We Hired a Surrogate, My Husband Secretly Impregnated Her

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In the third year of their marriage, Dorothea found out that Jimmy Hemenway had been lying about Kim Burganger being their surrogate.

Over the past three years, Kims pregnancies had nothing to do with IVF. Jimmy himself had been the one getting her pregnant every time.

Outside the hospitals fire exit, Dorothea overheard him talking with his close friend.

Jimmy let out a chuckle. That stuff you got me works really well. Get me more. I want Kims third baby to be another girl.

Burt paused, clearly taken aback, before voicing his confusion. I honestly dont get you. You love Dorothea so much, so why do you keep building a family with Kim? And if IVF wouldve done the job, why insist on sleeping with her? Youve even kept pushing for daughters, dragging things out instead of finishing the agreement.

Dont tell me you actually fell for that nanny.

Silence hung in the air for a brief moment.

Then, Jimmy let out a scoff. So what if I did?

I used to think of her as nothing really more than a surrogate.

But now, every time I think about her leaving, I dream about her at night.

I cant lose Dorothea. But I also dont want Kim gone.

Outside the door, Dorothea felt like she had been plunged into an icy abyss. Even her heart seemed to freeze solid.

Back then, after shed injured her uterus and learned she could no longer conceive, she had brought up divorce once.

Jimmy had dropped to his knees in front of her, his eyes full of devotion, and made a solemn promise. Dorothea, youre the only one I want in this life. If you leave me, Id rather die.

And yet, in just three years, every promise he had made had dissolved into nothing.

In that moment, something inside her died completely.

Since Jimmy had betrayed her love, she would leave him for good. She would disappear from his life and give him exactly what he seemed to want: freedom.

Later, after she truly disappeared from his world, she heard from friends that Jimmy had gone nearly insane scouring the world for any trace of her, trying to win her back.

Unfortunately for him, it was far too late.

Everyone knew that Dorothea was the woman Jimmy cherished most.

He had pursued her so passionately that the entire city knew about it. Every confession he made caused a sensation.

But no one knew that just three years into their marriage, the words she heard most often were about another woman.

Wait here. Im going over to Kims place.

Kim was once the Hemenwayss nanny.

Back when Dorothea saved Jimmy, she injured her uterus and lost her ability to bear a child.

The Hemenways were desperate for an heir. And that pressure landed squarely on Jimmy. His parents wanted him to sleep with another woman and continue the bloodline.

Jimmy endured seven days and seven nights of relentless punishment from his family. He would rather lose his inheritance and the family name than give in.

Dorothea, its okay. They can punish me all they want. I can endure it.

He knelt there with his back straight despite the blood staining the floor beneath him.

She couldnt watch him like that. The guilt ate her alive. In the end, she gave in.

That was how his parents chose the then-young nanny to become the surrogate.

According to the agreement, once Kim gave birth to a boy for the Hemenways, she would be given five million and sent away permanently.

Legally, the child would belong to Dorothea.

I promise you, Dorothea, nothing will happen between me and Kim. The baby will be conceived through IVF.

Once the babys born, youll be the only mother.

Unfortunately, the first baby was a girl.

Jimmy told Dorothea to wait again until Kim gave birth to a boy.

Not long after Kims postpartum recovery, she got pregnant again.

This time, Dorothea personally waited outside the delivery room while Kim gave birth to the second child.

Inside, Kims cries of pain echoed. Soon after, the sound of a newborns crying followed.

Cheers and congratulations then filled the room.

The door opened, and a nurse stepped out, her face full of excitement.

Dorothea quickly stood up to approach the nurse, only to hear, Congratulations, Maam. Its a baby girl!

The words hit her like a thunderclap.

Her world spun, as if the sky itself had collapsed.

The nurse hurried to steady her. Ma'am? Whats wrong? Are you feeling unwell?

Dorothea took a deep breath and leaned against the wall until she steadied herself. Im fine. Go ahead and get back to work. Ill let Jimmy know.

With that, she stepped forward and slowly made her way out.

As she passed by the fire exit in the hallway, she heard Jimmy and his close friend Burt talking.

Congrats, bro! Another baby girl! Just what you wanted!

Jimmy chuckled. That stuff you got me really works. Get me more. I want Kims third baby to be another girl.

Burt paused, clearly taken aback, before voicing his confusion. I honestly dont get you. You love Dorothea so much, so why do you keep building a family with Kim? And if IVF wouldve done the job, why insist on sleeping with her? Youve even kept pushing for daughters, dragging things out instead of finishing the agreement.

Dont tell me youve fallen for that nanny?

Silence hung in the air for a brief moment.

Then, Jimmy let out a scoff. So what if I did?

I used to think of her as nothing really more than a surrogate.

But now, every time I think about her leaving, I dream about her at night.

I cant lose Dorothea. But I also dont want Kim gone.

Burt sighed. Arent you afraid Dorothea will find out? You know her. If she does, shell never come back.

Jimmy scoffed. She wont. After marrying into my family, shes lost her family and her job. How would she survive without me? Besides, she loves me too much to actually leave.

Outside the door, Dorothea felt like she had been plunged into an icy abyss. Even her heart seemed to freeze solid.

Suddenly, she remembered that back then, when she learned she couldnt get pregnant because of her injured uterus, she had once brought up divorce.

Jimmy had dropped to his knees in front of her, his eyes full of devotion, and made a solemn promise. Dorothea, youre the only one I want in this life. If you leave me, Id rather die.

And yet, in just three years, every promise he had made had dissolved into nothing.

His so-called surrogacy had been nothing but an excuse. He had slept with Kim himself, gotten her pregnant, and built a second family with her.

The love story everyone once admired was nothing more than a meticulously staged deception.

With a click, the door swung open.

Jimmy froze at the sight of her pale face. Panic instantly broke across his expression. D-Dorothea what are you doing here?

Dorothea raised her hand and struck him without hesitation. I heard everything. Jimmy, I want a divorce.

He frowned slightly. Hey, if youre upset, you can hit me or yell at me all you want. But dont talk about divorce.

I know what youre worried about. Dont worry. Youll always be my only wife.

Kim? Shes just someone I keep on the side for fun. The one I love most is still you, Dorothea. Nothing will ever change that.

Dorotheas heart felt like it was being torn apart. Her cold eyes stared at him in disbelief. I wont accept that! You fucking promised, Jimmy! Im the only woman youd love forever!

He met her gaze coldly. Dorothea. Stop being unreasonable.

But she insisted, Jimmy, lets get a divorce.

The next second, he pulled out his phone, his voice calm and cruel. Smash that old piano in my wifes room and throw it out.

Before they got married, Dorothea had been a pianist. Her dream had been to become a world-class performer.

But after their wedding, Jimmy had made her give that dream up, saying he didnt like her being in the public eye.

That piano in her room was a keepsake from her mentor and one of the last ties she had to her music.

She grabbed Jimmys arm tightly, her face drained of color. Jimmy, you cant do this!

Dorothea, he said, his voice carrying a trace of gentleness, tell me. Do you still want a divorce?

Her whole body turned cold. She stared at him stubbornly, unable to utter a single word.

Holding the phone, Jimmy spoke to the servant in a low voice. Do it.

The next second, Dorothea heard a loud bang through the phone, followed by the heavy, muffled sound of the piano breaking apart.

That was when her composure shattered. No! she cried. I wont divorce you! I wont! Jimmy, dont touch my piano!

Finally, he smiled in satisfaction. He reached out and ruffled her hair.

If you stay obedient like this, honey, he murmured, youll always be my wife.

Jimmy still wasnt fully reassured even after Dorothea gave him her word.

He had someone escort her home, and guards were stationed outside the villa gates, as if he really feared she might leave him.

The moment she stepped inside, she bolted straight for the room where the old piano was kept.

What she saw made her stop cold.

The piano had been smashed to pieces, violently destroyed with what looked like a hammer. The keys were shattered across the floor like broken teeth.

Suddenly, it felt like the entire world had been muted.

Her eyes widened as she stared at the scene in front of her. A metallic sweetness gradually rose in her throat.

The next second, a mouthful of blood burst from her lips, staining the carpet beneath her.

Her vision went dark, and she collapsed to the floor.

When she regained consciousness, she was still lying in the same position. Not far from her was the ruined piano.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed Jimmys mother.

Mom, back when I risked my life to save Jimmy, you said youd grant me one request, no matter what, as compensation.

There was a brief pause on the other end. Right. What do you want, dear?

I want a divorce from Jimmy, she said, her voice rough. And I need you to prepare a new identity for me. I have to make sure that after the divorce, he will never be able to find me again.

She knew Jimmys obsessive nature all too well. There was no way he would let her go so easily.

It wasnt enough to just leave him. She had to make sure he could never track her down and drag her back into this gilded cage.

The only person capable of making that happen was his powerful mother.

Alright, Olga replied. Ill do it. But it will take a month to prepare everything.

If enduring one more month meant Dorothea could escape this hell and finally break free from the web of lies Jimmy had so carefully spun, then it was worth it.

Three days later, early in the morning, Jimmy returned to the villa. One arm was wrapped around Kim while the other carried a baby cradle.

Dorothea, he said, Kims been discharged from the hospital. She just gave birth, and shes still in a bad condition. Im going to have her stay here so itll be easier to take care of her.

Holding her eldest daughter Chrisette by the hand, Kim gave Dorothea a soft, apologetic smile.

Sorry to trouble you, Dorothea.

The moment Chrisette stepped inside, her eyes lit up. She let go of her mothers hand and immediately began exploring the villa.

Jimmy glanced at Dorothea. Once Kim finishes her postpartum recovery, and when the second child is officially registered under the family name, shell formally acknowledge you in public with a toast.

At that point, Kim would be publicly acknowledged as part of the family.

From now on, the two of you should get along. Stay by my side together.

Stay by his side together with his mistress?

A cold, mocking smile flickered in Dorotheas heart, but she simply nodded. Alright. No problem.

After all, she would be gone in a month.

A trace of surprise crossed Jimmys eyes. Youre agreeing just like that? Youre not going to make a scene?

Dorothea frowned slightly, as if confused. Make a scene? Why would I? Didnt you say I should behave?

Jimmy released Kim and stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Dorotheas waist as he led her aside.

I know having Kim move in will make you uncomfortable.

As he spoke, he placed a key in her palm.

This is for a newly released villa at Bel Air. Ive already bought it and registered it under your name. Think of it as compensation.

Just then, Chrisette came running down the stairs.

Daddy! While you were talking, I already picked a room for Mommy! The biggest one at the end of the hallway. The one with a view of the garden downstairs. Mommy will surely love it!

Jimmy nodded. Kim just gave birth. She needs proper rest. The master bedroom gets the most sunlight. Its the most suitable.

He turned to Dorothea, saying, Dorothea, go move your stuff out the master bedroom for Kim.

That was the master bedroom. The bedroom he and Dorothea once shared.

The day they first moved into the villa, Jimmy had eagerly taken her upstairs the moment they walked in.

Dorothea, I designed this room myself. Its all based on what you like.

A starlit ceiling. A European-style double bed. Soft pink walls.

And now, he was asking her to give it up.

Now, it didnt matter anymore. She was leaving soon anyway.

Okay, Dorothea said quietly before turning and heading upstairs.

She packed everything: her clothes, her jewelry, all of her personal belongings.

She even took down their wedding photos from the wall.

Every trace of her existence in the master bedroom was erased, as if she had never lived there at all.

She moved into a guest room on the first floor.

Sitting by the window, she placed her hands flat on the table, imagining piano keys beneath her fingers. She closed her eyes and began practicing the piece in her mind.

A quiet resolve began to take shape in her.

Once Jimmys mother finished arranging everything, she would return to the world of piano performance and pursue her dream of becoming a pianist.

She was completely immersed in the music in her head when the door suddenly burst open.

Jimmy stormed in, his face red with rage.

Dorothea! I knew it! Youre not as simple as you pretend to be!

If youre unhappy, take it out on me! Hit me, yell at me, whatever you want! But why would you go after my child?!

Dorothea didnt understand what Jimmy was talking about, but she still turned to face him.

Jimmy, I dont know what youre talking about.

His expression darkened, his voice cold as ice.

Dorothea, I know youre upset. But Ive already made it up to you. If the Bel Air villa isnt enough, just tell me what you want.

But you crossed a line going after my child! You knew Chrisette has a severe pollen allergy, and you still hid pollen under the sheets?

Shes three years old, Dorothea. Three! How could you do something so cruel to her?

Before his words had even fully settled, a slender figure rushed into the room.

Kim lunged straight at her like shed lost her mind. Her nails scraped across Dorotheas cheek, drawing blood as she screamed hysterically.

I know you dont like me moving in. I get that. But why would you take it out on my child?!

My kids are everything to me! Were you trying to kill her?!

Her emotions spiraled out of control, and her vision went black as she nearly collapsed.

Jimmy caught her from behind.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly like she was something priceless and fragile.

Meanwhile, Dorothea stood there with blood running down her cheek, and he didnt even spare her a glance.

She pressed a hand to her face and said again, steadily, Jimmy, Ill say this one last time. I didnt do it.

You used to sleep in that room. Who else wouldve done something like that on purpose, knowing it would trigger Chrisettes allergy?

Jimmy stepped closer, pressing her harder.

Dorothea, the evidence is right there. Ill give you one last chance

She lifted her gaze, her eyes cold as she cut him off. Or what?

Kim, pale and trembling in his arms, combined with Dorotheas defiant attitude, finally snapped whatever patience Jimmy had left.

Dorothea, youve really disappointed me. Youre being difficult right now.

He lifted a hand and gestured behind him.

Do it. Let her experience what an allergic reaction actually feels like.

Two bodyguards stepped forward, carrying a large bowl of peanuts.

Dorothea was severely allergic to peanuts. Even a handful was enough to cover her body in hives and leave her struggling to breathe.

They forced her down without hesitation. Before she could resist, they shoved the peanuts into her mouth.

To keep her from spitting them out, they immediately poured water down her throat.

She didnt know how many peanuts they forced into her. All she knew was that the world began to spin, her vision blurring as her consciousness began to slip.

Through the haze, a memory surfaced: her first date with Jimmy. She had accidentally eaten peanuts back then and gone into a full allergic reaction.

To get her to the emergency room, he had run three red lights.

After that day, there had never been a single peanut in the villa.

But now, he stood not far away, holding Kim in his arms, watching everything unfold with cold eyes.

Only when Dorotheas body broke out in hives, her breathing turning shallow and strained, on the verge of suffocation, did the bodyguards finally let go.

Dorothea collapsed onto the floor, too weak to even sit up.

Through her blurred vision, she saw Jimmy supporting Kim as they walked out.

His voice softened as he spoke to her, Lets go. Chrisette just woke up at the hospital. Shes asking for you.

Dorothea watched as his figure disappeared completely from sight.

No. She couldnt die here from an allergic reaction.

She had to live! She had to get out of the Hemenways alive!

Biting down hard on her lip, she forced herself to stay conscious. With trembling hands, she dialed emergency services.

When she woke up again, she was in a hospital room, an IV drip feeding anti-allergy medication into her veins.

Jimmy sat beside the bed, carefully applying ointment to the exposed areas of her skin.

When he saw her eyes open, he said flatly, Youre awake? Dont move. Im not done applying the ointment yet.

He continued what he was doing as he spoke.

I know you feel like this is unfair, but Chrisettes allergic reaction was really bad. And Kim just had a baby. Shes not in a stable place right now. If I didnt handle this the way I did, people would talk.

Ive already called in the best specialists in New York. Youll be fine soon.

Once youre discharged and feel better, whatever you want, Ill give it to you.

From beginning to end, all he ever wanted was to keep her confined, controlled, possessed, and toyed with.

It didnt matter anymore. Soon, she would be gone for good.

She just nodded obediently.

Okay. I understand.

After a week in the hospital, her condition finally improved, and she was cleared for discharge.

She returned to the villa alone. But the moment she pushed open the guest room door, she found Kim standing right in front of her.

Dorothea frowned, instantly on edge.

Why are you in my room? Arent you supposed to be staying in the master bedroom?

Kim gave a small smile, her tone deliberately gentle.

I heard you were getting discharged today, so I came to wait for you. About what happened last time, I was too emotional. I wanted to apologize to you.

She paused, then added, You cant be a mother, so you probably dont understand how scared to death I was

Her words were suddenly cut off by a kids laughter coming from inside the room.

Dorothea pushed past her and froze at the sight that shattered her completely.

The guest room was a mess. All her belongings had been dragged out and scattered everywhere.

Chrisette sat on the bed, surrounded by pages. It was Dorotheas handwritten sheet music from the past three years.

One by one, the little girl tore the pages apart, crumpled them into balls, and tossed them to the small dog crouching nearby.

The dog wagged its tail excitedly and ran over to grab the paper balls in its mouth.

Chrisette! What are you doing?!

Dorothea rushed forward, her voice shaking with anger.

Chrisette looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. Oh, youre back, Auntie Thea! Mommy said I could play in your room. These scrap papers are so fun! Even the dog likes them.

A sharp ringing filled Dorotheas ears, and her mind went blank.

The sheet music she had worked so hard on, hiding it from Jimmy, pouring everything into it, had become nothing more than trash in the eyes of a three-year-old.

She had carefully saved every page, planning to organize them over the next few days and send them to an orchestra overseas for a chance at an audition.

That was her way back. After the divorce, it was her only shot at returning to a classical orchestra and stepping back onto the stage as a pianist.

Dorothea took a slow breath. She reminded herself that this was just a three-year-old child.

Forcing down her anger, she said, Chrisette, give me the rest of those papers, and Ill forgive you for what you did.

A flash of stubbornness crossed Chrisettes face. No! Mommy said this room is mine today!

She turned and shouted, Mommy! Auntie Thea is trying to kick me out! You have to help me!

Kim stepped forward when she heard that, a faint, mocking smile tugging at her lips.

Come on, Dorothea, its not a big deal. Chrisette likes your useless sheet music. Just let her play with them. Why are you being so petty?

The anger surged through Dorothea.

She couldnt hold it back anymore. She pushed past Kim and reached for the sheets in Chrisettes hands.

In the next second, the kids foot slipped, and she tumbled off the bed.

Her scream rang out, followed by loud, panicked crying that echoed through the entire villa.

Kims expression changed instantly. She shoved Dorothea aside and rushed over, pulling Chrisette into her arms.

Chrisette! Are you okay? Dont scare me, baby!

Dorotheas head slammed hard against the bedframe. Blood from the back of her head trickled down her neck.

Hearing the commotion, Jimmy came down from the upstairs study and immediately checked on Chrisette in Kims arms.

Clutching her swollen forehead, Chrisette sobbed, Daddy, it hurts! It hurts so much!

Meanwhile, Kim burst into tears. I know. I know Im just a nobody compared to you, Dorothea. Im not as capable. I cant play piano like you. But Chrisette just wanted to look at your music, and you you actually laid hands on her!

Jimmy turned to Dorothea, his voice cold and sharp.

So over a few sheet music you composed, youd hurt a three-year-old? Is that how much you hate Kim and her child?

Dorothea felt like something inside her had shattered.

So he had always known what those scores meant to her and still let someone else purposely destroy them.

She lifted her gaze, staring straight at him. Jimmy, I didnt

He cut her off, his expression dark.

Dorothea, did you forget what you promised me? When you married me, you agreed to leave your past behind and just be a dutiful wife.

That old piano, barely more than junk at this point, was the only thing he had ever allowed her to keep.

Stuff like this shouldnt exist in the first place. Ill give you anything else but not this.

As soon as he finished speaking, two bodyguards rushed in and dragged her out of the room.

Then they gathered everything: her handwritten compositions, her piano certificates, her music books, and scores. Then, they dumped it all into a large metal barrel in the backyard.

Jimmy personally lit a torch and tossed it in.

The flames shot up instantly, thick smoke billowing into the air.

Dorothea collapsed into hysteria.

No!

Dorothea watched with her own eyes as everything connected to the piano burned to ash.

Meanwhile, she was pinned to the ground by the bodyguards, her cheek pressed hard against the concrete.

Every time she struggled, her skin scraped against the rough surface, sending sharp unbearable pain across her face.

But she didnt care at all. All she wanted was to break free and hurriedly put out the fire.

By the time everything in the metal barrel had burned to nothing, her cheek was torn and bloodied, staining a small patch of the concrete beneath her.

She couldnt hold on any longer. Darkness swept over her, and she completely lost consciousness.

When she woke up again, she found herself locked in a pitch-black, enclosed room.

Dorothea snapped fully awake.

She knew this place. It was a punishment room in the Hemenways' villa, designed for servants who stepped out of line.

The space was barely two square meters, and at unpredictable times, venomous insects would be released inside.

Her whole body trembled as she curled up in the corner, forcing herself to endure the feeling of unknown bugs crawling across her skin.

She had no idea how much time had passed when she finally heard Jimmys voice outside the door.

Dorothea, why are you always so difficult? Why cant you just behave and be a proper wife?

You have to understand that everything I do is because I want to keep you by my side. I love you that much.

At last, the door opened, and she was let out.

At her bedside, the floor was littered with cigarette butts.

Jimmy had stayed there for three full days. The emotion in his eyes looked too sincere to be fake.

It took Dorothea a full week to recover. Only then did the swelling from the insect bites across her body finally start to go down.

Then came Kims birthday. Even though she hadnt fully recovered from childbirth, she insisted on throwing a party.

Jimmy, of course, agreed without hesitation.

Kim looped her arm through his, acting sweet and innocent. Jimmy, can Dorothea come to my birthday party, too? Were going to be, like, sisters from now on. We should share everything, right?

Jimmy turned to Dorothea.

Dorothea, you heard her. Youll be in charge of organizing Kims birthday party.

A cruel smile tugged at his lips.

Use the same standard as your own birthday parties. I wouldnt want anyone saying I play favorites.

A sharp pain suddenly stabbed through Dorotheas chest.

There was a time he had said to her, Dorothea, Ill be there for every birthday you ever have. And Ill give you ninety-nine completely different birthday experiences.

And for the past three years of their marriage, he had kept that promise.

But now, his tenderness and affection were no longer hers alone.

A week later, the yacht party was dazzling, the lights almost blinding.

Dorothea, dressed in a simple gown, moved through the crowd nonstop.

She kept a close eye on every staff member, checking every detail, making sure nothing went wrong.

At the same time, she had to greet guests, playing the role of a perfect, dutiful hostess.

Kim, on the other hand, was dressed to impress, basking in attention as she accepted compliments and gifts from every direction.

Dorothea couldnt be bothered.

After all, she had already received a message from her mother-in-law.

In just half a month, everything would be finalized. Dorothea would finally be free of the hell that was Jimmy.

Suddenly, Kims gaze landed on her. Hey, Dorothea, I dont think youve given me a birthday gift yet.

Dorothea clenched her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white, but she said nothing.

Forget it, I wont make things difficult for you, Kim said with a smile. Youre amazing at piano, right?

She pointed toward the piano nearby. Why dont you play something for me?

Alright. Dorothea walked over calmly and sat down at the piano. She took a deep breath and began to play.

When she finished one piece, Kim pouted. Thats it? Play another one.

Dorothea didnt refuse. Her expression didnt change as she continued playing.

When the second piece ended, Kim had already walked up behind her.

Before Dorothea could react, Kim had already slammed the piano lid down hard right onto Dorotheas hands!

A sharp crack echoed through the yacht. It was the unmistakable sound of bones breaking.

A wave of pain washed over Dorothea, her vision going black as she instinctively tried to pull her hand back.

The next second, the entire yacht lurched violently.

Shit! We hit a reef!

Panic filled the cockpit as one of the crew shouted, Damn it! The steering is out of control! Were going to crash!

Screams erupted all around. Guests scattered in every direction, scrambling to find life jackets.

Just like that, the celebration descended into chaos.

Dorothea had just caught her breath when someone shoved her from behind. She stumbled, lost her footing, and hit the floor hard.

The crowd surged over her, trampling her body.

Her hands that were already crushed under the piano lid were stepped on again and again.

At first, they were just swollen and red. But with every step, she could feel the bones shifting inside. The pain made her suck in sharp breaths. Eventually, after being stomped on over and over, her hands twisted out of shape completely, and she stopped feeling them at all.

By then, the yacht was completely out of control.

The captain rushed out of the cockpit and found Jimmy. Sir, the lifeboats ready. Please come with me and board with your wife.

Without hesitation, Jimmy scooped up the terrified Kim in his arms and followed the captain.

He didnt even glance back at Dorothea, who was still being trampled in the crowd.

Seeing this, Dorothea forced herself up, shoving away the people stepping on her as she struggled into a sitting position.

She absolutely could not die here like this!

She had to survive to escape this hell and break free from Jimmys control!

Disheveled and soaked in misery, she silently followed behind him.

The lifeboat pulled away from the yacht and headed toward shore, but not long after, the engine suddenly died.

The captain tried restarting it several times, but it wouldnt turn over.

His face went pale as he reported, Sir, the lifeboat is overloaded! We need to reduce weight, or it wont start. Well all be stuck here!

Jimmy turned to her without a second of hesitation.

Dorothea, Kim just had a baby. She cant get wet, and she definitely cant get sick. Put on a life jacket and get in the water.

Ill send someone back for you as soon as I get her safely to shore.

Before Dorothea could react, a bodyguard had already pulled a life jacket from beneath the seat.

With multiple fractures in both hands, she had no strength to resist.

All she could do was watch helplessly as they forced the life jacket onto her.

With a loud splash, she was shoved into the churning sea.

The cold, salty water soaked into the countless wounds on her hands, and the surface of the water quickly bloomed red.

When she woke up again, she found herself in the hospital.

Olga sat at her bedside, dark circles under her eyes, as if she had been keeping vigil for days.

Oh, dear, youre finally awake.

Dorotheas voice was hoarse. Mom how long was I out?

Olga sighed. This is all my fault. I didnt know Jimmy could be that cruel. By the time we got the news, youd already been drifting at sea for a full day and night. After they rescued you, you spent a week in the ICU before your condition stabilized enough to move to a regular room. Altogether you were out for ten days.

As she spoke, she placed a plane ticket and a stack of documents on the bedside table.

I got everything you asked for. Ive seen how much youve given up for Jimmy all these years. The stocks and cash in there Thats from me.

Dorothea lifted her heavily bandaged hands, trembling as she picked up the ticket and documents.

When she reached the last page, she froze.

Mom why is there an acceptance letter from the London Symphony Orchestra in here?

Thats part of it, too. And dont worry about your hands. While you were unconscious, I brought in the best orthopedic specialists. Youll recover. There wont be any lasting damage.

At that moment, a tear slipped from the corner of Dorotheas eye.

A bright smile slowly appeared across her face.

Dear, the cars ready. Today, theyre officially registering the second child under the family name. Jimmys distracted. He wont notice you leaving. This is your best chance.

Dorothea nodded, clutching the plane ticket and acceptance letter tightly as she got into the car.

She made it to the airport smoothly and boarded her flight.

The plane taxied, lifted off the runway, and soared into the blue sky.

Sitting by the window, she watched as New York grew smaller and smaller beneath her.

For the first time, she felt completely at ease.

Jimmy, she swore, from this moment on, we are strangers across the world, never to meet again.