Chapter 1 Marissa Spencer and Matt Holloway had been happily married for five years , enjoying their child - free life . Then one day , his call shattered everything . Leah Jensen , a student he had been sponsoring , was pregnant . She had stolen his sperm from a used condom . He swore they never slept together . He wanted her to get an abortion , but his family threatened to disown him unless he kept the baby . With tears in her eyes , Marissa reluctantly agreed . But from that moment on , everything changed . The man who once claimed to dislike kids started studying pregnancy guides , accompanied Leah to every check - up - and during a fire , didn't hesitate to carry Leah out to safety . " Matt ! " Marissa screamed , her voice hoarse , swallowed by the smoke . " Help me ! I'm right here- " Through the haze , their eyes met . She saw a flicker of hesitation in his . Then Leah clung to his hand . " Mr. Holloway , let's get out of here . I'm scared … " " Don't be afraid , " Matt's voice was so gentle it cut like a knife . 0.00 % 2251 Chapter 1 " I'm here . Our family of three will be safe . " Our family of three . Those words stabbed straight through Marissa's heart . As he shielded Leah and ran for the exit , a burning beam came crashing down - squarely onto Marissa's back . Just before losing consciousness , another memory burned in her mind . Five years ago , in the pouring rain , she and Matt had just left a restaurant when a truck spun out of control . She had shoved him aside , taking the full impact . Pain tore through her abdomen , hot and sharp , as she heard him scream her name . When she woke up , the doctor told her she would never be able to have children again . " Let's break up , " she'd told him , eyes red . " You're the only son of your family . You need an heir . " But Matt had pinned her against the hospital wall , kissing her until she could barely breathe . " Marissa , I only want you . We'll stay child - free . I'll handle my family . " To prove it , he had knelt in the family hall for a full day and night , enduring ninety - nine lashes without a sound . His mother wept , calling it a sin . His father smashed teacups in rage . In the end , his grandfather sighed and gave in . Through the suffocating heat of the fire , she recalled his reddened eyes as he lifted her veil on their wedding day . " Marissa , you're the only one I want in this life . " 29.99 % 22:51 And now , he held another woman , promising . " The three of us . " As the flames devoured her last breath , she thought bitterly , " Fine . I'll make sure their family of three is complete - without me . " *** When Marissa woke up , the first thing she saw was the white hospital ceiling . " Marissa , you're awake , " Matt's voice came from beside her . She turned her head and saw his bloodshot eyes and furrowed brow . " Does it still hurt ? " he asked , his voice tight as his fingers gently brushed her cheek . " The doctor said you have minor burns and a concussion . But don't worry , I booked the entire floor and brought in the best medical team . You won't have a single scar … " Marissa looked into his concerned eyes and suddenly found it ridiculous . The man who had chosen his " family of three " without hesitation in the fire was now pretending to be a devoted husband ? She opened her mouth to speak , but her throat burned . " Matt , let's- " . " Marissa , " he cut her off , handing her a document . " Let's get a divorce . " Her whole body went stiff .