Chapter 2

Vivian's POV

On the night of the Pierce Family Charity Gala, I sat in my seat, clutching two abortion pills tightly in my hand.

In the center of the ballroom, Julian was shielding Chloe from a glass of wine, drinking it for her.

The chandelier light fell on his broad shoulders, and also on the tear-stained corners of Chloe's eyes.

The guests cheered, whispering about how their childhood romance was meant to be, after all.

Someone glanced at me maliciously and raised their voice. "Then what about Miss Vance? She can't keep occupying the position of Mrs. Pierce forever, right?"

I looked down at the warm water in my glass, about to put the pills in my mouth.

Suddenly, a childish, sharp wail echoed in my belly.

"Mom! Don't swallow! If you get rid of me now, that scumbag Julian will be childless for the rest of his life!"

My hand froze.

The voice was still screaming in my belly. "He has low sperm motility. The baby in your belly is his only chance of having a child in this lifetime. He is playing the hero for his first love now, but in the future, even if he kneels at your door begging for a glance, he won't even get a number."

My pupils dilated in shock. My nails dug deep into my palm.

Julian helped Chloe back to the VIP table and looked up at me.

His gaze was extremely cold, carrying his usual warning, as if reminding me not to make a scene.

For the past three years, I was a master at reading this look.

I had always thought I was just a placeholder. When Chloe left the country, I came; now that Chloe was back, I had to leave.

Tonight, I wanted to end it cleanly.

Abort the baby, cut ties, and leave myself a shred of dignity.

But the little thing in my belly refused.

"Mom! Don't look at his handsome face, he's just a blind fool! As long as you keep this pregnancy, the entire Pierce family will have to revolve around you in the future! In my past life, you aborted me, and in the end, they drove you crazy and you died in a mental asylum!"

My heart hammered violently.

Past life memories?

If what this child said was true...

Chloe walked over with a glass of juice, pretending to smooth things over. "Vivian, everyone was just joking tonight. Don't take it to heart. Julian is just taking care of me. We grew up together, he's used to it."

Someone immediately chimed in nearby. "Chloe is so generous. Anyone else would have kicked the uninvited guest out long ago."

Everyone was waiting to see me swallow my pride.

But I raised my head, and in front of everyone, I put the two abortion pills back into my purse.

I looked at Chloe, my lips curving into a cold, sharp smile. "Miss Sterling is right. Being 'used to' something is indeed a habit that needs to be broken."

The smile on Chloe's face froze instantly.

Julian frowned, his voice displeased. "Vivian."

"I'm going to get some fresh air." I stood up, not even granting him a glance. "You guys enjoy your habits."

The moment I walked out of the ballroom, the voice in my belly let out a long sigh of relief, then said urgently:

"Mom, beautifully done! But whatever you do, don't go back to the villa, and don't tell Julian I exist! Chloe, that venomous snake, has her eyes on you. You have to stay alive so I can live!"

I looked back at the half-closed heavy doors of the ballroom.

Inside, glasses were still clinking, celebrating Julian's reunion with his first love.

I touched my flat belly, my eyes becoming more determined than ever.

"Okay," I said softly in my heart. "I'll take you away. I'll save you once, and you have to help me fight for my life."

"I will!" The little voice was full of energy. "Mom, let's survive first, and then make them regret everything!"

I did not go back to Julian's villa.