Chapter 1

In the pink bedroom, Andrew Hughes treated Elise Collins with acupuncture. "Shush," he cautioned. "I'm going to start now. Try not to yell, okay? It wouldn't be good if someone heard us right now." Moments ago, Elise had cried out from stomach pain and fainted. Thankfully, Andrew, with his medical background, reacted quickly. He carried her to the room and began treatment. "Elise, too much ice cream could affect your reproductive health. Best not to ignore it, or you might have fertility troubles down the line." After saying that, Andrew proceeded to complete the acupuncture treatment. He inserted the final silver needle at the CV 4 acupuncture point, three inches below her belly button. As warmth spread through her belly, Elise realized the pain had vanished, as if she had narrowly escaped death. "You're amazing, Andy. My stomach doesn't hurt anymore." Elise batted her lashes and gazed at Andrew with admiration. She was unaware some of her clothing had become undone, exposing her body. Andrew caught sight of it and quickly averted his gaze. "Elise, please adjust your clothes." Elise giggled and said, "You've been married to my sister for three years, Andy. What's with the shyness? Haven't you consummated the marriage yet?" Andrew didn't respond. After Elise adjusted her clothing, he said, "Actually, Elise, I'm divorced from Bernice." "What?" Elise exclaimed as she shot up in bed. With a look of disbelief, she asked, "Are you joking with me, Andy?" Andrew shook his head. "I'm serious." He then pulled out a document and handed it to Elise. "Here's the divorce agreement. See for yourself." Elise skimmed the document, her initial shock morphing into anger. Andrew couldn't have possibly initiated the divorce with her sister, Bernice Collins; he loved her. It must have been Bernice who wanted out. Elise knew how well Andrew treated Bernice. Following their marriage, Andrew effortlessly assumed household responsibilities, never once complaining. This commitment to Bernice's happiness was evident when he waited outside her office in a heavy downpour, holding an umbrella for two hours until she completed her work. When Bernice came down with a fever, Andrew tended to her with care, serving chicken soup and staying by her bedside throughout the night. Andrew's mornings would begin with a daily pilgrimage—a one-hour journey to Nonna's Nook, solely to procure Bernice her favorite ravioli. He didn't just love Bernice; he cherished her, spoiling her like a princess. His unwavering support enabled Bernice to focus on her career. Within five years, Bernice was on the brink of becoming the president of a company poised for public listing. Sometimes, Elise envied Bernice for getting a great husband like him. Little did Elise know, that as soon as Bernice tasted success, she turned her back on Andrew and initiated a divorce. Infuriated, Elise reached for her phone. "Andy, let me ask Bernice what's going on—" "Don't bother." Andrew stopped Elise. With a self-deprecating smile, Andrew said, "For the past three years, Bernice has always seen me as a total loser—someone beneath her. I've come to accept it. Anyway, it's best we part ways peacefully." Bernice was career-oriented, and owning a publicly listed company was her lifelong dream. When Andrew learned of this, he decided to give up on everything and become a devoted househusband. While Bernice pursued her career, Andrew managed the household without receiving any appreciation. Despite that, whenever Bernice faced challenges in her company, Andrew secretly helped her through his connections. Just as her dream was about to be realized, with the company on the verge of going public, Bernice unexpectedly filed for divorce. To add insult to injury, she accused Andrew of being worthless. After signing the divorce agreement, Andrew returned home to pack and move out. However, he didn't expect to run into Elise having an episode of dysmenorrhea, which led to the treatment. Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Elise tearfully said, "Andy, you're not a loser. You're the greatest guy ever. Bernice must be blind not to see that." "Elise, I've got to go. Please be kind to your sister. I'm just an outsider, and it's not worth ruining your relationship with her because of me." Elise was Bernice's mirror image. Staring into that familiar face, Andrew's heart sank. After explaining the situation, he left. "Please don't leave me, Andy." Without warning, Elise lunged at Andrew, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her face flushed red as she confessed, "I-I love you, Andy. I've been keeping it to myself for a long time. Now that you're divorced from Bernice, nothing is holding me back. "Make me yours, Andy. Since Bernice and I are identical twins, I can make it up to you in her place." In a surprising move, Elise puckered her lips and leaned in closer to Andrew. Elise's unexpected hug caught Andrew off guard. Panic flared in his chest as his arms hung awkwardly at his sides. "Elise, what are you doing? You know I see you as a sister. Please, let go! This isn't right; someone could see us!" Andrew's words barely escaped his lips before a chilling voice pierced the air from behind him. "Andrew Hughes! You scumbag! What are you doing?" Dressed in a black suit, a young woman with long hair stood at the doorway. Her eyes were sharp, and her facial features were well-defined. She exuded an intimidating air, and nobody dared to meet her eyes. That woman was Andrew's ex-wife—Bernice, and standing behind her was a rich-looking young man in a sharp suit. Andrew immediately blurted out, "It's not what you think, Bernice. Listen to me—" "Shut up!" Bernice's voice hardened as a tremor of rage ran through her. "I never expected this from you, Andrew. Elise is my sister! How could you touch her? Are you out of your mind?" The sharp-looking young man behind Bernice chuckled and said, "You've finally seen his true colors, Bernice. It's time to move on." Bernice clenched her fists and looked at Andrew with disappointment. "I was feeling sorry about the divorce. But now, you're just a downright scumbag." The comments got on Elise's nerves. She immediately walked forward and defended Andrew. "Cut it out, Bernice. Stop scolding Andy. It's not his fault. I was the one making the first move. Besides, you've already divorced him. Why make a fuss if he's with me? We're not breaking any laws."