Chapter 1

It was the third year of my marriage to Liam Roland.

The hospital's diagnostic report lay cold in my palm.

"Permanent loss of fertility."

Seven words, like poisoned needles, pierced my heart.

Liam held my hand tightly.

"It's alright," he said.

His voice was so gentle it could melt.

"We can adopt a child."

At Hope's Harbor Orphanage.

A little girl named Olivia hid behind the director.

Her eyes were like those of a frightened fawn.

She timidly offered me a piece of candy.

"For you, Auntie."

My heart instantly softened.

I knelt down and hugged her.

"Let's choose her."

The adoption process went smoothly.

Until Olivia reached for the pen.

There, on the back of her right hand.

A brown birthmark the size of a pea caught my eye.

I snatched the pen back abruptly.

"No."

Liam was stunned.

"Why?" he asked.

His voice was tense.

I stared at the birthmark.

"It's ugly."

My mother-in-law exploded on the spot.

"Ava, have you lost your mind!"

She pointed at my stomach.

"You can't have your own, yet you're still picky!"

"Such a small birthmark can be removed with laser later!"

Liam tried to take my hand.

"Darling, don't make a scene," he pleaded.

His voice was hoarse.

"Olivia is so well-behaved..."

"Divorce."

The word silenced everyone.

Liam's eyes reddened.

"Because of a birthmark?" he asked.

His voice trembled.

"Is it really that serious?"

I laughed coldly.

"Yes, it is."

I gripped my bag strap tightly.

"Choose. Her or me?"

The director hurried to mediate.

"Ms. Fairsprene, Olivia is truly a sweet child..."

My father-in-law joined in.

"Medical aesthetics are advanced now. Removing a birthmark is easy..."

I turned to leave.

Olivia suddenly rushed over and clung to my leg.

"Mommy, please don't leave me..."

I shoved her away violently.

The little girl stumbled and fell into Isabella's arms.

My sister-in-law immediately shrieked.

"How could you push a child!"

She held Olivia tightly.

"What did the child ever do to you!"

I glanced at her coldly.

"You like her so much?"

"You be her mother then."

Isabella turned pale.

"Don't talk nonsense!" she snapped.

She stole a glance at Liam's reaction.

Liam was trembling all over.

"Ava," he said.

He was almost begging.

"Let's just sign the papers, okay?"

"You can punish me however you want when we get home."

I grabbed my bag and walked straight toward the door.

A dull thud echoed from the leather sofa.

Liam knelt on the cold tile floor.

The sound of his knees hitting the ground was heartbreaking.