"My father's interest is just a passing phase," Caleb said calmly. "Once he realizes there's no outcome, he'll naturally let it go. I've been in love with someone who didn't love me back it was exhausting. So why would I willingly enter a marriage with someone I don't even have feelings for?"

Caleb didn't want a marriage without love, and he certainly didn't want the worst-case scenario-a child born into such a situation. Even though Vera had suggested signing an agreement where the child would stay with him, Caleb couldn't bring himself to agree.

How could a child grow up happy without a mother's love? And what would he do when the child inevitably started asking for their mom?

He couldn't bear the thought of the child calling someone else "mom." And if he stayed with Vera just for the child, wouldn't that create a miserable, loveless relationship for both of them?

It was better to draw a clear line from the beginning.

Vera hadn't expected Caleb to be so straightforward and decisive. What could she say to that?

Just as she had resolved to give everything up and fight for her last chance, Caleb had shut it all down with such finality. Even with his father pressuring him, Caleb had never entertained the thought of compromising his own values to appease anyone.

And so, what about her?

For a moment, Vera was at a loss for words.

options, could you at least lend me

other options. Everyone around me has turned their back on me.

had made it clear: small amounts of money were fine, but for something as large as Vera needed, there was no way he would

Caleb over and become his wife. Once she became part of the Smith family, they would

this, Vera hadn't hesitated to

hardest part was

Vera had

of trying to

over, but she hadn't anticipated his calm gestures-dropping her off at the hospital, giving her the

apartment, transferring money.

Caleb had already done a lot. But even

her

her palms. "Caleb, I swear I'm not

don't have

any

to

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