest again, sharp and hot, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

"Please don't take them to the hospital where my mom is."

Liana couldn't hold back anymore.

Her own suffering didn't matter. She just couldn't let her mother be exposed to this.

"Fine. I'll have my driver take you home."

Elian, seeing her pallor, took out his phone to make the call.

Liana didn't argue. But Lily couldn't help herself. "So you really have a child outside? What does that make Liana?"

"She will always be my lawful wife." Elian's reply was that same, precise statement.

Lily remembered the rumors about him having another family elsewhere. She had told Liana not to believe them, thinking people watched too many soap operas. Turns out, the truth was stranger than fiction. And Elian was living it.

Do wealthy men need several families to prove their "noble" status?

"Please see her downstairs later."

Elian's gaze finally left Liana's face as he asked Lily. Then he was gone.

Lily let out a disbelieving laugh. "What the hell is this?"

Elian, the man who seemed so devoted, so faithful, was nothing but a beast in gentleman's clothing.

When Liana got home, she felt heavy and drained. She sat on the sofa. The silence didn't last long before she crumpled forward, sobbing into the cushions.

She could pretend to be calm, unaffected, for a while. But alone, she couldn't hold it in anymore.

She remembered that time she had a fever. He'd stayed awake all night, checking her temperature, applying cool compresses, holding her hand the entire time.

Her phone buzzed with a message. She didn't have the energy to look.

Her stomach felt hollow. Dizzy and exhausted, she gradually quieted down.

Yes, she fell into a deep, troubled sleep.

She woke the next morning to find her phone placed neatly on the pillow beside her.

Opening her eyes, she saw Elian lying next to her. His fingers traced her arm, a light, feathery touch on her skin.

"No wonder you wanted a divorce. You already had a backup plan lined up."

His gaze was distant, a stark contrast to the gentleness of his touch.

She didn't get it. She wasn't even sure if she was awake or still dreaming.

She could only see his handsome profile, the Adam's apple she'd loved.

She even felt an urge to reach out and touch it.

Then his deep eyes met hers. "Anya can't handle the baby, and his nanny's down with a fever. So it's you."

"Me what?"

Humiliation made her eyes turn cold.

"You'll take care of our son."

Elian brushed the stray hair from her forehead, his tone matter-of-fact.

"Get out," Liana said.

She was holding back. What she really wanted was to fight him.

"Tell me to get out after you're pregnant."

As he spoke, he suddenly threw the blanket to the floor. He grabbed her and pinned her down, his kiss demanding.

But this time, the moment his tongue entered her mouth, he stopped.

Liana had bitten down hard on his tongue.

It bled.

"Feeling feisty?"

He tasted the iron tang of blood spreading from his tongue. This time, he gripped her chin before kissing her again, forcing her to share the taste of his blood.

Liana felt even more nauseous. But his movements turned rough. She felt her nightgown being shoved up, him poised to enter her.

Images of him with another woman flooded her mind. She couldn't take it anymore.

"Mmph—"

Liana wasn't even angry anymore. She just didn't want to vomit on the bed. She covered her mouth, pushing hard against his shoulders, trying to get him off.

Sensing something wrong, Elian stopped. He turned to see her face, pale and strained. He immediately moved aside.

Liana scrambled toward the bathroom.

Elian stood in the doorway, watching her retch. Then he stepped forward to hand her a tissue. The moment she caught her breath, her world collapsed.

His charming eyes held a knowing gleam. He stated as fact, "You're pregnant."

"I'm not." She forced the words out, keeping her eyes downcast to hide the panic.

"You've been vomiting constantly," he pressed on, listing the details.

"That's because you make me sick." Liana looked at him, her voice final.

Her heart was in her throat.

She was terrified he'd confirm the pregnancy.

Elian's eyes narrowed instantly. He studied her for a long moment, as if seeing right through her. Then he abruptly scooped her up from the floor.

"Elian, let me go!"

"I'll let you go after a check-up at the hospital."

He carried her out.

Dizzy and disoriented, the moment he put her in the car, she tried to escape. Elian immediately blocked the door.

Her eyes red, Liana glared. "Move."

He felt her fury. Instead of backing down, he hooked a hand behind her head, pressing his forehead to hers. The gesture was intimate, but his words were a threat. "Do you still want your mother to receive treatment?"

She had no choice but to sink into the passenger seat.

Once at the hospital, he would know for sure.

If they divorced later, this child would have nothing to do with her.

She wanted to keep this baby for herself. Maybe soon her mother would recover. The three of them could disappear to some quiet town, live a simple, peaceful life.

Elian sat beside her. She couldn't help but study him.

She still had a little time. She had to convince him not to take her to the hospital.

"I'm really not pregnant." She tried to sound calm.

"I thought about it. I was only gone for three days. Your periods usually last six."

He was seriously doing the math.

"That's because Mom was given a critical condition notice recently. The stress messed up my cycle." Her voice turned soft and pitiful.

Liana was scared. He noticed everything. He could tell if she'd trimmed her hair by half an inch.

She knew, clearly, she had to divert his attention.

At her suddenly vulnerable, helpless tone, a pang hit Elian's chest. He looked at her.

She gazed back with red-rimmed eyes. Tears welled up and spilled over, one after another, falling faster and faster.

His heart ached watching her. It was true—her mother had just been in critical condition.

"And finding out you have another family, I haven't been able to eat. My stomach's been a mess," she kept talking, voice soft and shaky, pouring out her hurt.

Elian's grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"We're still going to the hospital. Pregnant or not, we'll check. Then we'll know how to treat it."

"I'm not pregnant. Just imagine... if you suddenly found out the wife who played the devoted role in front of you had a child with another man. Wouldn't that make you sick?"

Liana didn't yell. She just wept quietly, trying to reason with him.

Elian's expression shifted as if he'd been slapped. The car slowly came to a stop.

Liana felt a secret wave of relief. But then—

Elian stated flatly, "We're here."

Liana looked out her window. Her heart sank.

She'd forgotten. Their home wasn't far from the hospital at all.

Elian got out first. Soon, she felt a wave of warm, humid air hit her face. She gripped the seatbelt. "I'm not going."

Elian reached over and unclipped it. His actions were forceful, almost brutal. "You don't have a choice."