I never told my husband I was the one who bought back his parents’ home—his rich mistress happily let everyone believe it was her doing.

By morning, Noah and Lily were born. I held them close and tried not to cry.

Jason arrived the next day, smelling like herbs and cologne. He barely looked at me. He set a manila envelope on my tray.

Divorce papers.

“You’re useless,” he muttered. “You couldn’t even save my parents’ home. Veronica did. She builds things.” He glanced at the bassinets. “I’ll take one of the children.”

Something inside me went very still.

“You can’t,” I whispered.

“Yes, I can,” he replied. “You have nothing. Not even a house.”

Then the door opened again—this time with authority. Two officers and a detective stepped inside.

“Emily Carter?” the detective asked. “We need to speak with you about the Hale residence.”