Betrayed Thrice, Beyond Redemption

Sebastian Sterling was the CEO of the Sterling Group, ranked third among the world's wealthiest business leaders.

We had a five-year-long relationship, three years of which we lived together. He told me he loved me so much that he was willing to sacrifice himself for me, yet he never gave me the title of Mrs. Sterling.

During those three years of living together, he betrayed me three times, pushing me into hell with his own hands.

The first time, he secretly obtained a marriage certificate with his close friend's widow. However, he knelt before me, crying and begging me to believe that it was just for protection.

The second time, under the spotlight of media cameras and thousands of watching eyes, he held her hand and announced that she was his wife and the lady of the Sterling family. Backstage, he gripped my hand and swore in a low voice that he would marry me once everything ended.

The third time, he spent a passionate night with her and got her pregnant. I discovered the truth when I saw them at the hospital, attending a prenatal appointment together.

Loving him was death by a thousand cuts. I forgave him again and again, yet he betrayed me every time.

One day, I finally walked away. In my pocket was my positive pregnancy testI was carrying the child he had always wanted.

Only then did Sebastian collapse to his knees in regret, crying out my name with a broken voice. However, he had lost not just me, but the heir he never knew existed too!

Chapter 1

Outside the maternity ward, I clutched the positive pregnancy test in my pocket. My husband was accompanying another woman to her prenatal appointment.

I wanted to demand an explanation, but suddenly, Gina Nolan covered her stomach and cried out, "Sebastian, my belly hurts so much!"

Sebastian Sterling instinctively pushed me aside and turned to embrace her. I stumbled backward from his shove, hitting the wall hard. Sharp pain shot through my back, and my eyes instantly filled with tears.

Despite that, Sebastian only cared about Gina's condition.

"What's wrong? Does your stomach hurt? I'll take you to see a doctor right now."

He held Gina up carefully and only seemed to remember I was still standing there when he passed by me. He explained hastily, "Mia, Gina isn't feeling well. I need to take her to see a doctor. Can you go home by yourself?"

I looked at him without saying a word, then just nodded and silently stepped aside. He carried Gina past me without a moment's hesitation.

I stood alone in the corridor, leaning against the wall and watching their retreating figures as tears streamed down my face. My back throbbed with pain, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart.

I wiped away my tears and smiled bitterly at myself. I had come to the hospital today to confirm my pregnancy and tell Sebastian the news, but I did not want to say anything anymore.

This was his third betrayal, and it would be his last. I did not want to hear his explanations anymore, and I did not want to forgive him again.

Walking out of the hospital, I got into the car the Sterling family had sent for me. I closed the door, leaned back in the rear seat, and stared at the hospital entrance with a cold heart.

The driver asked where I wanted to go. After a moment of silence, I replied coldly, "Don't take me back home. I want to go to the immigration office."

Once there, I went in alone and applied for a passport and a visa for Astora. The visa would take seven days to process.

I walked out of the building, got back in the car, and watched the flowing scenery outside the window with complete calm in my heart.

Once the visa was granted next week, I would completely sever ties with Sebastian.

Back at the Sterling residence, I walked alone into the bedroom, closed the door, and began packing my belongings.

Sebastian had given me many gifts that filled almost the entire room, from delicate, expensive necklaces and jewelry, to limited-edition handbags and collectables.

I took everything out of the cabinets and put them on the bed, packing them all into one enormous cardboard box.

When I reached the nightstand, I froze. Inside the drawer were photos of Sebastian and me, along with crafts we had made together and clay sculptures we had molded.

These were memories from when we were in love, and they were once my most precious mementos. However, I could not bear to look at them now.

With tears in my eyes, I took the photos out of their frames, tore them into pieces, and threw them in the trash. I put the clay sculptures back in their box and put everything into the cardboard container.

Just as I finished sealing the box, I heard commotion downstairs.

I walked to the top of the stairs and saw the maids moving things into the living room. There were many boxes, both big and small, filled with jewelry and accessories.

Gina sat on the couch, pretending to be humble. "Sebastian, why did you buy me so many things? I can't possibly use all of this."

Sebastian affectionately stroked her hair and said gently, "I'm not short of money. As long as you like something, I'll buy you as much of it as you want."

He looked up and saw me standing on the second floor.

He froze, instinctively released Gina, and explained urgently, "Mia, you're back. Gina wasn't feeling well today, so I accompanied her home. Don't misunderstand."

I looked at him, not speaking.

He seemed a bit flustered and added, "There's a famous auction in a couple of days. I'll take you to buy something then. I heard there's a sapphire necklace. Your favourite is sapphire jewelry, right?

Gina leaned weakly against him, yawning. "Sebastian, I'm a bit tired. I think I got carsick from the ride."

Sebastian immediately tensed up, carefully supporting her. "If you're tired, go rest. Come on, I'll help you."

He supported Gina as they walked toward the bedroom.

I watched them, my heart pierced with pain once again. That master bedroom was the one Sebastian and I had chosen and decorated together to suit my preferences, yet another woman was living in it now.

Chapter 2

I dejectedly withdrew my gaze and turned back to my small bedroom at the end of the second floor.

This place used to be Sebastian's study. On the first day I moved in, he held me and said, "Mia, the size of the room doesn't matter. Being the closest to me is what matters most. Once our new house is finished being renovated, we'll get married."

Back then, I thought the day we got married would come soon, but five years down the line, I was still living in this cramped study while our master bedroom had become another woman's room.

I tamped down the bitterness in my heart, opened my suitcase, and continued packing my clothes. I had just folded a few pieces when the bedroom door was pushed open. Gina walked in with her belly protruding, acting all high and mighty.

She looked around and feigned surprise. "This place isn't even a thousand square feet, is it? I cant believe you live in such a tiny room!

"Well, I suppose that makes sense. After all, you don't even have a proper title. You're not really part of the Sterling family. Being given a room at all was generous enough of them."

She walked up to me, her eyes triumphant. "Do you know why Sebastian is in such a hurry to marry me? Because once I give birth to this child, he'll be the heir to the Sterling Group.

"Meanwhile, youll be nothing. You're just Sebastian's mistress. You can't even be shown in public. When it comes down to it, you're just the other woman."

I looked at her, suppressing the anger in my heart, and said coldly, "Are you finished? If so, get out."

She didn't expect me to remain so calm. She immediately grew furious with embarrassment and reached out to push me. "Mia Shaw, you..."

Before she could finish speaking, her face suddenly turned pale, and she fell as she cried out, "My belly hurts so much! Mia, how dare you push me!"

I stared at her in shock, unable to react. Sebastian rushed in urgently. "Gina!"

He pushed me aside and nervously picked up Gina. With red-rimmed eyes, he roared at me angrily, "Mia, how could you be so vicious? Gina is pregnant! How dare you push her!"

I staggered backward several steps, explaining with panic, "I didn't push her! She fell down by herself. It had nothing to do with me!"

However, Sebastian did not believe a single word I said. He glared at me angrily, grabbed my arm, roughly pulled me off the bed, and then carefully lay Gina down on it.

After doing all this, he picked up his phone and urgently contacted the family doctor. "Doctor, come quickly. Gina's belly hurts badly. I'm worried the baby might be in danger!"

Gina leaned against him, looking at me triumphantly with a cold smile curving her lips.

My whole body trembled as I stared at Sebastian in disbelief. How could he not believe my words?

The doctor arrived quickly. After an examination, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's nothing serious. Ms. Nolan just had some pregnancy complications. Bed rest will be fine."

Sebastian nervously asked a bunch of questions about pregnancy precautions and even took out a small notebook to jot down notes before seeing the doctor out.

After he left, Gina immediately sat up in bed and smiled at me mockingly. "Mia, did you see that? Look at how much Sebastian cares about me and this child.

"Who do you think you are? Do you think you're worthy of competing with me for a man?"

I was shaking with anger, but I could not be bothered to deal with her anymore. I turned to leave, but she suddenly said, "Actually, this child isn't Sebastian's at all. I drugged him and planned to sleep with him, but nothing happened that night. The child belongs to someone else."

I jerked my head up, staring at her in shock. "What did you just say?"

She curved her red lips, laughing arrogantly. "I said this child isn't Sebastian's. Hes just a fool Im taking advantage of."

"Youre shameless! How can you treat him like this? I'm going to tell him right now!"

She covered her face but showed no fear. "So what if you know? You can't change things. Do you think he'll believe you?

"If you're smart, get lost now. Don't interfere with Sebastian and me."

Chapter 3

I was shaking with anger as I gritted my teeth. "Do you think you can threaten me? You're wrong. I will definitely tell Sebastian!

"When that happens, he'll make you pay for what you did!"

Gina showed no fear and laughed softly. "You want to tell him? Go ahead. Do you really think he will believe you? In his eyes, I'm just a fragile, weak woman, and you're the vicious, ruthless one.

"I'd like to see whether Sebastian believes you or me."

After saying this, she suddenly burst into tears, crying as she struggled to get out of bed.

"Sebastian, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have gotten pregnant with your child. I shouldn't have interfered with your relationship. I'll go get an abortion right now," she said while sobbing.

I stared at her in shock, unable to react, as the bedroom door was pushed open and Sebastian walked in nervously. "Gina, what's wrong? Is your stomach hurting again?"

Gina threw herself into his arms, crying heartbrokenly. "Sebastian, Mia doesn't like our child. She even told me to get an abortion."

Sebastian's face darkened as he looked at me coldly, his eyes full of dissatisfaction. "Mia, how can you be so unreasonable? Gina is pregnant. How can you tell her to abort the child?"

I hurriedly explained, "Sebastian, don't listen to her nonsense. That's not what she said at all just now. She also said this child isn't yours..."

"Mia, I know you've never liked Gina, but I didn't expect you to stoop so low as to slander her reputation. Don't you know that a womans reputation is the most important thing to her?

"I'm warning you: stop targeting Gina. Once she gives birth to the child, I'll send the baby to my parents to raise. Then, I'll fulfill my promise to marry you."

Gina leaned against him, triumphantly curving her red lips with a flash of cold laughter in her eyes. She pretended to be fragile as she spoke, "Sebastian, don't blame Mia. It's my fault for putting you in such a difficult position. Once the child is born, I'll leave and absolutely won't disturb you two again."

Sebastian held her with concern, comforting her gently. "Gina, don't say that. During this time, just focus on taking care of yourself and the baby. As for Mia, I'll remind her to treat you better.

"Mia, did you hear me? You need to treat Gina well while shes carrying my child. Don't let me catch you bullying her again."

I looked at them, my heart aching as if it was being cut by a dull knife. Sebastian had truly disappointed me.

However, knowing that I would be leaving soon, I did not want to argue anymore. I just silently wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes.

Sebastian, what would you think when you discovered that the child she gave birth to was not yours? How could you cope with knowing that you drove away both me and your own biological child for the sake of a malicious woman and someone else's baby? Would you regret it then?

Seeing my silence, Sebastian assumed I had compromised. His expression improved, and he brought up preparing for our wedding. "Mia, I've already had people start preparing our wedding. Once Gina gives birth, we'll get married.

"Tomorrow you'll come with me to try on wedding dresses. Choose the most beautiful one. I'll definitely give you the most perfect wedding you could ever dream of."

I lowered my head, hiding the coldness in my eyes, and answered quietly, "Okay."

Little did Sebastian know that I would never make it to that wedding.

Chapter 4

The next day, sunlight streamed through the curtains into my room. What used to be my most anticipated eventtrying on my future wedding dresswas now nothing more than a farewell ceremony.

It was a way to give all those tumultuous years a perfect ending and ensure I had no regrets. I used to wish I could wear a beautiful gown and stand next to the man I loved, walking down the sacred halls of marriage.

I waited for Sebastian at the villa entrance. In the distance, a luxury car slowly approached. I walked toward it, only to discover after Sebastian got out of the car that my designated passenger seat was occupied by Gina.

"Gina said she wanted to come along and look at wedding dresses. She promised not to disturb us."

Gina rolled down the window, smiling sweetly. "Mia, I want to help you choose your wedding dress. After all, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event."

I pressed my lips together, accepting her reason without saying anything more.

Throughout the journey, Sebastian was extremely attentive to Gina, constantly asking if she was tired or needed to rest, as well as carefully adjusting her seat to make her more comfortable.

Every word was like a knife, stabbing viciously into my heart.

When we arrived at the bridal boutique, Sebastian had me select wedding dresses first while he sat on the couch, keeping his eyes fixed on Gina, afraid she might have a mishap.

"Mia, you have the perfect figure, so you'll look good in anything. Go ahead and pick whatever you like."

I casually selected a few dresses and walked to the fitting room entrance, only to find that Gina had followed me over.

She pointed at the wedding dress in my hands and said coquettishly, "Mia, that wedding dress is so beautiful. I want to try it on too."

Sebastian looked over when he heard this. Seeing Gina's expectant expression, he hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Mia, Gina just wants to try it on. Uh, do you mind letting her have it first?"

I gripped the wedding dress tightly in my hands, feeling a sharp pain in my heart, but I still obediently handed it to Gina. "Okay."

Gina triumphantly smiled and took the wedding dress into the fitting room. I watched her retreating figure, my heart filled with mixed emotions.

Sebastian remained oblivious to how each act of favoritism cut deeper into my heart. I had dreamed of wearing my favorite wedding dress for him and having him see me at my most beautiful. However, he had stripped away even that simple wish.

Gina had been trying on the dress for quite a while and had not come back out. Sebastian grew worried and called out to me, "Mia, go in and check on Gina. What's taking so long?"

I pressed my lips together, pushing down the bitterness in my heart, and turned to walk into the fitting room.

Gina had just finished putting on the wedding dress and was admiring herself in the mirror. When she saw me enter, she curved her red lips into a smile. "Mia, look. Doesn't this wedding dress suit me perfectly?"

I ignored her and turned to leave, but she suddenly grabbed a row of mannequins beside her.

Crash!

A row of mannequins fell down together, tumbling straight toward me. Gina screamed and rushed outside, but before leaving, she gave me a hard shove.

Bang!

I was pinned under a pile of mannequins. My right leg was trapped under their weight, causing me to gasp in pain.

I desperately protected my stomach, afraid that the baby inside would be harmed.

Sebastian heard the noise and rushed in. Seeing Gina looking injured, his face changed dramatically. He hurried over, scooped her up in his arms, and ran outside. "Gina, don't be afraid. I'll take you to the hospital."

He did not even glance at me.

"Sebastian, save me! My leg is trapped..." I desperately called for help, but they still left.

I gritted my teeth, trying to push the mannequins off me, but they were too heavy. I could not move them at all. I could only arch my back to protect the child in my womb.

Sharp pain shot through my arms and back, but none of that pain compared to the heartache I felt at that moment.

I curled up on the ground, my tears flowing freely, and slowly closed my eyes.

Chapter 5

When I opened my eyes again, I was already in the hospital. The doctor examined me and breathed a sigh of relief. "The scrapes on your body aren't serious, and the two babies in your womb are fine."

"Two?" I was a little excited. I was already happy about having one baby, and I was not expecting twins. The news made me feel even more distant from Sebastian.

I instinctively touched my lower abdomen. It was very flat, yet it was nurturing two new lives.

"Yes, fraternal twins. They're very healthy."

Hearing the doctor's words, I breathed a sigh of relief. The joy of surviving the ordeal surged in my heart. Thank goodness the children were okay.

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the adjacent hospital room, and my whole body tensed. It was Sebastian.

I covered my wound and stumbled out of bed, walking down the corridor to the door of the next room. The door was slightly ajar, and through the crack, I could see the scene inside.

Gina lay on the bed, pale-faced with bandages wrapped around her wrist, looking pitiful. A group of doctors surrounded her, helping her with various examinations.

Sebastian sat by the bedside, tightly holding Ginas hand, his eyes incredibly gentle. "Gina, don't be afraid. I'm here."

Gina leaned against him, nodding weakly. "Sebastian, I'm so scared. I'm afraid I'll never see you again."

"Don't talk nonsense. We'll always be together."

Sebastian comforted her gently, softly patting her back. The intimate scene burned my eyes. Sharp pain shot through my heart, and I quickly turned my head away, refusing to look at them.

This was what it felt like to watch the man you loved with another woman. It was unbearably painful.

I covered my mouth and staggered back to my room. Despite the nurse's attempts to stop me, I insisted on completing the discharge procedures.

Back at the villa, I continued packing my luggage. I took only my passport, documents, and a few changes of clothes.

After finishing packing, I took down the photo of the two of us from the bedside table. I stared at myself in the picture, smiling like a blooming flower, and stayed silent for a long time.

Finally, I crumpled it into a ball and threw it in the trash.

Sebastian Sterling, we would never see each other again.

I dragged my suitcase and left the villa without looking back. After getting my visa, I tied up all my loose ends, bought the next one-way ticket to Astora, and bid my final goodbye to this heartbreaking place.

As the plane soared into the sky, I looked down through the porthole. The familiar city became smaller and smaller, finally turning into a tiny dot before disappearing completely.

I closed my eyes, my heart filled with a mix of emotions. Goodbye, Sebastian.

Meanwhile, after comforting Gina, Sebastian finally remembered me and hurried to find me. He pushed open the door to the ward, only to find it empty.

A nurse happened to be coming in to change the IV drip, so he quickly grabbed her. "Where's the patient who was in here?"

The nurse was startled and explained, "She was just discharged."

"What?"

The nurse continued, "Since you're a family member, remember to remind the patient to take her iron and calcium supplements on time. Her body needs nutritional supplements more than ever now that shes three months into the pregnancy, especially since shes carrying fraternal twins. Her body will be working very hard."

Sebastian felt like he had been struck by lightning, standing frozen in place.

"Mia was pregnant? Why did she not tell me?" he wondered.

The veins on his forehead bulged as he turned and rushed out of the hospital, speeding all the way back to the villa.

"Mia!" he called out, but no one responded.

There was no one in the living room, no one in the kitchen, and no one anywhere in the house. Sebastian's heart sank as he pushed open my bedroom door to find it completely empty. All my belongings were gone.

In the trash can lay the photo I had torn up, resting quietly. Beside it was the box I had packed of all the gifts he had given me.

Sebastian stood frozen, an ominous feeling rising in his heart.

He pulled out his phone and dialed my number, but only the cold automated message of the receivers phone being turned off came through.

"Mia, answer my call! Where are you?"

He called again and again, but no one answered. Sebastian slumped to the floor, panic flooding his heart for the first time.

"Mia, have you really given up on me?" he mumbled.

Just then, his assistant Marcus Carpenter's phone call suddenly came in.

Sebastian grabbed it like a lifeline, answering urgently, "Did you find Mia?"

Marcus was silent for a moment before speaking in a trembling voice, "Mr. Sterling, I found Ms. Shaw, but..."

"But what?"

Sebastian's heart rate accelerated, and he felt inexplicably uneasy.

Marcus took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and revealed the cruel truth. "I just checked the flights information. Ms. Shaw boarded a plane heading overseas, but that plane... just crashed."