Chapter 1

By the time Teresa Sutton returned to Willowbrook Garden, it was already 10:00 pm.

Today was the 15th—her ovulation day.

Their first child was a girl, and her in-laws had been urging them to have another.

If it were anyone else, she definitely would've asked if the Langdon family had such great wealth to be inherited.

But the Langdon family was the richest family in Riverford. There truly was a fortune of hundreds of billions waiting to be inherited by their heir.

When she arrived in the bedroom, Cameron Langdon had already showered and gotten ready.

Without a single caring exchange, the two got straight to the point.

Three minutes later, Cameron went to the bathroom to wash up.

Soon, Cameron came out of the bathroom. He put on his clothes with his back to Teresa and said, "Monitor it regularly. Call me again only if you see two lines!"

After five years of marriage, he had always been this sparing with words toward her.

Their marriage was one that existed in name only.

Cameron had a woman on the side. Teresa had combed through all of his social media accounts to find a trace and finally managed to locate the woman's account.

Since then, she had secretly kept tabs on it.

The woman frequently posted updates, from daily meals to holidays and birthdays.

Before the plan for a second child, Teresa hardly ever saw Cameron. But now, they met once a month.

Teresa knew Cameron was in a hurry to leave, so she quickly stood up and said to him, "Let's talk."

Cameron turned to look at her, his face expressionless as he asked, "About what?"

Teresa lowered her voice and spoke in an almost pleading tone. "I want to live a proper life together."

Although Teresa knew this marriage might no longer be worth continuing, she still wanted to try.

What if it worked out?

She had worked hard to marry the man she wanted to marry and had given birth to their daughter. She didn't want her marriage to fail.

But her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. She didn't know if Cameron genuinely hadn't heard or was just pretending not to.

He finished dressing up, put on his wristwatch, and headed for the door.

A second before Cameron was about to leave, Teresa suddenly broke down and questioned, "Cameron, you only come to Willowbrook Garden once a month. You never take the initiative to call me, and we haven't even had a meal together. Our hearts are divided. What kind of marriage is this?"

Cameron paused in his tracks. After a long moment, he turned to look at Teresa. He ignored her tears and resentment, simply replying, "Once you're pregnant with a second child, I'll come back to live at Willowbrook Garden."

With that, he left without hesitation.

Teresa stood where she was and didn't chase after him.

She had liked him for eight years and was married for five. She had given everything during this time. When she gave birth to their daughter, she had suffered an amniotic fluid embolism. The doctor had issued critical condition notices three times because of it.

Yet even then, she was still willing to risk walking through the gates of death again for the chance of having a second child.

But at this moment, she suddenly felt lost. Was this actually worth it or not?

After taking a shower and coming out of the bathroom, Teresa habitually picked up her phone. She logged onto her TikTok account and went to the "Frequently Watched" section. There was only one account with a gentle-looking avatar and the username "Lil Cece".

Teresa tapped into the homepage and saw a video posted two minutes ago. The video only showed a photo of two people's shadows under a streetlight, but in the bottom-right corner, their hands were inadvertently shown interlocked. They were also wearing matching couple bracelets.

The caption read, "Under the streetlight, there are two shadows. One is mine, and the other is also mine."

When she saw this, she felt her heart tighten. Still, her reaction now was calm compared to the earth-shattering collapse she felt at the beginning.

Perhaps she had gotten used to it.

Every time they met, Cameron was always rushing so that he could quickly go see another woman.

But then Teresa calmed down. As long as Cameron was still willing to have a second child, who would inherit the family business, then her title as Mrs. Langdon could never be shaken.

It was just that, in this marriage, Teresa made her bed and now had to lie in it.

…

A month later, Teresa was holding a freshly printed prenatal report as she hurried back to Willowbrook Garden.

Just as she was about to step into the living room, Teresa suddenly heard her mother-in-law, Julia Lindt, say, "Cameron, you're 32 now. If Teresa can't give birth to another child, you should just have the woman outside bear one for you."

Cameron rebutted the suggestion almost immediately. "How is that the same?"

Julia was somewhat annoyed, asking, "How is it not the same?"

Teresa retreated to the side. Her heart skipped a tiny beat because Cameron had spoken up for her.

Indeed, no matter how Cameron messed around outside, she was his only wife.

Cameron spoke up again. "Mom, have you forgotten Teresa's amniotic fluid embolism when she gave birth to Rosalie?"

Julia became even angrier when she heard this. "How dare you bring that up? Other women have four or five children without any issues, but it was just Teresa who had to make such a fuss out of it. How unlucky we are!"

Cameron didn't hear a single word of Julia's complaints about Teresa. He simply explained, "Childbirth carries great risks. Cece is still very young. I can't bring myself let her bear such risks."

When Teresa heard the words from outside, she felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She froze in place. She wanted to cry, but no tears came out.

Since he didn't dare to let Cecilia take the risk, did that mean she could?

Teresa knew Cameron didn't love her and that he had betrayed her. She knew they couldn't carry on, but she still naively thought she could get his affections with a child.

She thought that no matter how wild Cameron was outside, at least his wife would always be her.

But the truth turned out to be even crueler than she had imagined.

To Cameron, she was nothing but a breeding tool.

However, he forgot that after Teresa gave birth to Rosalie, she suffered from depression and developed a fear of blood.

The doctors had rescued her from the brink of death.

Cameron was afraid of something happening to Cecilia, but he forgot that Teresa's body was in even greater danger.

Whatever else her husband and mother-in-law were saying inside the room, Teresa could no longer hear clearly.

She had risked her life to continue the Langdon family's bloodline, yet she slept alone every night and was even rewarded with Cameron's infidelity.

She clenched the prenatal report, thinking it was about time for all of this to end.

Today was supposed to be their monthly attempt for a second child, but now Teresa felt it was meaningless.

It turned out that feelings could truly disappear in an instant.

The child in her womb probably didn't need to stay either. If others didn't care about her life or death, she should at least care for herself.

Just as Teresa was about to turn and leave, the maid, Brenda Miller, spotted her. "Mrs. Langdon, you're back?"

Teresa smiled at Brenda, thinking perhaps today was the day to bring up the divorce.

Chapter 2

Teresa hid the prenatal report and stepped into the living room. She changed to her usual demeanor and didn't even greet anyone.

In the past, she had naively thought that by serving her in-laws well and being a sensible, considerate wife, she would one day be noticed by her husband.

But reality had slapped her hard.

Even if she cut out her own heart and offered it to the Langdons, they probably wouldn't even give it a second glance.

It was time to take back her five years of one-sided effort.

Cameron, knowing he was here today for a purpose, glanced at Brenda and instructed, "Brenda, see my mother out."

From beginning to end, Teresa stood to the side without a word. However, an inexplicable layer of indifference appeared in her eyes.

Cameron managed the Langdon family business and ran the company excellently.

He also had good character—he was respectful and gentle to his elders, loyal and righteous to his friends, fair in rewards and punishments to his subordinates, caring and considerate to his employees.

Everyone who had contact with him spoke highly of him. Many mutual friends said Teresa must have saved the galaxy in her past life to marry Cameron.

But Cameron's kindness had never been extended to Teresa.

Julia suddenly stopped when passing by Teresa. Her tone was reproachful as she said, "If you can't carry another child, how will you face the rest of the Langdons?"

If it were before, Teresa would have silently endured this without retorting. But now, she no longer felt the need to put up with this attitude.

Teresa no longer looked at Julia with flattery or deference. She retorted sharply, "Julia, we're both women. Is carrying a child solely my responsibility?"

In Julia's memory, Teresa had always been meek. Julia thought it was easy to control her daughter-in-law, and she never expected Teresa to be so different today.

Still, Julia didn't relent for a single bit. She raised her hand and slapped Teresa. "How dare you speak to an elder like that? Kneel and apologize to me."

Julia knew perfectly well how much Teresa loved Cameron. For him, Teresa could abandon her dignity and pride. She was even willing to be a lapdog for the Langdons.

But now, Teresa no longer wanted to compromise and be accommodating.

Her gaze darkened as she looked at Julia. Without a word, she stepped forward to retaliate.

Before she could land a slap on Julia, she was intercepted mid-air by a large hand.

At the same time, a low, reproachful growl sounded in her ear. "Teresa, haven't you caused enough of a fuss?"

Teresa looked up and saw Cameron's handsome, chiseled features. His gaze was cold and sharp, piercing at her like thorns.

Once, this face had driven Teresa wild. But now, upon closer look, she felt a trace of disgust.

How could a person be so malicious?

She could overlook his lack of love for her, his infidelity, and how he had treated her coldly. But how could he be so malicious as to treat her like a breeding tool?

He didn't even consider her risk of amniotic fluid embolism from her first birth when pushing for a second child. Wasn't that asking for her life?

Teresa couldn't help but feel nauseous at the thought of these things.

Just as she was about to say something, Cameron suddenly swung her hand aside. He said in a low voice, "I'm not in the mood today. We'll talk about the second child next month."

With that, he took Julia's arm and walked out.

Julia looked back with a triumphant expression. It was as if she was saying, "My son naturally takes my side. You're just an outsider. Don't you know your place?"

If it were before, Teresa would have been sad and cried over Cameron not defending her. Now, she seemed to have gotten used to it and didn't feel disappointed at all.

When Teresa saw that Cameron was about to leave the hall, she hurriedly called out, "Cameron."

Teresa was someone who meant what she said. Once she decided to get a divorce, she would definitely follow through on that thought.

Loving Cameron for eight years had long worn her out.

He couldn't see her virtue and never thought about building a marriage with her. He had only married her because she had gotten pregnant before marriage, and he felt obligated.

Their marriage felt like a tomb, and Teresa was the only one trapped in it. She should have woken up to the truth long ago.

Cameron stopped at the door. Teresa thought he was listening to her, so after letting out a soft sigh, she said, "I don't want to be with you anymore. Let's get divorced."

As soon as the words left Teresa's mouth, she felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

But then, Cameron suddenly put his phone to his ear. She couldn't tell what the person on the other end said. She could only hear him reply anxiously, "Alright, I'll be right there."

After ending the call, Cameron, still supporting Julia, disappeared in the direction of the hallway.

Meanwhile, the words she had just spoken and which she thought would bring liberation weren't taken seriously by anyone.

After seeing them out, Brenda returned to find Teresa still standing dazed in the living room. She called out in surprise, "Mrs. Langdon?"

Teresa snapped back to her senses. She turned around and walked to the couch before sitting down. She then instructed, "Brenda, please make me dinner."

Before, she did everything herself, hoping it would win Cameron's affection.

Now, she was exhausted. She remembered she had once been someone with a family who doted on her. She was once someone who never had to do any housework.

After dinner, Teresa went upstairs to the study and drafted a divorce agreement.

The Sutton family wasn't small or insignificant, and Teresa herself was a pediatric surgeon. She wasn't lacking in money and could provide Rosalie with a good future.

Regardless, these five years of not fighting back or making a fuss had only earned her husband's coldness and cruelty.

Therefore, she made it very clear in the agreement that half of Cameron's post-marriage income would go to her, plus an additional two million dollars per month in child support for Rosalie.

But regarding Rosalie, Teresa wasn't sure who she would want to stay with.

Halfway through drafting the divorce agreement, Teresa thought she should ask what Rosalie wanted. So, she took the unfinished agreement and left Willowbrook Garden.

After Rosalie was born, Cameron bought her a villa. Teresa had ended up taking full-time care of the child for four years before returning to work at a hospital.

As her work faced changes, the time she spent with Rosalie gradually decreased.

For the past six months, she had been continuing her advanced training at a neighboring state's hospital.

These last two meetings with Cameron were because her love-addled brain had acted up. It made her think she could use a second child to tie down a husband who never came home.

She definitely didn't have time, but she still forced herself to swap shifts with colleagues. She stayed up for three nights straight on duty just to get a day or two free.

But Teresa had never considered that having a second child wasn't something she could achieve alone. If she wasn't free, Cameron could have come to see her.

It was just that Cameron's time was mostly given to Cecilia.

She took a cab to Joy Garden and arrived at around 9:00 pm.

As soon as Teresa got out of the car, she received a recommended content on TikTok—her frequently watched account "Lil Cece" just posted a new video.

Chapter 3

Teresa didn't want to watch it, but she still clicked it out of habit.

The video again had just a picture that showed Cameron bending down in front of Cecilia.

The caption read, "Had a bit to drink and caught a cold breeze. With one call from me, you came. Having you here at this moment is truly wonderful."

When Teresa saw this, her heart still ached inexplicably.

Since Cameron and Cecilia loved each other so much, shouldn't she be more magnanimous and let them be together?

If they divorced, Teresa would only ask for Rosalie and her fair share of assets. Besides that, she wanted nothing else.

Teresa put away her phone and stepped into the living room.

Leah Lannick spotted her and was briefly stunned before greeting, "Mrs. Langdon."

"Where's Rosalie?" Teresa asked.

"Ms. Rosalie is upstairs playing with her dolls," Leah replied.

As soon as Leah finished speaking, Rosalie's surprised voice suddenly came from upstairs. "Mommy?"

After not seeing her daughter for so long, Teresa felt a bittersweet pang in her heart. She hurried upstairs and hugged Rosalie. She crouched in front of her and kissed her face repeatedly.

Just as Teresa was done kissing her and was about to ask something, she saw Rosalie raise her hand and continuously wipe her face until the skin turned red.

Teresa felt a pang in her chest, and she swallowed the words she was about to say. She looked at Rosalie with teary eyes, feeling a jumble of emotions.

But before Teresa could say anything, Rosalie quickly said, "Mommy, you came back just in time. I was just about to call you. I'm starting kindergarten soon, and I want to go to East Street Kindergarten."

Rosalie's eyes lit up at the mention of the kindergarten.

Teresa was a bit puzzled, but since Rosalie insisted, she didn't want to disappoint her. Besides, it was just kindergarten. If the place wasn't suitable, they could always switch later.

Thus, she agreed, "Alright, let's go to East Street Kindergarten then."

Rosalie jumped with joy upon hearing this. "Thank you, Mommy! You're the best!"

When she saw her daughter so happy, Teresa couldn't bring herself to speak.

She subconsciously touched her belly. When she looked up again, she asked Rosalie seriously, "Would you want a little brother or sister?"

Rosalie seemed eager to return to her room, but she still thought for a moment before answering, "I want a little brother."

A sharp pain shot through Teresa's heart. With teary eyes, she asked again, "What if I'm scared?"

Although the risk of amniotic fluid embolism was long past, the psychological hurdle remained.

Rosalie looked at Teresa and replied earnestly, "You shouldn't be so selfish. Didn't you also give birth to me?"

The words struck her like a sudden bolt of lightning. Teresa stood rooted to the spot with her face drained of color. She was unable to move.

After a long time, her mouth opened and closed soundlessly before she finally managed to ask, "Aren't you scared of losing me?"

Since Rosalie was born, Teresa had been caring for her day and night, working hard to soothe her to sleep or feed her. For these four years, she had hardly slept a full night.

At that moment, she wanted to ask Rosalie whether she still loved her. But then, she saw Rosalie frown and say, "Oh, I need to go to bed now."

With that, Rosalie ran back to her bedroom and closed the door.

Teresa stood at the top of the stairs, petrified. Her whole body felt ice-cold.

Soon, Rosalie's excited voice came from the bedroom. "Ms. Cece, I can go to East Street Kindergarten! After you finish work, you can come pick me up directly. Then you won't have to work so hard.

"Oh, and, Ms. Cece, you and Daddy can't have a little brother or sister. I heard Mommy say that giving birth is very dangerous. You lose a lot of blood and can even die. Having a brother should be left to Mommy. She has already given birth to me, so she won't be scared.

"I miss you so much. I want to hear you tell stories and give me cuddles…"

Teresa stood outside the door and recalled how her daughter had resisted when she kissed her just now. She felt as if her heart was shattering with pain.

She thought that even if she divorced Cameron, at least her daughter would still be hers. She never expected that Rosalie would also grow closer to an outsider as Cameron did.

It turned out that in her marriage with Cameron, her sacrifices and efforts were a joke. No one really cared about what she had done in the past.

A long time later, Teresa dragged her exhausted body downstairs.

Upon seeing her dazed state, Leah came forward to ask something, but Teresa waved her hand and brushed her off.

Just outside of Joy Garden, Teresa called Cameron. She dialed several times, but no one answered. However, she didn't give up and kept trying.

Usually, if she called once or twice and he didn't answer, she wouldn't call again.

But tonight, she was like a madwoman, calling repeatedly.

Finally, Cameron answered, "I'm busy. What—"

Before he could finish, Teresa cut him off and yelled, "I need to see you! Now! Immediately!"

Over the phone line, Teresa seemed to be incensed, roaring and shouting at Cameron.

It was only after Teresa calmed down a bit that Cameron replied, "Whatever it is, we'll talk about it next month when we meet."

As soon as he finished speaking, he ended the call without hesitation.

Teresa couldn't even cry anymore despite hearing the dial tone. This was how Cameron was—he gave her no outlet for her anger.

Teresa had lived too tiredly for the past five years. She absolutely had to end this marriage.

Still, she had to fight for custody of Rosalie. Even if Rosalie was now closer to Cecilia York, she had to try.

She had given birth to Rosalie and raised her through countless days and nights. She would never easily hand her over to someone else.

As soon as she made up her mind, Cameron's Rolls-Royce screeched to a halt at the entrance of Joy Garden.

Teresa looked over. Through the windshield, she saw Cameron in the driver's seat and Cecilia in the passenger seat. Cecilia had a bouquet on her lap.

Cameron spotted Teresa, too. The two stared at each other across the distance in silence.

As for Cecilia's existence, Teresa hadn't dared to make a scene in the past. Now, she just couldn't be bothered to make a fuss over it.

After a long silence, Cameron finally got out of the car. He acted as if he didn't see Teresa and headed to the passenger side to open the door for Cecilia.

Just then, Teresa called out to him, "Cameron, let's talk."

Cameron ignored her, his hand still outstretched to open the car door for Cecilia.

However, Teresa rushed over in a few steps, slapped his hand away, and said angrily, "Cameron, you can be with anyone you want, but I gave birth to Rosalie! What right do you have to let an outsider get between my daughter and me?"

Finally, Cameron glanced at Teresa. He looked down at her and said in a deep voice, "Cecilia is more suitable to be a mother than you."

With that, he pushed her aside and opened the car door.

Teresa stood where she was. It took her a long moment to react and grasp the subtle meaning in his words.

Was he trying to make Rosalie regard Cecilia as her mother?

Chapter 4

When the car door opened, Cameron shielded the top of the door and extended a hand to Cecilia.

The moment their fingers intertwined, Teresa also turned around. She was unexpectedly composed despite witnessing this heartwrenching scene.

Perhaps it was because she had figured things out, which was why she appeared so calm at this moment.

If it were before, she would have cried her heart out.

But now, she just wanted to ask Cameron what he meant when he said Cecilia was more suitable to be a mother than her.

"Cameron, what do you mean by that?" Teresa's lips quivered slightly, and her voice also changed pitch.

Cecilia got out of the car, her hand resting on Cameron's. Under the moonlight, two shadows stretched long on the ground.

Cameron acted as if he hadn't heard Teresa and moved to enter Joy Garden with Cecilia.

Teresa had lost count of how many times she had been ignored.

Her heart had long been riddled with holes, but she just couldn't let go of the matter of Rosalie yet.

Hence, she stepped forward and somehow mustered the strength to grab Cameron's wrist. She shouted at him, "Cameron, tell me!"

Finally, Cameron stopped and turned back. He looked at Teresa with a cold and indifferent gaze. He twisted his wrist, easily pulling his hand free, and said, "You're busy with work, and Rosalie is still young. She needs someone to take care of her.

"Once you're pregnant with the second child, Rosalie will also be handed over to Cecilia to care for."

Cameron had always been like this. He never discussed his decisions with Teresa and only informed her in a commanding tone.

But this time, Teresa wouldn't let him make decisions as he wished anymore.

Moreover, when she had decided to go to the neighboring state for her advanced training, she had already found a nanny for Rosalie in advance.

It wasn't until last month that she discovered Cameron had already fired the nanny.

During Teresa's six-month business trip, Cecilia had moved into Joy Garden. She lived a sweet life as a family of three with Cameron and Rosalie.

Teresa hadn't thought of making a scene because she still held a glimmer of hope that Cameron acknowledged her status as his wife.

But without her knowledge, her daughter had also been taken away.

How could Teresa just leave gracefully?

When it came to the question of who would take care of Rosalie, Teresa lost her composure. Her tone grew agitated as she said, "I can take care of my own child. There's no need for an outsider."

Cameron completely ignored Teresa's stance and simply said commandingly, "It's settled."

Teresa became angry, shedding her usual gentle demeanor. She resisted, loudly saying, "I said, I can take care of her myself!"

The atmosphere grew tense. Cecilia, who was standing behind Cameron, could tell the situation had escalated. She said softly, "Cam, go ahead and talk to Ms. Sutton. I'll go inside to check on Rosalie."

Cameron nodded in acknowledgment, and only then did Cecilia head toward Joy Garden.

At that moment, Teresa yelled, "Cecilia, stop right there!"

As soon as Cecilia turned around, a slap landed on her face. It was from Teresa.

When Cameron snapped back to his senses, he stepped forward and pushed Teresa away. Then, he supported Cecilia, asking with a pained look in his eyes, "Are you okay?"

Cecilia covered her face. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she looked pitiful and aggrieved.

Cameron was extremely worried. He blew on her cheek and touched it gently, but Teresa didn't think Cecilia had been wronged in the slightest.

What normal woman would get so close to a married man with a child?

Of course, it took two to tango. Cameron wasn't any better either.

Teresa was about to say something when a small figure came running out of Joy Garden. Rosalie was running frantically and wasn't even wearing shoes.

Upon reaching them, she threw herself at Cecilia and hugged her leg. She looked up to ask, "Ms. Cece, does it hurt? I'll blow on it for you, okay?"

Rosalie was about to sleep when she saw Cameron's car through the window. She knew he had brought Cecilia home, so she came downstairs to greet them.

Just as she reached the door, she saw Teresa slap Cecilia. She had rushed out so quickly that she left without her shoes.

Teresa stood to the side, watching her husband and daughter comfort an outsider with such concern. At that moment, she heard the sound of her own heart breaking.

However, Teresa still refused to believe that her own flesh and blood could turn on her. She stretched out a trembling hand and muttered, "Ro—"

Before she could fully call out Rosalie's name, Rosalie turned around angrily. She rushed up to Teresa and started hitting her with her hands.

"Bad Mommy! Bad Mommy! You hit Ms. Cece! You're a bad mommy! I don't want a bad mommy like you!"

Teresa froze in place, and her face instantly turned deathly pale. At that moment, she suddenly realized that the custody she had been so determined to fight for was nothing but her own wishful thinking.

Her husband and daughter didn't need her at all.

Standing here now, Teresa felt like a joke. What was even more absurd was that she had actually gotten pregnant with a second child for a man who didn't love her at all.

Teresa couldn't tell how long Rosalie hit her or when she stopped. She also couldn't hear what exactly she said.

The words "bad mommy" were enough to kill all her hopes.

Teresa stood blankly for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh. Without looking at Cameron or Rosalie again, she turned and walked away.

Behind her, Cameron and Rosalie surrounded Cecilia. They kept showing their concern for her and comforting her, unaware that Teresa had already left.

After turning the corner, Teresa still couldn't help but look back at the two people she had cherished the most for the past five years.

A big figure and a small figure held Cecilia's hands as they walked toward Joy Garden together. It was such a warm and harmonious scene, as if they were the real family of three.

Teresa smiled. She felt heartbroken and wanted to cry, but not a single tear fell.

These five years had drained her spirit and energy. She had always put them first, but from now on, she wouldn't do that anymore.

Teresa left Joy Garden and walked a long distance alone. Along the way, she recalled the bits and pieces of the past five years. She had long understood she shouldn't waste herself on such a relationship, but she had never been willing to face the truth.

But now, she had figured it out. From now on, she would love herself properly.

Teresa took a cab back to Willowbrook Garden. In the study, she drafted a new divorce agreement.

They would split the assets equally, and she would give up the custody of her daughter.

After neatly placing the completed agreement on the desk, Teresa drove back to the neighboring state overnight.

…

Teresa went to the hospital early in the morning after resting for the night.

Today, the obstetrician on duty was her university classmate, Kiara Moran.

Kiara knew a bit about Teresa's marital situation.

When she heard Teresa's strong decision to get rid of the baby, Kiara was surprised. "This child didn't come easily. Why give it up now? Even if there are problems with your relationship, you can still keep the child and leave the father."

Teresa was seated across from Kiara as she calmly explained, "Kiara, I'm a woman. As a woman, the greatest form of self-discipline is not to have children recklessly. Moreover, my life is also precious. I've already made up my mind. Please schedule the surgery for this morning."

The old Teresa was dead. From now on, she would only love herself and those who loved her.

As for those who didn't love her, she didn't want them anymore.

Chapter 5

When Teresa woke up again, she was already lying in a hospital bed.

Kiara came to check on her condition. She advised Teresa to rest well for a couple of days before being discharged. After leaving the hospital, she should also properly recover from her postpartum.

Teresa agreed to it all. She had already decided she would observe a full month of postpartum rest. She had to take care of her own health.

After Kiara left, Teresa picked up her phone and glanced at it. Unsurprisingly, there wasn't a single call from Cameron.

What happened the night before might have been just a minor episode for them, but for Teresa, it was a major step in her life.

It was actually great that she recognized them for who they were. It was better than endless internal conflict and struggle.

Subconsciously, Teresa opened up TikTok. The first recommended content was a video from Cecilia. Above the username, a small line of text read, "This person may be someone you know."

In the video, Cecilia was holding a child's hand. From the back, Teresa recognized at first glance that it was Rosalie.

The caption read, "It feels so good to be needed."

The background in the video was clearly Joy Garden's living room.

Perhaps because Teresa had gotten used to it, she just smiled faintly. Then, she long-pressed the screen and tapped the words "Not Interested".

The days of secretly keeping tabs should also come to an end.

After being discharged, Teresa hired a helper to look after her. As soon as she settled down, she rested in bed for a full month.

A month later, she settled the helper's wages before changing into a clean maxi dress. Then, she applied light makeup and drove to Riverford.

Today was the 15th of the new month, which meant it was the scheduled day for Cameron and Teresa to try for a second child.

Actually, when it came to their relations, Teresa hadn't had a particularly satisfying experience. Cameron was always perfunctory with her, as he was rushing to go to Cecilia.

But tonight, she wasn't going back to try conceiving a second child. She intended to discuss the divorce properly with Cameron.

She arrived at Willowbrook Garden at 7:00 pm. When Brenda saw her return, she prepared dinner for her.

After dinner, Teresa went upstairs to the study. The divorce agreement lay on the table, exactly as she had left it last month—untouched.

Undoubtedly, Cameron hadn't come back for yet another month.

Teresa waited until 9:00 pm. Just as she was growing impatient, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door.

However, when the door opened, it was Brenda who entered.

"Mrs. Langdon, Mr. Langdon just called. He said he has matters to attend to tonight and won't be coming back. He asked you to come back next month instead."

Teresa only let out a bitter laugh upon hearing this.

Next month? She could come back this month, but not necessarily next month.

She was tired and weary of trapping herself in this cage.

After hesitating for a moment, Teresa stood up and said to Brenda, "When he comes back next time, tell him that I left something for him on the desk."

Brenda lowered her head and replied, "Understood, Mrs. Langdon."

Teresa grabbed her bag and left Willowbrook Garden.

She drove around, not knowing where to go.

She didn't know where she had driven to either, but she soon saw many young people walking out of a gate labeled "Riverford Grand Hall".

Soon, the dense crowd dispersed, and the last three people to walk out made Teresa unable to look away.

Cameron and Cecilia each held one of Rosalie's hands. The three of them were looking at each other.

"Ms. Cece, you were so dazzling and beautiful just now, like a fairy. The piano piece you played was so beautiful. When I grow up, will you teach me too? Please, Ms. Cece?"

Rosalie shook Cecilia's arm with both hands, acting adorably.

Cecilia wore a long white evening gown. She looked elegant, delicate, and radiant like a star that had fallen into the night.

With a warm expression, she leaned slightly toward Rosalie and gently tapped her nose. She said with a laugh, "As long as you like it, I'll definitely teach you."

Rosalie jumped with joy, then turned to ask Cameron, "Daddy, isn't Ms. Cece amazing?"

Cameron was smiling as he nodded in response. "Yeah."

Although he was sparing with words, that simple response was full of joy and admiration.

Rosalie was even happier. "When I grow up, I want to be amazing like Ms. Cece, too."

Through the windshield, Teresa saw everything clearly. The admiration in her daughter's eyes was something she had never received.

But when she thought about it, it made sense. After marriage, she had devoted herself entirely to her husband and child. She gradually neglected her appearance and lost her former hobbies.

To Rosalie, she was just a woman who revolved around the kitchen, whereas Cecilia was an unsullied angel.

Teresa's heart ached with an intense, sharp pain when she thought of this.

At the entrance of the hall, Rosalie spread her arms and jumped on her toes. She fussed around, saying, "Ms. Cece, I want you to carry me."

Cameron stopped her promptly. "Rosalie, Ms. Cece is wearing a gown, so it's inconvenient to carry you. We can do it in the car later."

When Rosalie heard this, her expression fell. She was clearly displeased.

Cecilia quickly bent down and picked her up, then said to Cameron with a smile, "It's alright as long as Rosalie wants me to hold her."

Cameron smiled, his gaze filled with indulgent affection.

Cecilia carried Rosalie down the steps. Rosalie snuggled against her, hugging and nuzzling her neck.

Cameron followed behind, holding up the hem of Cecilia's gown.

A titan of the business world who never conceded an inch to his rivals was now bent down to hold the hem of a woman's gown.

They got into the car together, and it drove away from there.

So this was what Cameron meant when he said he "had matters to attend to".

Teresa couldn't help but laugh. After she sat in the car for a long time, her phone suddenly rang. It was a call from the hospital.

She answered and politely greeted, "Dr. Murray."

Teresa specialized in pediatric surgery. After being a full-time mother for four years and rejoining the workforce, she was now a junior doctor at the hospital.

On the other end, Allen Murray said, "Your advanced training can end early. You can return to work at the hospital next week."

Teresa hesitated before asking, "Isn't there a volunteer position at the hospital for providing health check-ups for children in the countryside? I'd like to sign up."

Allen was somewhat surprised. "Going to the countryside is tough work and doesn't help much with promotion. The hospital only has the quota, and no one is forced to go…"

But Teresa had already made up her mind. "Dr. Murray, I'm willing to go. Consider it a vacation for me."

When Allen heard how firm she was, he didn't try to persuade her further and finally agreed. "Alright, then you can go there for two months."

…

Soon, another month passed. Rosalie had also been in school for a month.

With two consecutive months of not attempting for a second child, Cameron was pressured by his family again.

So, on the 15th, he returned earlier than usual. It wasn't even 6:00 pm when he arrived at Willowbrook Garden.

Brenda was quite surprised to see Cameron home. "Mr. Langdon, you're early today."

Cameron didn't explain himself. As he headed upstairs, he said to Brenda, "When Mrs. Langdon returns, have her come to the bedroom to see me."

Brenda nodded and watched Cameron go up to the second floor.

Cameron didn't even pause when he passed by the study and headed straight to the bedroom. His purpose in coming back was only for the second child. There was no need to go elsewhere.

After showering, Cameron waited on the bed.

7:00 pm… 8:00 pm… then 9:00 pm. Three hours had passed, and Teresa still hadn't returned.

Just as Cameron was growing impatient, footsteps finally sounded outside the door.