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Chapter 2

Author: Ethereal Realm
Finally, seven years of entanglement, love, and resentment came to an end.

Thinking of this, I felt a sharp pain in my heart.

When I came to my senses, Joel had already carried Priscilla into a ward.

The doctor said Priscilla only had minor injuries, yet he still refused to leave her side.

One of his subordinates couldn't stand it anymore and softly reminded him, "Mr. Xander, Mrs. Xander's condition isn't good. Her legs were crushed. Shouldn't you at least check on her?"

Joel hesitated for a moment, but before he could move, Priscilla pitifully clutched his hand. "Joel, I'm scared. What if I fall asleep and wake up to find my legs broken? Can you stay with me?"

As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks, making her look like a wounded little rabbit.

His heart softened instantly, and he gently reassured her, "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I won't go anywhere."

His subordinate stomped his foot in frustration. "Mr. Xander, Mrs. Xander's legs are broken! Can't you at least take a look?"

Joel snapped, "What do you expect me to do? I'm not a doctor or a nurse. Am I supposed to operate on her myself? What? Will her legs magically heal if I go?"

Each word stabbed into my heart like a dagger.

After seven years of pouring my heart and soul into this marriage, I found that, in the end, I couldn't even get him to visit me once.

"Joel, you can finally pursue your true love openly now. There's no longer a 'burden' like me standing in your way," I murmured as a floating spirit.

His subordinate stormed off in frustration.

At that moment, Joel's phone rang. It was Sofia calling.

"Joel, where are you? Come to the hospital quickly to visit Aurora!"

Her voice was choked with sobs, making my nose sting with emotion.

She always said that my family saved her life, defended me, and treated me better than Joel ever did.

I had promised to take her on a trip this weekend—but I couldn't keep that promise.

Joel opened his mouth to respond, but Priscilla threw herself into his arms before he could say anything.

"Mom, I'm busy. I really can't leave right now."

"But—"

Before Sofia could finish, Joel decisively hung up the phone.

I laughed bitterly to myself.

Look at them—so deeply in love. If I hadn't died, I would be the one ruining the mood.

Priscilla clung tightly to Joel's waist, sobbing.

"Joel, I envy Aurora so much. She has family and friends, and even your mother loves her… But I only have you. What will I do if you leave me one day?"

He hesitated, raising his hand slightly but gently placing it on her shoulder.

For the next few days, he never left her bedside.

He clumsily helped her wash her face and comb her hair every morning, even personally washing her lingerie.

Like a pathetic thief, I could only hide in the shadows, watching my husband shower another woman with love and care without restraint.

An indescribable bitterness welled up in my chest.

I remembered the time I had a high fever and begged Joel to make a herbal tea for me. Of course, he didn't even bother.

Through tear-filled eyes, I had asked him why he couldn't care for me just once.

He brushed me off, saying, "I'm not a considerate kind of man. I don't know how to take care of people."

Watching him now, searching online for the best ways to care for Priscilla while running around attending to her every need, I finally understood.

There was no inconsiderate man who didn't know how to care for people.

He simply never wanted to care for me.

On the third day, my best friend, Eileen Newman, arrived at the hospital with my death certificate in hand.

"You heartless bastard! Aurora is lying alone in the morgue, and you two are flirting like nothing happened!"

The moment she entered, she slapped Joel hard across the face.

He wasn't expecting it, and his cheek instantly swelled red, but he clenched his jaw and swallowed his anger.

"Aurora is your best friend. At least have some respect for her. Do you think it's appropriate to talk about her like she's dead?"

"Aurora is your wife! She was being resuscitated, and you didn't even care. Instead, you stayed here with your mistress. Do you think that's appropriate?"
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  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 3

    Stung by the accusation, Joel flew into a rage.He growled, "Enough! I've tolerated you this long for Aurora's sake, but don't push your luck! I've been doing rescue work for years and have seen countless people with broken legs! Aurora only injured her lower legs and was treated in time. How could she possibly be dead?"Tears streamed down Eileen's face as she grabbed the cup from the bedside table and splashed Joel with water."Xander, just whose husband are you? Do you think you're noble and devoted? You traded Aurora's legs for Priscilla's life—but what about Aurora? Why did she have to die?"Joel's face turned pale, then flushed red, his expression shifting back and forth.After a long silence, he responded, "I-I'll make sure Aurora gets the best rehabilitation and the most advanced prosthetics so she can live like a normal person..."Someone had to be saved first. I didn't have a choice…"Eileen furiously wiped her tears away, then pulled a knife from her bag and charged f

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 4

    Priscilla managed to push the already wavering Joel into a full-blown rage with just a few words.He tore the death certificate to shreds and shouted furiously, "Aurora has really gotten smart! Now she's even buying fake documents to trick me!"What do you all take my mother for? A maid? Just because she's kind-hearted, do you think you can force her into going along with your lies?"I never should have saved her! I should have left her there to reflect on her actions and learn how to be a proper wife!"Every word cut deep, piercing straight through my heart.So this was what it felt like to be in unbearable pain—to the point that all one could do was laugh.But as I laughed, tears slipped into my mouth, bitter and salty."Joel, I won't have the chance to learn anymore in this lifetime. In the next life, I never want to be your wife again," I swore.Eileen stared at Joel in disbelief. "Aurora is in this very hospital. Come with me and say all of that to her face!"His patience

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 5

    Joel had the sales associate carefully wrap the jewelry before driving to a newly opened bakery nearby.A man who had never been interested in desserts now leaned over the display case, studying the delicate pastries he once scoffed at."Do you have a low-sugar version of this cake? And this chocolate one—make sure the cocoa powder is unsweetened." His voice was gentle as he instructed the staff.The employees around him praised him for being such a thoughtful and attentive boyfriend.My heart clenched tightly and it felt like I might pass out from the pain.Joel carried the neatly packed cake to his car, eager to return to the hospital.I sat in the back seat, watching as he occasionally steadied the dessert box with one hand, my chest aching so much I could barely breathe.Halfway through the drive, he suddenly slammed on the brakes, his gaze fixed on the street to his right, his brows furrowing.Following his line of sight, I saw two of his university friends, Theo Cust and

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 6

    Joel's hands trembled as he pulled out his other phone, which had been turned off for three days.The moment it powered on, a flood of WhatsApp messages and texts poured in like a snowstorm.They were all from Sofia and our mutual friends—and every single one was about my death.There were even photos of me, covered in blood, being carried into the ambulance."No… This isn't possible…"Joel's face turned deathly pale. His legs gave out, and he nearly collapsed.Theo yanked him upright and said coldly, "Believe it or not, she's dead. Completely, irreversibly dead."Joel stood frozen in place, utterly stunned.Then, as if he had gone mad, he opened my WhatsApp chat and began sending voice messages repeatedly."Arie, why aren't you texting me?"Arie, stop pretending."Arie, I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry!"Arie, please, just say something!Theo grabbed him by the collar and forcefully dragged him away from the driver's seat.The hospital was right across the street. I f

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 7

    Theo lunged forward and kicked Joel away."Get the hell away from Aurora! Don't you dare touch her with your filthy hands!"Joel, eyes bloodshot, charged forward like a madman and yanked off the white sheet covering me.My mutilated body was exposed before him.From the knees down, my legs were nothing but mangled flesh and shattered bones, the stark white of my broken limbs protruding in a grotesque display.Joel froze in place, unable to utter a single word.After a long silence, he numbly reached out, his trembling fingers gently tracing the jagged wounds on my legs.He had personally "crafted" these wounds.He stared blankly at my face, then, as if possessed, reached out and pinched my cheek.The intimate gesture startled me.In seven years, he had always been cold and distant, rarely showing affection between husband and wife.I wasn't naive enough to believe he had ever truly loved me. He was simply too shocked to think straight.Joel caressed my face, mumbling nonsen

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 8

    On the day of the cremation, Joel refused to let go of my urn, holding it tightly in his arms.The unexpected turn of events came when the police got involved.Suspicious of the messages that had tarnished my name, Eileen and Theo reported them to the authorities.Upon receiving the tip and considering the peculiarities surrounding the collapse, the police decided to merge the two cases into a single investigation.Just like that, the case progressed quickly.It wasn't long before they uncovered key evidence and identified the suspects.The mastermind behind those messages was none other than Priscilla's close friend.Following Priscilla's instructions, her friend impersonated me and sent insulting texts to Priscilla to drive a wedge between Joel and me.As it turned out, Priscilla had been involved with a high-ranking official. She seduced Joel in a calculated effort to secure a legitimate status for her illegitimate child.As for the building collapse that killed me, it was

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 1

    The class reunion had just ended when the villa hosting it suddenly collapsed.Priscilla Hobbs and I were both trapped beneath a massive concrete slab.Her legs were pinned down by steel bars, while mine had been crushed, the pain unbearable.Joel Xander arrived with the rescue team at this critical moment.One of his subordinates hesitated and asked, "Mr. Xander, Mrs. Xander's condition doesn't look good. Should we get her out first?"But without a second thought, Joel picked up his tools and began prying the slab off Priscilla."Priscilla is an actress. If her legs are broken, her life will be ruined."His voice was cold, as if I were nothing more than a stranger.Fighting through the pain, I pleaded with tears in my voice, "Joel, you know I have a congenital blood clotting disorder. If you keep prying that thing, my legs will break. I'll bleed out and die!"Even now, I naively hoped that Joel would show me a sliver of compassion.We had spent seven years together. Even if

Pinakabagong kabanata

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 8

    On the day of the cremation, Joel refused to let go of my urn, holding it tightly in his arms.The unexpected turn of events came when the police got involved.Suspicious of the messages that had tarnished my name, Eileen and Theo reported them to the authorities.Upon receiving the tip and considering the peculiarities surrounding the collapse, the police decided to merge the two cases into a single investigation.Just like that, the case progressed quickly.It wasn't long before they uncovered key evidence and identified the suspects.The mastermind behind those messages was none other than Priscilla's close friend.Following Priscilla's instructions, her friend impersonated me and sent insulting texts to Priscilla to drive a wedge between Joel and me.As it turned out, Priscilla had been involved with a high-ranking official. She seduced Joel in a calculated effort to secure a legitimate status for her illegitimate child.As for the building collapse that killed me, it was

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 7

    Theo lunged forward and kicked Joel away."Get the hell away from Aurora! Don't you dare touch her with your filthy hands!"Joel, eyes bloodshot, charged forward like a madman and yanked off the white sheet covering me.My mutilated body was exposed before him.From the knees down, my legs were nothing but mangled flesh and shattered bones, the stark white of my broken limbs protruding in a grotesque display.Joel froze in place, unable to utter a single word.After a long silence, he numbly reached out, his trembling fingers gently tracing the jagged wounds on my legs.He had personally "crafted" these wounds.He stared blankly at my face, then, as if possessed, reached out and pinched my cheek.The intimate gesture startled me.In seven years, he had always been cold and distant, rarely showing affection between husband and wife.I wasn't naive enough to believe he had ever truly loved me. He was simply too shocked to think straight.Joel caressed my face, mumbling nonsen

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 6

    Joel's hands trembled as he pulled out his other phone, which had been turned off for three days.The moment it powered on, a flood of WhatsApp messages and texts poured in like a snowstorm.They were all from Sofia and our mutual friends—and every single one was about my death.There were even photos of me, covered in blood, being carried into the ambulance."No… This isn't possible…"Joel's face turned deathly pale. His legs gave out, and he nearly collapsed.Theo yanked him upright and said coldly, "Believe it or not, she's dead. Completely, irreversibly dead."Joel stood frozen in place, utterly stunned.Then, as if he had gone mad, he opened my WhatsApp chat and began sending voice messages repeatedly."Arie, why aren't you texting me?"Arie, stop pretending."Arie, I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry!"Arie, please, just say something!Theo grabbed him by the collar and forcefully dragged him away from the driver's seat.The hospital was right across the street. I f

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 5

    Joel had the sales associate carefully wrap the jewelry before driving to a newly opened bakery nearby.A man who had never been interested in desserts now leaned over the display case, studying the delicate pastries he once scoffed at."Do you have a low-sugar version of this cake? And this chocolate one—make sure the cocoa powder is unsweetened." His voice was gentle as he instructed the staff.The employees around him praised him for being such a thoughtful and attentive boyfriend.My heart clenched tightly and it felt like I might pass out from the pain.Joel carried the neatly packed cake to his car, eager to return to the hospital.I sat in the back seat, watching as he occasionally steadied the dessert box with one hand, my chest aching so much I could barely breathe.Halfway through the drive, he suddenly slammed on the brakes, his gaze fixed on the street to his right, his brows furrowing.Following his line of sight, I saw two of his university friends, Theo Cust and

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 4

    Priscilla managed to push the already wavering Joel into a full-blown rage with just a few words.He tore the death certificate to shreds and shouted furiously, "Aurora has really gotten smart! Now she's even buying fake documents to trick me!"What do you all take my mother for? A maid? Just because she's kind-hearted, do you think you can force her into going along with your lies?"I never should have saved her! I should have left her there to reflect on her actions and learn how to be a proper wife!"Every word cut deep, piercing straight through my heart.So this was what it felt like to be in unbearable pain—to the point that all one could do was laugh.But as I laughed, tears slipped into my mouth, bitter and salty."Joel, I won't have the chance to learn anymore in this lifetime. In the next life, I never want to be your wife again," I swore.Eileen stared at Joel in disbelief. "Aurora is in this very hospital. Come with me and say all of that to her face!"His patience

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 3

    Stung by the accusation, Joel flew into a rage.He growled, "Enough! I've tolerated you this long for Aurora's sake, but don't push your luck! I've been doing rescue work for years and have seen countless people with broken legs! Aurora only injured her lower legs and was treated in time. How could she possibly be dead?"Tears streamed down Eileen's face as she grabbed the cup from the bedside table and splashed Joel with water."Xander, just whose husband are you? Do you think you're noble and devoted? You traded Aurora's legs for Priscilla's life—but what about Aurora? Why did she have to die?"Joel's face turned pale, then flushed red, his expression shifting back and forth.After a long silence, he responded, "I-I'll make sure Aurora gets the best rehabilitation and the most advanced prosthetics so she can live like a normal person..."Someone had to be saved first. I didn't have a choice…"Eileen furiously wiped her tears away, then pulled a knife from her bag and charged f

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 2

    Finally, seven years of entanglement, love, and resentment came to an end.Thinking of this, I felt a sharp pain in my heart.When I came to my senses, Joel had already carried Priscilla into a ward.The doctor said Priscilla only had minor injuries, yet he still refused to leave her side.One of his subordinates couldn't stand it anymore and softly reminded him, "Mr. Xander, Mrs. Xander's condition isn't good. Her legs were crushed. Shouldn't you at least check on her?"Joel hesitated for a moment, but before he could move, Priscilla pitifully clutched his hand. "Joel, I'm scared. What if I fall asleep and wake up to find my legs broken? Can you stay with me?"As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks, making her look like a wounded little rabbit.His heart softened instantly, and he gently reassured her, "Don't be afraid. I'm here. I won't go anywhere."His subordinate stomped his foot in frustration. "Mr. Xander, Mrs. Xander's legs are broken! Can't you at least take a look

  • A Collapsed Love   Chapter 1

    The class reunion had just ended when the villa hosting it suddenly collapsed.Priscilla Hobbs and I were both trapped beneath a massive concrete slab.Her legs were pinned down by steel bars, while mine had been crushed, the pain unbearable.Joel Xander arrived with the rescue team at this critical moment.One of his subordinates hesitated and asked, "Mr. Xander, Mrs. Xander's condition doesn't look good. Should we get her out first?"But without a second thought, Joel picked up his tools and began prying the slab off Priscilla."Priscilla is an actress. If her legs are broken, her life will be ruined."His voice was cold, as if I were nothing more than a stranger.Fighting through the pain, I pleaded with tears in my voice, "Joel, you know I have a congenital blood clotting disorder. If you keep prying that thing, my legs will break. I'll bleed out and die!"Even now, I naively hoped that Joel would show me a sliver of compassion.We had spent seven years together. Even if

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