I Raised My Husband's Love Child

Chapter 1

Seven months into my pregnancy, I accidentally overheard a conversation between my husband and the struggling student I'd been sponsoring.

"Stephen, if your wife finds out that the baby she's carrying is actually our fertilized egg, she might get so mad she could hurt herself, don't you think?" Rosie's voice was soft, like a joke.

Stephen's reply was chilling. "It'd be better if she did. That way, all her assets would be mine."

Rosie's laugh was low and calculating. "The only problem is, what if she divorces me and kicks me out? We have to keep this under wraps. Once our kid inherits her assets, we'll deliver the final blow."

That night, I pretended I hadn't heard a word. I gave birth to the child and raised him with everything I had.

Twenty-four years later, after my son returned from studying abroad, I transferred every last share and asset of my company into his name.

At a press conference, Rosie, once a penniless student, walked up to me, arm linked with my husband's, holding a maternity test report like some kind of trophy. "Kian is my biological son. You've been keeping him from me all these years. It's time to give him back."

My son followed suit, throwing a divorce agreement at my feet, his words ice-cold. "Hurry up and divorce Dad. Then we can finally be a family of three. Since you raised me, I'll give you two hundred dollars a month."

I raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Fine."

...

"Wife, weren't you supposed to be at the board meeting today? Why are you still in the study?" Stephen walked in, a cup of hot milk in his hand, his voice still as tender as ever.

I closed my laptop, flashing him a smile. "Kian's teacher mentioned he's been coughing a bit. I've scheduled an appointment with the best pediatric specialist tomorrow."

Stephen stroked my hair with affection. "You always worry about him, even over the smallest things. When he grows up, he'll definitely appreciate everything you've done for him."

I gave him a calm look. "Of course. I'm Kian's mother. If I don't take care of him, who will?"

Stephen smiled warmly, his eyes full of love. "You're amazing. Marrying you and raising a child with you... it's the greatest blessing of my life."

I met his gaze, offering him a faint smile, but saying nothing.

We'd been together for ten years, three years of dating, seven years of marriage. During that time, he'd always been there for me when I was sick or tired, surprising me with thoughtful gestures, holding me tight during our most passionate moments, whispering that he would love me forever.

Had I not overheard that conversation, I would've believed every word. I would've never imagined that the man who swore he loved me could betray me so completely.

"Aunt Rosie, you're here!" Kian's delighted voice echoed from the living room.

I immediately stood up and walked out of the study, only to see Rosie stepping through the door. She effortlessly scooped my son into her arms, planting a playful kiss on his cheek.

"Did you miss me, baby Kian?" she asked sweetly, her gaze flicking to mine. Her smile froze for a second, and I caught the flicker of guilt in her eyes.

Before she could say anything, Stephen quickly stepped forward, his voice smooth. "Wife, there was a parent-child activity at Kian's kindergarten today. I thought you'd be busy with work, so I didn't want to bother you. I asked Rosie to help out instead."

Rosie put Kian down and, flustered, quickly added, "Yes, Daphne, you've supported me for so long. I've always wanted to repay you. As soon as I got Stephen's call, I rushed over."

I couldn't help but watch her nervous, over-explained cover-up. The memory of the day my son was born hit me like a punch in the gut. Rosie had been there, too, under the pretense of visiting me in the hospital. She stayed by Stephen's side while I was in labor, pretending to be the caring friend.

How could I have been so blind?