Chapter 5

Even though she had anticipated it, hearing the confirmation of Bianca’s pregnancy sent a sour, stabbing pain through Adeline’s chest.

Bianca stepped forward in tears, grabbing Adeline’s hand and digging her nails ruthlessly into the raw wounds on her fingertips.

"Sister Adeline, why can’t you just let Dominic and me be happy? Why must you curse my child?"

Hissing in pain, Adeline tried to pull her hand away.

Bianca took the opportunity to throw herself backward with exaggerated force. Dominic caught her instantly.

Adeline turned her head, only to see the usual lazy smirk on Dominic’s face vanish completely.

The guests began to whisper:

"Placing funeral money at someone’s birthday party and then pushing them... how incredibly malicious."

"She deserves to be mentally ill. Someone like that should be locked away for good."

Adeline tried to explain through the throbbing pain in her fingers, but Bianca cut her off.

"Dominic, please don't be angry," Bianca sobbed hypocritically. "Perhaps Adeline was just confused because she’s hurting. It’s my fault... I just feel so sorry for our baby, being cursed like this before even being born."

Dominic’s hand shielded Bianca’s stomach, but his words were aimed straight at Adeline like a knife.

"Bullying her again and again... Adeline, have I spoiled you so much that you’ve forgotten your place? Do you really think I don't have a temper?"

At that moment, a woman stepped forward. "Mr. Dominic, a curse is a serious matter. If you ask me, we need to find a way to cleanse this bad luck for the safety of the child."

Dominic swept a cold gaze toward her. "What kind of way?"

"The Wharf Ritual," the woman said, a provocative smirk on her lips, emphasizing every word.

A flash of pure terror crossed Adeline’s eyes. She struggled and grabbed Dominic’s hand. "No! Dominic, I really didn't do those things! You can't do this!"

A tear splashed onto Dominic’s hand.

The man’s fingers trembled slightly, and he remained silent for a long time.

Bianca immediately wept with grievance. "I’m afraid Sister Adeline will keep finding ways to torture me and the baby in the future. Dominic, if you’re unwilling to protect us, then let’s just break up."

Seeing Bianca turn to leave, Dominic frowned and pulled her back into his arms.

When he spoke again, his voice was heavy. "Take her down."

Adeline stared blankly at the man before her, finding him utterly unrecognizable.

The Wharf Ritual was an ancient punishment reserved for the most heinous criminals. The person would be forced to kneel at the wharf and endure a night of relentless beatings from any onlookers. If they died, they were simply tossed into the ocean, leaving no grave behind.

He knew perfectly well that a woman subjected to such a punishment would be branded as "impure" and "immoral." Even if she were lucky enough to survive, her only recourse would be to throw herself into the sea.

And yet, he agreed.

Simply to put Bianca’s mind at ease.

Adeline touched her belly, her final struggle turning into a humble plea.

"I beg of you, don't do this to me. I’m carr—"

Before she could finish, a sharp cry interrupted her.

Bianca clutched her stomach. "Dominic, my stomach just cramped! Has the curse taken effect? I’m so scared!"

Dominic pried Adeline’s fingers away one by one, coaxing her in a low voice: "Honey, it’s just for show. Nothing will happen. The girl is just in a fit of rage; let her vent her anger first."

He was busy comforting Bianca.

Adeline felt as if she were in a trance.

She remembered the Dominic who would hold her all day in distress just because she had a tiny scratch on her skin.

Now, the same man was personally pushing her and their child into a dark abyss.

North Wharf, the autumn wind was desolate.

Adeline was dragged and hauled toward the pier.

"Vile woman! Murderer!"

"A mental patient clinging to Mr. Dominic and still not satisfied? She deserves to be thrown away!"

Slaps and fists rained down on Adeline from every direction.

Rip—

Her top was torn open, exposing a large expanse of pale skin.

Adeline bit her lip until the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. She protected her abdomen with everything she had, her eyes staring hollowly at the horizon.

By now, she could blame no one.

Perhaps this was the punishment she deserved.

A punishment for the mistake of loving Dominic.

After an unknown amount of time, a tearing, agonizing cramp exploded from her lower abdomen.

Adeline instinctively clutched her stomach. Feeling a warm liquid gushing from her body, she panicked. Frantically, she grabbed Dominic’s trouser leg, her voice distorted with terror.

"Dominic, my stomach hurts so much... please take me to the hospital. Please save our child..."

The curve of Dominic’s lips didn't even change. He knelt down and stroked her face with mock affection.

"The girl is pregnant, and now you’re pregnant too? Honey, I know your body best. You can't conceive. Next time you lie to me, remember to find a better excuse."

Adeline was in so much pain her vision was turning black. "It’s true... I’m carrying your..."

"Honey, you have to be punished when you do something wrong. Those are the rules." Dominic clearly didn't believe a word she said. He clapped his hands and stood up, leaving behind a cold finality: "I’ll come pick you up in twenty-four hours."

He then picked up Bianca and walked away.

He left Adeline alone, slumped in a pool of blood, clutching her belly in utter despair and helplessness.

At the same time, on the cracked screen of the phone lying beneath her, two messages from the research institute popped up—

[Your mother has been safely settled.]

[Leaving in six days. Dominic will lose your trail completely.]