Love Lost, New Life Found

The guests at the reception gasped in shock. The Ortiz family looked furious, while my parents' faces flushed with embarrassment.

I quickly tried to explain, "These photos aren't genuine! I don't even know the man in the pictures!"

But Rowen just stared at me icily and said, "Our family upholds traditional values. I, Rowen Ortiz, will never marry a woman whose heart belongs to another, nor will I play second fiddle to someone else!"

With that, he grabbed his young assistant's hand and walked away.

With the groom gone, the wedding reception was abruptly halted. My parents slapped me hard across the face before rushing off to chase after Rowen’s parents.

I was left standing amidst a floor covered with photographs, alone to face the murmurs and pointing fingers of all the guests.

Later, I decided to head to Dublin. The day before my departure, Rowen's mother requested a meeting.

As we sat down, she surveyed me before speaking deliberately:

"It's true, Rowen handled the situation poorly. Matters like these should be settled discreetly between our families, not in front of outsiders."

"Besides, those photos are clearly doctored and shouldn't be taken seriously."

"Rowen has always been somewhat naive, easily led astray. His father and I have spoken to him sternly."

Then she shifted the focus, "However, the damage from these photos is undeniable."

"You know, Rowen is the sole heir of the Ortiz family and the future leader of the Ortiz Group. He cannot afford even a hint of scandal and needs a supportive partner."

I understood the implication but chose to stay silent, observing her intently.

She pulled a card from her purse, offering it to me. "Here's 300,000 pounds; you should end the pregnancy."

I stared at the card, stunned, and asked, "What about him? What does he want?"

"You mean my son?" She chuckled. "Did you see that assistant at the wedding? That's Aubrey Lane, an heiress and a Cambridge PhD. She's Rowen's future wife."

"You understand, our family values tradition greatly and we can’t have a daughter-in-law with a questionable past."

But I knew what they truly wanted was a powerful alliance, even if it meant sacrificing a blood relative.

"Lina, are you even listening to me?"

Snapped out of my thoughts, I faced Charli, Rowen's sister, glaring at me with frustration.

"My brother is now a successful man and still has feelings for you. If you just apologize, you could return to how things were."

I looked at her, seeing only the delusions of arrogance.

"No need."

I deliberately pronounced each word, ensuring clarity, "I'm doing well now, and I don’t need your brother's forgiveness."

With that, I turned and walked toward a waiting cab.

Behind me, Charli yelled, "Lina, you'll regret this! Without my handsome, wealthy brother, you'll be stuck with that short, poor husband of yours!"

I ignored her. At the time, everyone thought I couldn’t survive without Rowen.

But the truth is, nobody is indispensable.

I soon arrived at the nursery school. Across the street, I saw my daughter playing jump rope with her classmates, her smile radiant.

A warm feeling enveloped my heart as I started toward her.

Suddenly, I was shoved roughly against a wall.

"Lina, I can’t believe you’re using such childish tactics to get back at me!"

I looked up to see Rowen standing before me, looking dapper in his suit, as if he'd just rushed over from a meeting.

Seeing a familiar face from seven years ago left me momentarily speechless.

Rowen and I had been childhood friends. He lived in a mansion opposite my house, and our families were close. Being of similar age, we grew up together, and he always shared the best things with me.

He even worked hard to get into the same university as me, transforming from a mediocre student to a standout. He also turned down an opportunity to study abroad for my sake.

Everyone said he was head over heels for me.

I, too, gave up a high-paying job everyone envied just to be with him.

Eventually, he became busier with work.

Concerned for his well-being, I would bring him lunch to his office every day, providing emotional support and ensuring he never had to worry about my affairs.

Gradually, everyone started to see me as Rowen's lapdog rather than his partner.

Rowen and I just smiled, saying nothing.

Things changed when Aubrey Lane showed up. She was his assistant—smart, gentle, and beautiful. Initially, I didn't pay much attention to her since Rowen had always been surrounded by incredible women, but his focus was only ever on me.

That was until Aubrey and Rowen started contacting each other more frequently.

One day, when I visited Rowen, I inadvertently left my phone at his office.

When I returned, I overheard Aubrey holding my phone and telling Rowen:

"Lina’s phone slipped, and I accidentally saw she has a contact named 'Darling' in her WhatsApp."

When Aubrey noticed me, she sheepishly stuck out her tongue and said, "Sorry, Lina, it wasn’t intentional. I was just curious."

Rowen’s face darkened immediately.