Chapter 1

During seven years of secret marriage, I had been pregnant five times. Each pregnancy ended in stillbirth. James was concerned about my health and hired a top nutritionist to create a special diet for me. He reassured me that we would eventually have a healthy child together.

The day I discovered I was pregnant again, I excitedly went to find James at his office. But as I approached the private meeting room, I overheard his conversation with his best friend, Michael.

“You’ve deliberately terminated Emily’s five pregnancies to provide specimens for Rachel’s medical experiments? Have you lost your mind? Those were your own flesh and blood,” Michael said.

James responded with complete indifference: “Rachel is so dedicated to her work. I don’t understand medicine, but I can be her strongest supporter and give her everything within my power.”

“Besides, my marriage certificate with Emily is fake anyway. Any children would have been illegitimate. Their deaths don’t matter—Rachel is my only true wife.”

I stood frozen in shock. The marriage I had cherished was nothing but an elaborate deception. The husband I thought loved me deeply was actually a monster wearing a human mask. If this was the truth, there was no reason to remain entangled in this nightmare any longer.

Michael’s expression darkened as he pressed the question: “If Rachel is all you care about, why propose to Emily in the first place? Why let her keep getting pregnant?”

James laughed coldly. “Rachel was overseas studying, and I have needs like any man. Emily was a virgin—squeaky clean. The secret marriage bit? That was just insurance against her sleeping around and bringing back some STD.”

“As for the babies…” he shrugged, “I hate condoms, and she was desperate to be a mom. Let her play house for a while—not like I ever planned on keeping any of them.”

Michael winced. “But seven years of her life, James. Five pregnancies. Now you’re marrying someone else while she’s still completely devoted to you. Don’t you think that’s—”

“Enough,” James snapped. “She’s just some scholarship girl from nowhere. With me, she’s lived better than she could have dreamed. I’ve been plenty generous.”

“Our wedding’s in three days. Rachel and I fly out tomorrow. I expect to see you at the reception.”

Seeing his friend’s resolve, Michael sighed heavily. “Look man, karma’s a bitch. What goes around… Emily deserves better than this… Just don’t come crying to me when this blows up in your face.”

The Black Swan’s Final Revenge Pirouette: The 99th G

Chapter 1

“Whatever,” James scoffed. “I could die happy as long as I get to put that ring on Rachel’s finger. Save the fortune cookie wisdom for someone who gives a damn.”

Michael fell silent, shaking his head.

The joy I’d felt moments before evaporated instantly. I stood frozen outside the door, tears streaming down my numb face.

When James spotted me, panic flashed across his features. He rushed out anxiously: “Emily! How long have you been standing there? What’s wrong, baby?”

His voice quivered with barely concealed guilt.

I quickly wiped my tears away and forced a smile. “It’s nothing. False eyelash glue in my eye. I’m hopeless with makeup.”

James visibly relaxed, pulling me against his chest. “God, you scared me. You don’t need that stuff anyway. You’re gorgeous without it. Come on, let’s head home.”

His sweet talk hadn’t changed, but the words that once melted my heart now left me completely cold.