Behind the Perfect Marriage

Kayla began to take the initiative with Luke. She would even take his hand and guide it to her belly.

"I heard that babies who grow up listening to their father tell stories become smarter," she said softly.

For the first time in ages, Kayla was no longer cold or distant. She was showing affection, even joy, about the baby. Luke was over the moon. He spent the entire day holding his wife, unwilling to let her go.

When Stephanie complained that her stomach hurt and asked Luke to stay with her, he refused without a second thought, saying he was too busy with work.

But the moment Kayla mentioned craving mac and cheese, Luke canceled his meetings, went into the kitchen himself, and cooked a full spread just for her. He even promised he would come every night to tell the baby a bedtime story.

Stephanie finally snapped.

She intercepted Kayla while she was walking in the backyard, her hatred spilling out through clenched teeth.

"You shameless wench. You stole eighteen years of my life, and now you want to steal my husband too!"

Kayla let out a cold laugh.

"First of all, you were the one who thought the Campbell family was too poor and willingly followed a trafficker just because he promised you a limited edition Barbie doll. You only came crawling back after hearing the Campbells had made it big, trying to snatch the real daughter's place. The shameless one is you, not me. Second, Luke's marriage certificate still has my name on it. I am his lawful wife."

Stephanie looked like she was on the verge of losing her mind, then a strange, twisted smile appeared on her lips.

"What do you think would happen if the two of us fell into the water at the same time? Who do you think Luke would choose?"

Kayla reacted faster than she did.

She grabbed Stephanie around the waist and dragged her straight into the pool.

"Kayla!"

Luke did not hesitate for even a second. He dove into the water after them.

Stephanie flailed helplessly at the surface, looking as though she might sink at any moment.

"Luke, I can't swim. I'm going to die!"

Luke had been swimming decisively toward Kayla, but he suddenly froze.

In that brief moment of hesitation, Stephanie clung to his shoulder. Her face was deathly pale.

"My stomach hurts so much. I can't hold on anymore. Luke, save me."

The glare of sunlight off the water made the hesitation and confusion in Luke's eyes painfully clear.

So this was the man who always swore Kayla would be his first choice. All it took was a few words from someone else, and he was already hesitating over whether to save his wife first.

So this was how it was. Even the firmest vows only held in the moment. With time, they turned into blades, cutting straight into Kayla's heart.

Driven by instinct, Luke still chose to save Kayla first.

But he only shoved her toward the edge of the pool. He didn't even help her out before rushing back to Stephanie, pulling her into his arms as if she were a priceless treasure he had almost lost forever.

Only after carrying Stephanie out of the pool, calling the family doctor, and confirming she was fine did Luke finally remember Kayla. She was still clinging to the railing with both hands, barely keeping herself from sinking.

When Kayla was pulled ashore, Stephanie was wrapped in the only cashmere blanket. She shot Kayla a smug look, watching her lips tremble blue from the cold.

A sharp wave of unease surged through Luke. He reached for his wife, wanting to drape his jacket over her shoulders, but his hand was knocked away without mercy.

"Kayla?"

"No need. I didn't die in the water, and I won't die on land either. I can walk back on my own."

Luke could sense he was on the verge of losing something precious, but Stephanie was tightly gripping his arm, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Luke, I don't blame you for saving my sister first. Really, I don't. But my stomach hurts so much. Can you take me to the hospital?"

Kayla returned alone to the basement. Only after locking the door did she pull a phone wrapped in plastic from inside her clothes.

She had stolen it when she dragged Stephanie into the pool.

In the chaos, the plastic had not been sealed properly. Fortunately, the phone still worked.

Kayla immediately dialed a number she had recited in her mind hundreds of times. After a few rings, a low male voice answered.

"Who is this?"

"It's me, Kayla. I'm willing to sell you the copyright to 'Celestial Bliss.' on one condition. You get me out of the Hudson family for good, away from Luke, as fast as possible."