Ignore Hubby and Son's Regret Shining Now novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Regret After Betrayal

“Sweetheart, have you thought about what we talked about last time? Your grandfather’s health is getting worse. You’re our only daughter. Don’t you want to come home and take over the company?”
In the quiet room, Demi Snow held a paintbrush while listening to her mother’s worn voice on the phone.
The dim light cast a soft glow over her canvas as she drew the final stroke of a family of three.
Carol Snow thought this was another failed attempt. But unexpectedly, Demi spoke softly, “Okay.”
Carol froze for a moment, surprised. “Y-you agreed?”
“Yes,” Demi said calmly. “I’ll come home. I just need some time to finish things here. I’ll be home within two weeks.”
After exchanging a few more words, Demi ended the call.
She walked out of her studio and looked down from the staircase into the living room. Three people sat there.
Her gaze lingered on the man sitting on the couch.
He had sharp, handsome features—deep-set eyes, clean lines, and a quiet, serious aura. His shirt was buttoned all the way up, his dress pants crisp and perfect. Everything about him screamed control and elegance.
That was her husband, Nevin Blackwell, the man she had chosen against her family’s wishes. She once believed Nevin was worth giving up everything for.
Nevin was known for his cold, distant manner. People in his circle called him the Ice Prince. But right now, he was smiling softly at another woman.
Nearby, a six-year-old boy with bright eyes ran into the woman’s arms. “Rhea, can you make me some orange-glazed fish? Please?”
Rhea Dunn touched his nose affectionately and smiled. “Of course, cupcake.”
Orion Blackwell’s eyes lit up with joy. “You’re the best! You’re different than my mom; she never lets me eat what I want.”
He pouted after saying that.
Rhea smiled and said gently, “Then you should eat a little more today.”
Orion nodded, his face bright with a sweet grin. “Rhea, you’re so nice. I wish you were my real mom.”
Rhea’s smile deepened.
Upstairs, Demi’s heart ached painfully.
She knew Orion could get greedy with food. Demi limited his portions because she didn’t want his stomach to hurt later.
But watching them now—her husband, her son, and that woman—they looked like a real family. She was the one left out.
Demi went back to her room.
A few minutes later, footsteps sounded outside.
The door opened. Rhea walked in, her makeup flawless, her expression soft and gentle. “Demi,” she said sweetly, “let’s go downstairs and celebrate Orion’s birthday together.”
Rhea used to be her intern. She’d come from a poor family and had just enough skill to get by. Demi still remembered the day Rhea broke down in her office, crying that if she couldn’t find a job soon, she’d have to marry some guy back home.
Demi had taken pity on her and brought her into the company.
Who could’ve guessed she’d end up inviting a snake into her home?
Rhea copied everything Demi did—her style, her voice, and even how she spoke to Nevin. By the time Demi realized it, Rhea was already part of their home, close to both her husband and her son.
Demi had long seen through her act. She hated herself for letting a snake into the house.
“I’m not feeling well,” she said coldly. “I’ll pass.”
Rhea put on her best innocent act. “Demi, you’re his mom. Orion needs your blessing today.”
Demi frowned, ready to refuse again, but then stopped. She sighed.
This is between me and Rhea. Orion shouldn’t suffer because of it.
As his mother, I owe him my presence on his birthday.
Demi put down her paintbrush, brushed past Rhea, and headed downstairs.
For a second, Rhea’s smile stiffened. A flash of malice crossed her eyes before she followed.
When Demi saw Nevin and Orion together, she froze.
Ten years ago, she joined Blackwell Group to gain experience and met Nevin there. They fought, laughed, and somehow fell in love. Against her family’s wishes, she married him. Demi even cut ties with them because of it.
For the past decade, Demi never once regretted her choice. She had a rich, handsome husband who treated her well and a smart, adorable child.
She thought her life was perfect until Rhea showed up.
Demi watched as Rhea smiled sweetly, serving food for Nevin and Orion.
Rhea’s arrival had shattered everything that once felt beautiful.
Demi picked up her fork, ready to eat, but suddenly felt a wave of nausea.
She set it down quickly and ran to the restroom, retching over the sink.
Nevin looked worried and started to follow her, but Rhea stopped him. Her eyes filled with concern.
“Mr. Blackwell, what’s wrong with Demi?” she asked anxiously.
Nevin comforted gently. “She’s been doing this lately. It’s nothing; don’t worry.”
Then he turned toward the restroom and mocked coldly, “What’s your excuse this time? Did you catch a cold? Or is the food not good enough again?”
Demi said nothing. She wiped the corner of her mouth with a tissue.
If she told them she was pregnant, would anyone believe her?
Forget it. She was already planning to leave. Why should she tell them?
There’s no point in ruining the sweet moment between her husband and that homewrecker.
Rhea was a secretary, but she had the nerve to scold her boss. “Mr. Blackwell, don’t talk like that. Maybe she really doesn’t feel well. She’s lost so much weight lately.”
She stood up, poured a cup of hot tea, and handed it to Demi.
“Are you okay? Here, drink some tea.”
The sight of her disgusting face made Demi feel even sicker. Irritated, she pushed her hand away.
She hadn’t used much force, but Rhea stumbled slightly. Somehow, the water spilled on Rhea’s hand.
“Ouch!” Rhea cried out in pain.
“Rhea!”
“Rhea!”
Nevin and Orion rushed over at the same time. The father and son stared at Rhea’s red, scalded hand with panic and concern.
Her fair skin had turned bright red from the burn.
Tears filled Orion’s eyes as he looked at Rhea. “Does it hurt a lot?” The boy asked softly, his voice trembling with worry.
Rhea forced a smile, pretending to be strong. “It’s okay, Orion. I wasn’t careful. It doesn’t hurt.”
Nevin turned toward Demi, his eyes burning with anger.
His voice was cold as ice. “What trouble are you trying to cause this time?”
Demi’s heart twisted in pain. She caught Rhea’s smug look, then saw her son standing protectively in front of her. Hopelessness washed over her, and she closed her eyes.
“I didn’t do anything,” she said quietly.
But of course, Nevin didn’t believe her.
When the family doctor arrived, Nevin helped Rhea sit up, letting her lean against his chest. His dark eyes were filled with disappointment.
“Demi, you’ve changed. The woman I knew would never do something like this out of jealousy.”
Changed?
Yes. She had changed.
Ten years ago, she wouldn’t have had a stomach full of stretch marks from giving birth. She wouldn’t have dull skin from sleepless nights.
And she wouldn’t have given up her career to cook and clean for a man, only to be replaced by someone new.
Demi suddenly felt exhausted. She swallowed her explanation and went upstairs.
Before entering her room, she looked back one last time. The living room was chaos, but in the middle of it stood her husband and son, both surrounding Rhea with concern, like a perfect little family.
Demi smiled bitterly and shook her head. Gently, she placed a hand on her stomach and set a countdown to her departure on her phone.
Then she walked into her room without hesitation.
From that moment on, she promised herself she would never disturb them again.