Chapter 2

The next day, I went to the hospital alone.

Eleanor Vance was too busy taking Melody to Tiffany's to care about me. No one in the family had time for me anymore.

Dr. Avery stared at my scan results for a long time.

She pulled up my records from three months ago, comparing them side by side.

Her professional composure cracked, replaced by utter disbelief.

"Sera, have you undergone any experimental treatments recently?"

"No."

She pushed the scan toward me.

"This is medically impossible."

"What changed?" I asked.

Dr. Avery lowered her voice.

"Your previous diagnosis was clear: congenital absence of uterus. But today's pelvic ultrasound shows... the formation of a uterine-like structure."

My fingertips tightened.

"Is it fully developed?"

"Not yet. It's like a shadow, an outline. And the vaginal canal shows signs of lengthening."

She stared at me.

"In medical history, a spontaneous reversal like this is practically nonexistent."

I looked down at the black-and-white scan.

My eyes stung, but my abdomen felt warm.

When I walked out of the hospital, my fiancé, Julian Sterling, was leaning against his car, holding a cup of warm water.

"Why didn't you call me to pick you up?"

"Don't you have to accompany Melody today?"

He frowned.

"Why would I do that?"

I smiled and took the cup.

"Just asking."

He studied my face, concern in his eyes.

"You look pale."

"Just tired from the exams," I replied softly.

He opened the passenger door for me.

"Let's get you home."

As the car pulled away, I caught a glimpse of a figure in the rearview mirror.

Melody was standing behind a concrete pillar in the hospital lobby, glaring at us.

She looked even more beautiful today than yesterday.

But the jealousy in her eyes was also far heavier.

Once Melody got her new face, she was desperate to prove herself.

She began showing up around Julian constantly.

Eleanor played along perfectly.

One day, she'd claim Melody was new to the high-society circle and needed Julian to guide her. The next day, she'd say Melody was feeling down and ask Julian to drop her off.

Julian refused most of the time.

His rejections were cold and direct.

"I'm busy."

"Have your driver do it."

"Ask Mrs. Vance."

Every time, the smile on Melody's face grew stiffer.

I watched it all unfold and said nothing.

At the end of the month, Julian's mother, Victoria Sterling, hosted her birthday charity gala.

Eleanor took Melody to pick out gowns three days in advance.

They chose a haute couture silver gown for Melody, making her look like a rare winter rose.

When it was my turn, Eleanor casually pointed at a plain, muted grey dress.

"You shouldn't wear anything too bright lately, Sera."

I nodded.

"This is fine."

Melody stood in front of the mirror, smiling sweetly.

"Sera looks elegant even in plain colors."

I met her gaze.

"Thank you, Melody."

She hated how calm I was.

She wanted to see me break.

She wanted to see me lose my mind because I was losing my beauty.

But the calmer I remained, the more anxious she became.