Rewind, I Choose a New Fate

Stina returned from her prenatal checkup at the hospital and walked into the silent mansion. Seeing no one in the living room, she made her way up to the second floor. Her belly, swollen with twins, was impossible to miss, and even climbing the stairs felt like a struggle. "Mom, the doctor just informed me that that woman might go into early labor," a voice drifted from the study. "What? Are the babies okay?" "Don’t worry, the doctor said the babies are healthy. Even if they’re born early, it’s not a big deal. Besides, we weren’t planning on letting her survive the delivery room anyway. The doctor didn’t admit her to the hospital, so she should be back soon." "That wretched Stina, just like her no-good mother. If it weren’t for her pregnancy that night, things wouldn’t have come to this…" "Honestly, I’m grateful to her. If she hadn’t gotten pregnant—and with twins, no less—I wouldn’t have this opportunity." Tanae grew more excited as she spoke. "As long as I bring her child to the Miller family, they’ll probably just run a paternity test with Mr. Miller. No one will doubt that I’m the mother. Once that’s done, they won’t have any reason to keep me out of the family." Stina froze at the study door, her legs giving out and her face turning ghostly white. What were they talking about? Why were they planning to take her child? To the Miller family? Wait, what could her child possibly have to do with the Millers? Her mind was in complete disarray. But one thing was clear: her stepmother and stepsister were plotting against her during her labor—and they intended to steal her child?! Holding her breath, Stina began to back away slowly, hoping to escape unnoticed. "What are you doing?" A familiar male voice rang out suddenly behind her. At that moment, the voices in the study went dead silent. Stina whirled around, spotting her father standing not far behind her. Her mind raced—did he know about the sinister scheme her stepmother and stepsister had concocted? Surely, even a wild animal wouldn’t harm its own kin. He couldn’t possibly be involved... could he? But then, memories of how distant he’d become after her parents’ divorce flooded back, seeding doubt in her mind. “I… it’s nothing,” she stammered, turning to leave. Just then, the study door flew open with a jarring creak. “Stop her! She’s been eavesdropping!” Panic gripped Stina. She clutched her belly, her heart pounding as she stumbled down the stairs. Behind her, her stepmother’s voice rang out frantically, “Be careful! Watch her baby!” …… Late that night, the air in the bustling bar was heavy with the din and haze of smoke. Stina sat in a dim corner, her eyes glued to the entrance, on edge, waiting for her fiancé to arrive. Not long after that fateful night, she’d discovered she was pregnant. Thankfully, she and Ladarrius were already engaged, and they’d planned to marry after the baby was born. But after overhearing her stepmother and stepsister’s chilling conversation earlier that day, her mind was in turmoil. She needed answers—now. When Ladarrius finally walked in, she almost called out to him but held back, wary of drawing too much attention. Those two women were undoubtedly searching for her. Thankfully, he didn’t keep her waiting long and soon crossed the room to her. “Why meet in a place like this?” he asked, his brow furrowed as he approached. “Ladarrius, I… I need to ask you something,” she stammered. “What’s so important that it couldn’t wait? I’ve been swamped with work and need to head back to the office soon.” Her anxiety spiked. Just then, a server arrived with two glasses of water. She took a few sips, hoping to calm herself. “That night…” she began, her voice trembling. She wanted to ask him if he was the one who had spent the night with her, but the words felt too blunt, too awkward to voice out loud. Ladarrius glanced at the glass of water by her hand, his expression calm. "Are you asking if I was the man that night?" His words made her heart sink instantly. The answer was clear. Her face paled as she whispered, "Why?" He had lied to her. Why would he betray her like this? Hadn’t they promised to be together forever? Ignoring her devastated expression, Ladarrius spoke slowly, almost casually. "You ended up with another man. It might not have been on purpose, but it’s still a mistake. I had no choice but to go along with it. Don’t worry, once Tanae marries into the Miller family, she’ll treat your children well..." Stina’s ears rang, her vision blurred, and the world around her seemed to warp. Before she could react, two men in black suits appeared behind her, their hands clamping down on her shoulders. "Let me go!" she cried, struggling weakly. She knew she’d been drugged, her strength fading fast. She stared at Ladarrius, her voice trembling. "What did Tanae promise you? Why are you doing this?" And what is your relationship with her? she wanted to ask, but the words never made it out. Her body went limp, too weak to resist as the bodyguards helped her into a car and took her to the hospital, where she was placed in an isolated room. She wasn’t unconscious, but she had no strength, her body limp and unresponsive. She watched as Tanae walked in confidently, a smug grin spread across her face. Tanae’s hand lightly brushed over Stina’s swollen belly. "You’ve figured it all out by now, haven’t you? Your baby belongs to me now."