Chapter 1

The day before my wedding, my fiancé got drunk.

On the drive home, he mistook me for my best friend.

"Claire, don't bring the kid to the wedding tomorrow. We can't let Rowena find out about our child yet."

I slammed on the brakes. Damian crashed against the seat, sobering up considerably.

When he realized it was me, he froze for a moment before slowly speaking:

"Since you heard that, the wedding's temporarily canceled. But don't worry—Claire doesn't want to get married, but the child is mine and I have to take responsibility. Once the kid grows up, I'll come back and marry you."

I stared at him, dumbfounded by his shameless demand.

When I didn't respond, he grabbed his suitcase and left as soon as we got home.

I sat on the bed in a daze.

My phone rang at that moment.

My childhood friend's hoarse voice came through:

"Rowena, please don't marry him."

I fell silent for a moment.

"Alright."

Looking at the carefully decorated bridal suite, I found it glaring.

In college, I pursued him for two years. We dated for three years. Tomorrow we were finally supposed to enter the halls of matrimony.

Only to discover he'd been sleeping with my best friend Claire three years ago. Their son was already two years old.

The double betrayal of my friend and boyfriend shattered my heart like a sledgehammer.

I forced back the tears threatening to fall, wanting to escape this suffocating place.

My phone suddenly rang.

"Rowena, Claire's been busy with the kid and hasn't eaten yet. I haven't eaten either. Make some food and bring it over."

The man issued his command like an order, then hung up without giving me a chance to respond.

I forced a bitter smile, my heart aching.

For three years, Claire's unexpected pregnancy hadn't been easy. I'd cared for her from early pregnancy until her son turned two. As her best friend and the child's godmother, I'd done right by everyone.

Every time she refused to mention the father, my heart broke for her.

I never imagined the man who abandoned my friend was the one sharing my bed.

The irony was that I always thought Claire was foolish. Turns out I was the fool all along!

Only now did I realize the signs were always there.

Whenever we went out, Claire dressed provocatively, "accidentally" making physical contact with Damian, flirting and playing around.

It was all premeditated, right under my nose.

Sometimes I'd get jealous and hint that Damian should maintain better boundaries.

He thought I was making a mountain out of a molehill.

"Claire's your best friend, and I'm your man. If you can't trust us, who can you trust?"

A few dismissive words and I'd back down, even thinking he had a point.

Looking back now, I was too stupid. I laughed bitterly at myself.

I opened a food delivery app and deliberately chose the lowest-rated restaurant, ordering some dishes.

When they arrived, I carelessly transferred them to bowls and plates, then headed out. I wanted to see how this man who never did housework would manage caring for a child.

Standing outside Claire's door, I pressed the doorbell and suddenly felt disoriented.

Claire answered. She wore a tight skirt, her face flushed.

In an instant I understood what she'd been doing, and my expression turned cold.

Claire acted as if nothing was wrong, smiling sweetly as she pulled me inside.

Seeing my silence, she spoke first:

"Have a seat. Damian's helping our son wash his face. You should've seen how happy father and son were playing together!"

Our son. Damian. How intimate. How did I never notice before?

Father and son! Not even pretending anymore!

I sat down stiffly.

Soon Damian emerged carrying their son.

I instinctively smiled at my godson.

But today the little boy didn't rush into my arms as usual. Instead, he pointed at me and said:"Mistress."