Chapter 1

I had been Mrs. Sterling, living a life of splendor, for thirty years.

Our marriage was filled with love, our home bustling with children and grandchildren; I had no regrets.

But on my deathbed, my husband gripped my hand and confessed:

"Actually, Lucas isn't your biological son."

"He's mine and Sophia's. We swapped the babies back then, and as for our child, yours and mine, he died long ago."

My mind went blank. I stared numbly at the son who was wiping my hands and feet by my side.

He didn't even lift his head, but his cold voice pierced my ears like a knife:

"You're in poor health because I poisoned you."

"I hate you for taking my mother's place, for preventing our family from being whole."

I grabbed Ethan Sterling's hand, my blurry, bloodshot eyes wide.

"Why... why didn't you keep lying to me?"

"Because Sophia is kind. She said she couldn't bear to see you die still in the dark."

"Now, you can rest in peace."

His voice was gentle as he closed my eyes.

I gagged, coughing up a mouthful of blood, and died in a storm of grief, indignation, and hatred.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I gave birth.

The excited voice of the obstetrician reached my ears:

"Congratulations, Mrs. Sterling! It's a boy!"