My head exploded. Rage shook me to my core. When I was pregnant, my belly was enormous. The doctor advised an early C-section. Benjamin refused. He said every extra day inside me was good for the babies. And because it was "good for them," I endured. Two weeks, I barely slept. Stretch marks tore across my skin. I cried in secret, but told myself: a mother has to be strong. Finally, the C-section date arrived-the one Benjamin had set. But all my pain, all my suffering, was just so the real mother and her kids could share a birthday. To "strengthen their bond." Hilarious. Absolutely hysterical. I was a fool. Their fool. The birthday came. The mansion's garden was packed. I had nowhere to go, so I stood there, an outsider swallowed by the noise. Sophia, of course, was the star. She wore a pink diamond mermaid dress that hugged her perfect figure, dripping in limited-edition jewels Benjamin had bought. Ethan, in a tiny tuxedo, and Olivia, in a pink puff dress, held her hands. The three of them walked in-like a perfect family-stealing every gaze. A clueless guest gushed, "Mrs. Carter is so lucky! Rich, handsome husband. A boy and a girl. And the kids look just like her!" Someone tugged her arm. "Shhh. That's Mr. Carter's ex. She just got back. They say 'friends,' but come on-she's obviously his real soulmate." 'No wonder Mr. Carter married such an average wife. Mrs. Carter only looked like his ex. And without kids dragging her down, no wonder she still looks amazing. She's glowing in pink." Their whispers stabbed my ears like needles. I couldn't take it. I turned, heading for the balcony, silently counting down the minutes until I could leave. Then-her voice. "You know you're just a stand-in. How dare you stay here?" Sophia appeared beside me, smug and dripping arrogance. I came back to take Ben. You're about to be kicked to the curb." @ 12:31 0.6% Sign in to get coins She thought I'd panic. Benjamin had told her I was nothing but a dumb housewife. Instead, I met her eyes, calm. 'Go ahead. Try." My composure rattled her. Her eyes darkened. You dare challenge me? Don't think popping out two brats makes you safe. I'll prove, right now, who matters more-me, or you, the stand-in!" She ripped off her bracelet and hurled it over the balcony. It splashed into the lake below. Tears welled in her eyes. She turned to me, her voice trembling with righteous fury. "Ben and I are just friends. Even if you don't believe me, you didn't have to throw my bracelet! Go get it!" All eyes landed on us. Benjamin rushed over. "Sophia, she hasn't been well. Maybe it was an accident. The water's freezing. I'll buy you something even better," But Sophia sobbed harder. "No! Nothing's better! That was the bracelet you gave me!" Pain filled her gaze. Benjamin's face shifted. I knew why. On his alt account, he'd once mentioned it: a pink conch pearl bracelet. Rare. Priceless. And the gift he gave Sophia when he confessed his love. Their token. Sophia really went all out. But I didn't flinch. Ms. Miller threw it herself. Check the cameras." I'd installed extras beforehand. Just in case. Now they'd save me. Sophia froze. Panic flickered in her eyes. Benjamin saw it too. Doubt crept into his face. And then-Ethan and Olivia ran to shield her like cubs protecting their mother. Don't look at the cameras! We saw it!" Mommy threw it!" Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!