"Jayden, let's get married."
Judy Herman stood shivering in the cold wind, her frail body trembling as she gazed at the man with eyes full of nervousness and hope.
Jayden Paul, halfway through opening his car door, glanced at her in mild surprise, clearly caught off guard by her sudden proposal.
"I'm pregnant." Judy's slender fingers clutched the hem of her coat, unsure whether this news would bring him joy.
Jayden's brows furrowed instantly. After a brief pause, he replied without hesitation, "Get rid of it."
Those icy words pierced her heart like a thousand arrows.
Judy blinked back the tears welling in her eyes, forcing down the lump in her throat. "The doctor said… if I do this again, I'll never be able to conceive. Jayden, I want this baby."
For five years, she had endured three abortions—each time, the pain was unbearable, yet each time, she had relented because she loved him. But this time was different. The thought of never being able to bear his child again tore her heart apart. She couldn't accept it.
"Judy Herman." Jayden's expression darkened, his voice resolute. "I won't marry you. A child would only be a burden. Do you really want your kid to grow up as a nameless bastard?"
A bitter smile tugged at Judy's lips. His words made sense, yet her heart ached unbearably.
"Is it because of her?"
Her voice was barely a whisper, trembling as she stared into his fathomless eyes. She had always known about his obsession with that woman. But that woman was gone—why couldn't he just turn around and see her?
She had waited, believing that one day, she'd see the light. But five years had passed, bringing only despair.
Jayden's gaze hardened as irritation flared in his chest. "Judy Herman, stop making a scene."
Making a scene?
All she wanted was to keep their last child. To him, was that nothing but a tantrum?
"Jayden Paul… you never loved me, did you?" Judy's laugh was hollow, her smile strained. "You were only with me because I look like her. I was just a stand-in, a consolation prize for when she wasn't around. From the beginning to the end, the only one you've ever loved is her."
"Judy Herman!"
His roar shattered what little composure she had left. Her body trembled as she bit down on her lip, the metallic taste of blood flooding her mouth.
Jayden's anger swelled before he forcibly reined it in, his voice icy. "I'll arrange the surgery as soon as possible."
"Is there really no room for discussion?"
Before she could finish, the car door slammed shut. The vehicle sped away, leaving her standing alone in the cold.
This was his answer.
Jayden Paul… you're truly heartless.
The abortion was scheduled for the next day. Judy stood outside the operating room, her legs weak with fear. The memories of her past procedures flashed before her, and she staggered back a few steps.
She hadn't slept all night. Countless calls and messages to Jayden had gone unanswered—there was no changing his mind.
"Are you absolutely sure about this?"
The doctor, a familiar face from her previous surgeries, asked cautiously. Once the decision was made, there was no turning back.
"Yes." Jayden's reply was final.
"This procedure will most likely result in permanent infertility. Would you like to reconsider?"
Judy clutched Jayden's sleeve, pleading desperately, "Jayden, please… let's keep this baby. I'm begging you…"
"Judy Herman." He pried her fingers away and nudged her toward the operating room, his eyes devoid of warmth.
Her heart wrenched as he said, "Just get it over with. I'll wait for you outside."
Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, "Don't do this to me, Jayden Paul! Don't be so cruel!"
For a fleeting moment, Jayden hesitated, his expression softening—but his resolve held firm. "Go inside."
Judy's cries ceased. Tears continued to fall silently as she stood there, numb.
Even now, standing right in front of him, she felt miles away.
"I won't ask you to marry me anymore. Just let me keep this child… please?"
She wiped her tears, bargaining in vain, her swollen eyes searching his for mercy. But his next words froze her blood.
"Judy, this child will not stay."
His voice was steel, his gaze unyielding—like a merciless demon.
"I see." Judy smiled bitterly, her voice hollow. "This was our last chance… We'll never have another child."
As she turned away, Jayden instinctively reached for her—but his phone rang.
Distracted, he answered. The operating room door slammed shut behind him, and an inexplicable frustration surged in his chest.
Then, the voice on the other end delivered news that made him freeze in shock—before erupting into joy.
"You're saying Lorelei Voss is alive?"
...
Judy didn't know how she made it onto the operating table. Lying there, she squinted against the blinding lights, her mind replaying every memory like poisoned arrows through her heart.
The happier those moments had been, the more they hurt now.
Five years ago, she had met Jayden at her father's company and fallen for him at first sight. Young and reckless, she had chased after him despite all warnings, believing her persistence had won him over. She had reveled in his affection, blind to the truth.
When she learned about Lorelei Voss, she had cried and fought—but his sweet words always soothed her.
She couldn't have a fair competition with a dead woman. But her love for Jayden had made her surrender, over and over.
Back then, Judy had thought she could live without marriage, without children—without anything, as long as she had him.
She had cut ties with her family, dropped out of school, and reduced herself to nothing—only to lose herself completely in his world.
Maybe this will be the last time her heart breaks…
The procedure was quick. When Judy stepped out, pale and weak, her eyes scanned the hallway—but Jayden was nowhere in sight.
Her lips curved into a self-mocking smile.
He promised to wait for her. But even that was a lie.
Clutching the wall for support, she took a few shaky steps forward.
Then, a mocking voice reached her ears:
"How pathetic. She's here getting an abortion, but he couldn't care less—now that his beloved is back."
Judy froze. Slowly, she turned, her voice barely audible.
"Who… did you say is back?"
The nurse smirked. "Lorelei Voss. Everyone knows she's the one Mr. Paul has always loved."
"Lorelei Voss? But she's… dead."
"Oh, I'm sure you wished she was dead. But guess what? She's alive—and she's back."
The words struck Judy like lightning. Her lips trembled as her hand pressed against her abdomen, fingers digging in tightly—
Lorelei Voss has returned.